HUNTSVILLE, AL – November 2021 – Think about the innovations being employed by the military to win this century: unmanned aerial systems, 3D simulation and modeling, additive manufacturing, directed energy. These abstract fields upon which our modern military relies are a long way from the field of combat. Civilian contractors must bridge the gap by focusing on security goals and how every program impacts the Warfighter, still at the center of defense. What better way to stay acquainted with the realities of new technology in the field than to bring Veterans to the civilian side? It’s not always so easy as simply acknowledging the benefit of Veterans in the workplace. There are challenges to the transition from military to civilian, and companies who hire Veterans need a way to help them plot meaningful careers. How can a workplace become a beacon for Veterans?
Respect and Representation
Intuitive Research and Technology Corporation, (INTUITIVE®) has offered technical solutions and program management to many branches of the military and numerous agencies. With more than 20 years in the aerospace engineering and analysis business, the company has narrowed its focus to some of the most niche, in-demand capabilities, with the concomitant ability to understand how to craft them into sweeping programs. Many of INTUITIVE’s most critical point persons are veterans, who make up 28% of their workforce. According to Co-Founder and CEO Rey Almodóvar, “Each of our Veterans bring a unique skillset and background to our team. They come from all walks of life, and ranks. We know that hiring a veteran guarantees us someone with determination and the drive to succeed, because those are characteristics of someone who selflessly sacrificed their life for our Nation’s freedoms.”
Understanding, Reaching Out
For many veterans, there is an anxious gulf between military postings and job postings. The military standardizes transitions from one place to another, often making arrangements to help families find normalcy among other military families—it’s a shared culture. The civilian world is comparably unpredictable. Many employers neglect to [CL2] create a comfortable sense of place.
It begins by creating a bridging presence. INTUITIVE participates in numerous outreach programs to give veterans a look inside of their company and potential career paths that might match their backgrounds. Every year, the company participates in Warriors to Workforce (rebranded as Your Next Mission), which is part of the Missile Defense Symposium. Employees present resume tips, discuss openings, talk about interview strategies, and demonstrate technology. The exhibitions and experts INTUITIVE brings as part of the symposium enliven the possibilities of civilian contractor work that matters, focusing on America’s Warfighter.
Meaningful Work
“INTUITIVE is dedicated to providing an environment that allows veterans to embrace their military skills and utilize their experience in their current roles. We have been named a Best Place to Work for Vets since 2011.” said Almodóvar.
Many of the Veterans at INTUITIVE support a project office and specific weapon system. Division Manager Jeff Souder has taken a career path that connects him to invaluable past experiences. Souder provides system engineering and technical support to Program Executive Office (PEO) Missiles and Space, the Missile Defense Agency, and the Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office. He is part of an INTUITIVE team of engineers, logisticians, modelers, and programmatic supporters who play a key role in supporting organizations that develop, field, and sustain weapon systems such as THAAD, Patriot, Stinger, Sentinel, M-SHORAD, and the latest directed energy capabilities.
It is no coincidence that Souder has deep, unforgettable experience with these weapons systems. He was in an Army unit assigned to the very first Patriot air and missile defense system in Germany in the ‘80s. There, he stayed on to work as a NATO air defense evaluator, the first of many positions helping European allies assess their defense capabilities. Souder was literally in a strike zone targeted by an Iraqi ballistic missile that was defeated by the Patriot system 16 years after the aforementioned experience.
Souder said, “Having led many weapons development and sustainment projects, I can foresee risks our customers will face, advise using the lessons I’ve learned over the years, and hire the professionals with the right mindset and experience to better support our customers; after all, I’ve faced the same types of challenges from their side.” He emphasizes the strong connection that INTUITIVE offers veterans, adding, “Working at INTUITIVE gives our veterans a way to continue to contribute to National Defense.”
Supportive Culture
INTUITIVE has employed veterans with experience dating to the Korean War. The focus remains the same for these Veterans despite the changing technologies. It is easy for new Veteran employees to see a legacy of civilian service. To be a good landing spot for individuals who have boldly served our Nation, a company needs to affirm connections they have with one another and the outside community. INTUITIVE has a Veterans Information Program (VIP) that creates a series of workshops (e.g., “Lunch ’n Learns”) to impart professional growth and wellness information. VIP is a source of networking, professional goal-setting, and service. Veterans are given opportunities to serve the homebound elderly in the Huntsville community through CASA, they participate in company-sponsored U.S. Space and Rocket Center activities, and they work with local schools to cultivate children’s interest in STEM careers.
As military means become more abstract, those companies with employees who understand military needs are likely to be more valuable. Honoring and respecting veterans is a start for all, but companies who create a unique pathway for a dynamic and meaningful post-military career will become beacons for veteran hires.
If you’re interested in joining the innovative network of professional problem-solvers at INTUITIVE, please visit irtc-hq.com/careers today.
ABOUT INTUITIVE RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION:
INTUITIVE® is an aerospace engineering and analysis firm headquartered in Huntsville, Alabama that provides production support, 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 systems lifecycle.
For More Information:
Nikki Ficken
(256) 922-9300 ext. 1210
nikki.ficken@irtc-hq.com
https://irtc-hq.com