Today’s record-low unemployment rate means many employers are looking for ways to recruit and retain top talent to keep their businesses competitive. While many companies search for the perfect balance of compensation and benefits, the fact remains that the opportunity for growth is one of the top reasons employees chose to remain in their jobs.
Intuitive Research and Technology Corporation (INTUITIVE®), has a long-established culture of exposing engineers to all areas of the workflow, from start to finish. Members of the Design & Engineering team benefit from the expertise of co-workers, connect directly with clients, and have the support and autonomy to work on multiple projects at one time.
Handling Core Capabilities in Innovative Ways
John Shields, an electrical engineer in his third year at INTUITIVE, has been impressed by the company’s approach to its foundational engineering practice since his first job fair while a student at Auburn University. Shields noted that rather than being pigeon-holed into a single area of focus as some larger companies do, INTUITIVE allows even recent graduates to test the waters in a variety of areas.
“Of course, they don’t throw new people into big, challenging programs immediately,” said Shields. “I started with small, shorter projects then moved on to bigger, more long-term ones.” Shields noted that he was assigned to work closely with a principal engineer for his first four or five projects, learning from his co-worker’s knowledge and experience while working together. “It was only later I realized I’d been partnering with Ray Kendall, a professional engineer who’s been with INTUITIVE for more than 20 years.”
In addition to exposure to high-level expertise, INTUITIVE’s work process allows individual engineers to remain connected to the projects through fruition.
“We get to see our designs through from start to finish,” said Shields. “I get to start building an idea of how something will work, I build the components and circuit boards, then build it in the lab and run tests myself. It’s a much more tangible process than you might see at other companies.”
“Some of my former classmates are working at companies where they are putting schematics on a board every day, never really knowing what it does,” said Shields. “That doesn’t happen here.”
Building in Opportunities for Growth and Innovation
Mechanical Engineer Jacqueline Bryant has seen first-hand the positive impact this approach to core engineering has on the company’s customers.
“Because I’m working on two to three projects at a time – compared to other companies, where I might have a single project for four years or longer – I’m able to be part of the design process, I can be involved in the analysis, and I can be the engineer onsite at integration,” said Bryant.
“Our customers get a more thoughtful integration in the model we use because I am actively thinking about how my design decisions impact the analysis and manufacturing phase,” added Bryant. “Of course, all good engineers do that anyway, but we are able to be a seamless part of the process.”
Bryant went on to note that INTUITIVE’s corporate structure is relatively flat. “Without significant hierarchy, I get to work on a lot of similar tasks as someone with more experience, so I can go to them for advice or help.” This allows for both professional and personal growth, developing diversification and independence.
“This is largely what led me to stay here after my internships—because I knew how the company operated,” said Bryant. “I knew I would have the freedom to do all the different aspects of the job and choose my specializations. I know if there’s something I decide to pursue now – even if we don’t have projects in that area — I am encouraged to learn to do these things because that allows us to pursue that kind of work.”
Leaning into Collaboration for Success
At large engineering companies, it’s not uncommon for younger, less experienced engineers to be grouped together to support a single team, working their way up through a narrow channel of experience. INTUITIVE electrical engineer Ben Lehe saw a different future for himself.
“At INTUITIVE, we are all given opportunities to succeed or fail on our own. The possibility of failure is part of building trust within a team,” said Lehe. “Of course, our teammates are there to share their expertise and provide back-up to less experienced engineers. We learn to rely on one another’s expertise, and we keep getting chances to succeed.”
Lehe added that with a diverse team representing all areas of core engineering – electrical, mechanical, systems, and aerospace – everyone collaborates to ensure the team puts out its best quality work. “I may fail on parts along the way, but there’s a very consistent collaboration from all areas of expertise and experience to help me get back up, learn, and move forward,” said Lehe.
Making the Right Move
From the smallest task to the largest implementation, INTUITIVE takes great pride in its reputation for service excellence and for keeping its commitments. The company’s success requires the full and active participation of all its talented and committed employees.
If INTUITIVE sounds like the kind of cutting-edge organization you’d like to join – and become one of the innovative, empathetic problem solvers committed to giving back to the community – explore INTUITIVE’s available positions by clicking here.
About Intuitive Research and Technology Corporation:
INTUITIVE® is an aerospace engineering and analysis firm headquartered in Huntsville, Alabama that provides production support, software and systems engineering, programmatic support, product development, rapid prototyping, and technology management to the Department of Defense, other State and Federal Government agencies, and commercial companies. Our approach couples the latest technology with engineering expertise, analytical proficiency, and keen managerial oversight. From design through production to sustainment, we proudly provide management and technical solutions throughout all phases of the system’s life cycle.