EMPLOYEE PROFILES
NAVAIR employees took the time to share some of their thoughts on what it’s really like to work for this organization. Across professional fields and across our locations, you’ll see that the same things are important to our people, everywhere in the nation. Get a better idea of why you might want to build a career with NAVAIR from members of our own workforce.
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Hear why people decided to work at NAVAIR.
Chris
I was sold on NAVAIR after my tour of the aircraft production lines during my interview. The idea of being able to work in and around these aircraft on a daily basis had me hooked. The rewarding nature of supporting the fleet and my country was a key seller as well.
Chris
Cherry Point, NC
H-46/V-22 Production Support Engineer
16 months with NAVAIR
Rollie
My father was in the Navy as well as many of my relatives. As a child I became interested in military history and aviation due to frequent visits to the bases. Due to poor eyesight, I knew I would not be able to fly in the military but still wanted to pursue my interest in aviation and majored in Aerospace Engineering. In 1997, I jumped at the opportunity to work on aircraft as an Aerospace Engineer at NADEP North Island (so named at the time). I had worked in private industry, but I knew I really preferred a job that made use of my major and was also located close to my family.
Rollie
NAVAIR North Island
Senior Aerospace Engineer
12 years with NAVAIR
Jacqueline
As a college student, I began searching for a job right after September 11th. It was obviously an emotional time not only for me, but for our nation. I wanted to find a job where I could support my country and truly make an impact on our troops. I have an undergraduate degree in Business Logistics, so when I heard NAVAIR offered the Naval Acquisition Intern Program (NAIP), I knew this was right up my alley. Not only did it offer a 3 year training program, but it offered rotational assignments within NAVAIR. Logistics is such a broad field, so the idea of rotating within NAVAIR amongst its different Logistics Departments really appealed to me.
Jacqueline
Patuxent River, MD
Logistics Systems Performance Assessment Branch Manager
7 years with NAVAIR
Linda
Before the interview I was actually hesitant about NAVAIR because I didn’t know much about the military and I was unaware it was a civilian position. During the interview and later at the site visit, I was impressed by how satisfied people were with their job. People seemed to appreciate the variety of tasks and the ability to quickly take on important roles and responsibilities. Other job sites I visited didn’t project the same job satisfaction and it seemed like you could easily become stuck doing the same tasks throughout your career.
Linda
Jacksonville, FL
Aerospace Engineer
7 years with NAVAIR
Marla
I chose to work at NAVAIR because I wanted my work to be relevant in the world today, and with the ongoing war, my work is just that. I feel a sense of reward knowing that my work and accomplishments have directly enhanced America’s ability to win this war against terror.
Marla
Lakehurst, NJ
NAIP Mechanical Engineer
6 months with NAVAIR
Kami
I was reared in a Military Family, and have always thought of a government job as ideal. When I learned of this job, I was very excited to be interviewed. Once I came in, I was impressed with all that the Materials Engineering Laboratory did for the Navy. The personnel in the Lab did so many different things, I found that it would be hard to get bored by the job. When I was offered the job, I knew that it was the right one for me. My dad was so proud that I was going to be supporting the Navy, especially because my brother enlisted in the Navy shortly before I got the job offer.
Kami
Jacksonville, FL
Chemist
1 year with NAVAIR
Megan
I first applied to NAVAIR because of the San Diego area location, and the ability to say I worked with fighter jets, as not many people get to say that. After speaking to employees at the career fair and my interview, working for NAVAIR seemed like an exciting challenge. The work presented to me during the interview process was extremely varied and looked like a great way to develop not only technically through engineering, but also professionally through briefs, and additional training opportunities. I liked that right from the beginning the supervisors had high expectations of me, and pushed me to succeed.
Megan
NAVAIR North Island – F/A-18 FST
Aerospace Engineer
1.5 years with NAVAIR
Katherine
I chose to work with NAVAIR because it allows me to work directly with the fleet and the aircraft. It’s rare to find a job in engineering where you can get a project, and minutes later walk down to the aircraft and see it physically. The ability to work directly with the fleet helps solidify the understanding that what we do is important.
Katherine
NAVAIR North Island
Structures Engineer
2 years with NAVAIR
Amanda
I wanted to be able to serve my country in some way and work with cutting edge technology.
Amanda
Patuxent River, MD
Electrical Engineer
2.5 years with NAVAIR
Genesis
I grew up in Ridgecrest, near China Lake, so it wasn’t a huge leap to return to the area and work at NAVAIR. I knew that being near family and friends was important to me, as was living in a tight-knit, albeit diverse, community. Enjoying a high quality of life and a good work/life balance was important as well. I also wanted to work somewhere that encouraged career growth, mobility and training. With this in mind, I decided to sign on with NAVAIR and so far it has really paid off.
Genesis
China Lake, CA
Program Analyst, International Technology Cooperation Office
2.5 years with NAVAIR
Jason
I wanted to build my career in a field that could make a difference in small or not-so-small ways, and supporting the military seemed like a great way to do that. Working on projects to support our warfighters seemed like a very fulfilling career choice; money was not as important as enjoying what I did for a living and getting satisfaction at the end of the workday.
Jason
China Lake, CA
Counter Air Mission Area Lead for AIR 4.1 & Deputy HICAP IPT Lead
10 years with NAVAIR
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Learn what factors mattered to our employees when they were choosing where to build a career.
Kami
The most important thing to me was that I had a career where I was interested in the work. I couldn’t imagine going into work at a job that was boring to me and that I didn’t love. It was also important for me to be in a positive work environment, that I felt comfortable with my peers and management, and I was an asset to the company.
Kami
Jacksonville, FL
Chemist
1 year with NAVAIR
Rollie
Personally, stability and room for development as an engineer were important factors in my decision to select where I wanted to work. I had spoken with others in my field and quickly realized that the bottom line was not always the key factor in deciding where they work. The employer’s willingness to invest in employees, in terms of training and providing other opportunities to ensure they are capable and motivated, is of the highest importance. I got the sense early in my career that NAVAIR is an organization that cares about developing its employees to allow them to be competent, confident, independent and effective.
Rollie
NAVAIR North Island
Senior Aerospace Engineer
12 years with NAVAIR
Marla
Job security was very important to me in choosing an organization to build my career. When I interviewed here, I met several employees who had been working with NAVAIR for 8 plus years and they were still enthusiastic and passionate about their careers. This showed me that not only was NAVAIR a great place to begin my career, but also to build it and not fall into a monotonous setting.
Marla
Lakehurst, NJ
NAIP Mechanical Engineer
6 months with NAVAIR
Valerie
Important factors for me were a challenging environment, job security, and availability to move up or laterally. I look at building a career at a place that I want to continue to work at and will enjoy what I do. I received other offers besides NAVAIR, but they consisted of the same work everyday. I knew that I would be bored and not satisfied. At NAVAIR, I saw the chance to see the many aspects of Naval Aviation and be able to work on many different projects.
Valerie
Lakehurst, NJ
Systems Engineer
1.5 years with NAVAIR
Johann
Good leadership that understands and leverages diversity throughout the workforce, great mentoring and opportunities for overall growth were the main factors when I chose my career. The fact that my objective here is to provide the best support possible to people placing their lives at risk to assure me the opportunities I seek cemented my decision to work for NAVAIR.
Johann
Patuxent River, MD
BAMS Mission Systems Deputy
5.5 years with NAVAIR
Linda
I wanted to work at something challenging that I enjoyed. Right after school I was interested in structural analysis but still wasn’t entirely sure what else was out there. At NAVAIR I was able to start working on analysis but I was also exposed to different things like non-destructive inspections, fatigue testing, repair design and implementation, fleet support and aircraft modifications, to name a few. I also looked forward to the Naval Acquisition Intern Program (NAIP) which was 2.5 years of training and included rotations to other sites. I liked the structured path to get me up to speed and I anticipated the rotations where I could experience other career paths.
Linda
Jacksonville, FL
Aerospace Engineer
7 years with NAVAIR
Jacqueline
After college, I was trying to decide where I wanted to start my career. I wanted to work somewhere that provided a broad range of opportunities. That’s why NAVAIR was so appealing to me. I currently work in the Industrial and Logistics Sustainment Department, but NAVAIR also offers logistics jobs in the Logistics Management and Integration Department, Aviation Readiness and Resource Analysis Department, Fleet Readiness Centers and our 6.0C Staff Office. As a Logistician, I could work supporting the new JSF program or the new MMA aircraft or specialize in our technical publications or logistics analysis or even work human capital strategy. The opportunities are endless!
Jacqueline
Patuxent River, MD
Logistics Systems Performance Assessment Branch Manager
7 years with NAVAIR
Chris
Job security was important but I wanted to work somewhere I thought I could make a difference and be able to advance my career.
Chris
Cherry Point, NC
H-46/V-22 Production Support Engineer
16 months with NAVAIR
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What do NAVAIR employees enjoy most about their work?
Kami
I enjoy almost everything about my Job. I have the opportunity to really grow and flourish with a company while doing my part in serving our country. Although I do some routine work, I often get to see and perform work that is outside the norm. In addition, I always have something to do at work, which keeps me interested and keeps me coming back in to work everyday. I don’t just stay at our FRCSE Jacksonville, I get to go to other Military sites to see how they operate and network with my peers.
Kami
Jacksonville, FL
Chemist
1 year with NAVAIR
Nichole
I enjoy being able to physically see what I am working on. I can walk down to the shops and look at the part, rather than just see it in a manual. I also enjoy the variety of work at NAVAIR. There are so many different platforms and tasks that I am always working on something new.
Nichole
Cherry Point, NC
Mechanical Engineer
3 months with NAVAIR
Megan
I personally enjoy the wide variety of work being asked of engineers at NAVAIR. It is more than just creating drawings and models. There is a lot of coordination and leadership expected from employees right off the bat. I also feel like there are a lot of opportunities for recognition in NAVAIR through the use of Navy Special Act Awards and NAVAIR paraphernalia. I have also had the opportunity to travel more than I believe I would have in a different job. The travel and meetings with the program office, fleet representatives, and OEM employees is another type of learning experience that I wouldn’t be exposed to without the multiple travel opportunities I have had.
Megan
NAVAIR North Island – F/A-18 FST
Aerospace Engineer
1.5 years with NAVAIR
Jacqueline
I find it amazing that I get to drive onto a Navy Base, stop to cross over taxiways, pass by hangars and watch F/A-18s and V-22s fly over my head, all on my way to work every day. As a Logistician for NAVAIR I get to partake in some of aviation's leading-edge technology and also know that I am ultimately helping to create, deliver and support a better product for the Fleet.
Jacqueline
Patuxent River, MD
Logistics Systems Performance Assessment Branch Manager
7 years with NAVAIR
Rollie
Besides the sense of satisfaction I get from doing my job well and effectively, the sense of camaraderie I get with the team makes me love my job. This stems from a management that emphasizes confidence and technical adeptness in each employee, as well as openness among the members of each team in resolving issues in the best interest of the Warfighter. It has not escaped me or any of my co-workers that our job is important in ensuring the Warfighter gets what he or she needs on time and in a condition that that will allow him or her to perform his or her job. I take pride and satisfaction in the knowledge that I am part of a team that consistently does that.
Rollie
NAVAIR North Island
Senior Aerospace Engineer
12 years with NAVAIR
Johann
There is not a day where I don't either learn something new or teach it. There is a great spirit of camaraderie in this organization that helps us to achieve the organization’s goals and everyone is willing to help you meet your portion of it.
Johann
Patuxent River, MD
BAMS Mission Systems Deputy
5.5 years with NAVAIR
Joshua
I enjoy the hands-on experience working with aircraft engines everyday. We are frequently on the shop floor assisting artisans with new repairs and procedures and have the opportunity to travel to other repair sites to give technical assistance to our Sailors and Marines.
Joshua
Jacksonville, FL
Aerospace Engineer
3 years with NAVAIR
Michael
I enjoy the atmosphere and the people that I work with. Everyone in the organization is eager to help answer any questions, and you are given as much responsibility as you can handle from the start.
Michael
Cherry Point, NC
Electronics Engineer
9 months with NAVAIR
Chris
As a PSE, there is rarely a day when I don’t get inside an aircraft. My favorite part of the job is the hands-on nature of the work.
Chris
Cherry Point, NC
H-46/V-22 Production Support Engineer
16 months with NAVAIR
Jason
I enjoy the opportunity to interact directly with Warfighters and to inform decision makers about the best technical courses of action for the Navy. I enjoy working alongside other people motivated by the same things I am: supporting our Warfighters and ensuring they have the best means possible at their disposal to perform their mission.
Jason
China Lake, CA
Counter Air Mission Area Lead for AIR 4.1 & Deputy HICAP IPT Lead
10 years with NAVAIR
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NAVAIR offers tremendous opportunity and career growth. See what paths a few of our employees have taken in their time here.
Rollie
In the process of writing down my list of accomplishments during my preparation for my interview for a Senior Aerospace Engineer position, I had a chance to review the breadth of my work from nearly a decade of experience working with NAVAIR. It was eye-opening for the simple fact that I was so fortunate to have had all of the opportunities on a multitude of different projects to demonstrate my competence and skills. This includes everything from my early work on technical directives to my later work with production support. I have had to interface with many different people of different competencies and activities over the years and there is no doubt that each one of them has a hand in developing me into the aerospace engineer I am today.
Rollie
NAVAIR North Island
Senior Aerospace Engineer
12 years with NAVAIR
Chris
I was able to establish myself as a Production Support Engineer for the H-46 and V-22 lines, a position usually held by much more experienced engineers. This is an opportunity JETT or ESDP personnel do not typical receive. The assignment was originally awarded as a rotation based on my performance as a PSE in the Rotor Head and Landing Gear shop. After four months, it was determined that I had performed to the accepted level associated with the position and would be allowed to stay on full time. This position is typically filled by engineers with far more experience than I have and it is very fulfilling to have earned my title.
Chris
Cherry Point, NC
H-46/V-22 Production Support Engineer
16 months with NAVAIR
Jacqueline
The Naval Acquisition Intern Program is designed to develop our future leaders of tomorrow. It is a three-year training program that fast tracks folks for the first three years. I think it is important for potential candidates to consider not what they are "starting at" but rather, where they will be three years down the road. After the NAIP, I progressed to a Supportability T&E Lead, to a Deputy Assistant Program Manager for Logistics for F/A-18 and to my current position as the Logistics Systems Performance Assessment Branch Manager. I believe it was the essential training and the contacts I made through the NAIP program that allowed me to get where I am today.
Jacqueline
Patuxent River, MD
Logistics Systems Performance Assessment Branch Manager
7 years with NAVAIR
Kami
Since starting at NAVAIR, I have been able to do almost everything in the chemistry branch. When I first started, my management let me know that I would be training in almost every aspect of the chemistry branch, and I have been exposed to all of the areas of Material Science. I have gotten far more experience that I would have ever imagined during my first year. I have even been able to work on tasks outside of the typical laboratory work. These include working on a project with a senior chemist, and I’ve done a presentation at a national conference. With the experiences that I am getting, I am on the right track to becoming a great chemist, and growing with NAVAIR.
Kami
Jacksonville, FL
Chemist
1 year with NAVAIR
Megan
I believe my career has progressed a bit faster as a NAVAIR employee than as a private industry employee. The new engineer rotation program has allowed me to be exposed to multiple areas of the aircraft, a myriad task assignments and a wide variety of leadership styles. In the short time I have been employed at NAVAIR I have had the opportunity to travel to three different locations, attend a leadership conference meant for senior engineers, attend multiple training sessions on technical subjects both in house and externally, and present to senior level leadership on a variety of projects.
Megan
NAVAIR North Island – F/A-18 FST
Aerospace Engineer
1.5 years with NAVAIR
Linda
I started in the Intern program, part of which included a rotation at Lockheed Martin during the fatigue testing of the P-3. After graduation, I became a stress analyst primarily for the P-3. The P-3 community had little fatigue experience and was having trouble conducting analysis. One of my first endeavors for the P-3 was creating a fatigue analysis tool and training users. The tool was distributed to contractors who now use it for the majority of fatigue analysis. As a result of hard work, I have been rewarded annually with awards, pay increases, and promotions. I have recently started to review analysis and witness testing for the new P-8 which will replace the P-3 in coming years.
Linda
Jacksonville, FL
Aerospace Engineer
7 years with NAVAIR
Juan
The level of responsibility, importance of the work performed and exposure to opportunity has greatly exceeded that of my peers in industry. I have presented projects and assignments to top level management and Navy Officers.
Juan
Lakehurst, NJ NAES
Mechanical Engineer
1 year with NAVAIR
Matthew
I have moved on from the Joint Engineering Training Team’s training, familiarization, and common work assignment period into my first and second rotations within the Aircraft Strength Branch and the Drive Systems In-Service Engineering Branch. I’ve become Systems Planning, RD&E Level 1 certified, and I’ve also begun taking courses toward a Master’s degree.
Matthew
Cherry Point, NC
Aerospace Engineer
1 year with NAVAIR
Katherine
I have had the opportunity to work on increasingly complicated repairs within my group because of the valuable experience I received through formal training and on-the-job training.
Katherine
NAVAIR North Island
Structures Engineer
2 years with NAVAIR
Valerie
As I have developed in my intern program, I am increasingly taking on responsibilities that I once shared while shadowing another engineer. I have become more involved in multiple projects.
Valerie
Lakehurst, NJ
Systems Engineer
1.5 years with NAVAIR
Joshua
Through the NAVAIR entry-level engineering training program I was able to progress to a journeyman engineer by doing numerous rotations through different programs from within NAVAIR. During those rotations I was given responsibilities to perform numerous repairs on aircraft and engineering investigations on aircraft engines.
Joshua
Jacksonville, FL
Aerospace Engineer
3 years with NAVAIR
Genesis
I began my career with NAVAIR as a Business Professional Intern – just one of the many internships available at China Lake. This turned out to be one of the best ways possible to get started, as I was able to tour several areas of the organization and learn the ins and outs of multiple processes. While touring I became interested in facilitating the work we do with foreign partners. Thankfully, I was able to connect with Kelly McDonald who had worked extensively in this area and was hoping to expand her efforts. Together we developed the International Technology Cooperation Office as a NAVAIR Weapons Division resource for those involved in international Research and Development cooperation. I’m learning new things everyday and having a great time in the process!
Genesis
China Lake, CA
Program Analyst, International Technology Cooperation Office
2.5 years with NAVAIR
Jason
When I arrived at China Lake, I wanted to be a flight test engineer, but following the completion of my ESDP tours, I ended up in an area that I did not ever anticipate (modeling and simulation). It’s a credit to the way ESDP provides entry level engineers exposure to many different career options.
The group I was a part of soon grew very large and split into two branches. I was selected as a new Branch Head after just six years of being here. After two years of being a Branch Head, I was selected for a detail assignment to work on OPNAV staff at the Pentagon. I’ve recently returned from that assignment, but looking back at my 10 years as a China Lake employee, I’ve certainly been afforded important and rewarding opportunities early on in my career.
Jason
China Lake, CA
Counter Air Mission Area Lead for AIR 4.1 & Deputy HICAP IPT Lead
10 years with NAVAIR
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Hear why NAVAIR employees would recommend working here to a friend.
Jacqueline
Anyone can go and push consumer products, but how many people can say that they support the United States Navy and Marine Corps? We honestly get to go to work every day on cutting edge technology. Whether we're helping to develop the new Joint Strike Fighter or we're supporting legacy aircraft such as the F/A-18, our jobs are dynamic and exciting!
Jacqueline
Patuxent River, MD
Logistics Systems Performance Assessment Branch Manager
7 years with NAVAIR
Megan
The high expectation of your supervisors allows you to jump right into the work and learn a lot right off the bat. The job is one that recognizes hard work and it is very much what you make of it. With hard work comes recognition, and so do more interesting and in-depth projects. Though the additional paperwork and slow-moving pace of the government checks is sometimes frustrating, but it is amazing experience to see a finished project out in the Fleet being used day in and day out.
Megan
NAVAIR North Island – F/A-18 FST
Aerospace Engineer
1.5 years with NAVAIR
Rollie
If you are motivated purely by the bottom line, then working for NAVAIR is not for you. However, if you are a professional who takes pride in what he or she does and who understands and feels a need to perform a job that contributes to safety of the nation, then I would recommend a career with NAVAIR.
Rollie
NAVAIR North Island
Senior Aerospace Engineer
12 years with NAVAIR
Amanda
It is place where you can see that your job has impact on the world and your country. You also know the work you do helps to keep the men and women in our armed forces safe.
Amanda
Patuxent River, MD
Electrical Engineer
2.5 years with NAVAIR
Chris
NAVAIR is a comfortable place to work with lots of opportunity for advancement. The work is hands on and rewarding in nature. My day-to-day work load is constantly changing so I don’t ever have the chance to get bored.
Chris
Cherry Point, NC
H-46/V-22 Production Support Engineer
16 months with NAVAIR
Marla
NAVAIR is very team-oriented and the people you work with will come to be like family to you. You all will help each other and you will want to see each other succeed because their accomplishments depend on your accomplishments, and vice versa.
Marla
Lakehurst, NJ
NAIP Mechanical Engineer
6 months with NAVAIR
Nichole
I would describe NAVAIR as a place where you can find fulfillment. The work we do at NAVAIR makes a difference in soldiers’ and ultimately the nation’s lives.
Nichole
Cherry Point, NC
Mechanical Engineer
3 months with NAVAIR
Jason
It’s a place where if you have any technical inclinations, you can find something challenging and rewarding to be a part of…and it will be of service to our country.
Jason
China Lake, CA
Counter Air Mission Area Lead for AIR 4.1 & Deputy HICAP IPT Lead
10 years with NAVAIR
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NAVAIR employees discuss the culture and environment across our locations.
Johann
There is a great relationship between the military personnel who work as our counterparts and all civilians and contractors. We all have external influences but come together on site to assure the success of our servicemen. There is never a dull moment and whether we are discussing differences in thought, brainstorming the solution to a problem or celebrating someone's birthday over lunch the people you work with eventually become an extended family.
Johann
Patuxent River, MD
BAMS Mission Systems Deputy
5.5 years with NAVAIR
Jacqueline
The people are the best part of working at NAVAIR. We are surrounded by folks who are dedicated to supporting the Fleet. I work with a combination of military and civilian folks. We work in a business casual office and on Fridays we are encouraged to wear jeans. The work/life balance is also highly encouraged at NAVAIR. NAVAIR is constantly trying to foster a team environment. We hold socials and teambuilding events. We also have a strong mentor/protégé program.
Jacqueline
Patuxent River, MD
Logistics Systems Performance Assessment Branch Manager
7 years with NAVAIR
Joshua
NAVAIR has a culture of giving their younger workers the opportunity to gain responsibility very quickly. It is very fast paced and rewarding, especially when a safety issue needs to be resolved.
Joshua
Jacksonville, FL
Aerospace Engineer
3 years with NAVAIR
Kami
The work environment is professional, and positive. Everyone is very conscientious of the work that needs to be done, and strives to work hard to get it done. We have people with different backgrounds that bring different ideas to the workplace. The best part of this is the different ideas are welcomed and encouraged. The senior personnel teach you not only about the jobs that you perform, but challenge you to come to a conclusion on your own.
Kami
Jacksonville, FL
Chemist
1 year with NAVAIR
Linda
The workplace is business casual, with a slight bias towards the ‘casual.’ We work repairs that sometimes require us to crawl in the aircraft. Engineers pull work as needed; there is always plenty to go around. Experienced employees are very helpful in training and introducing novice members to new experiences. If an employee comes up with an idea to improve our standards and practices they are usually given leeway to develop their ideas as work permits. Also the working atmosphere is focused on safety and quality work. Even under pressure and impending deadlines safety is not sacrificed. Engineers are encouraged to respond and make recommendations based on what they feel is right and safe; our ethics are never compromised.
Linda
Jacksonville, FL
Aerospace Engineer
7 years with NAVAIR
Katherine
The culture is very supportive. Coworkers are helpful and knowledgeable and the management really cares about creating well-rounded employees to increase chances for advancement.
Katherine
NAVAIR North Island
Structures Engineer
2 years with NAVAIR
Genesis
NAVAIR Weapons Division has historically been considered a place of expertise and innovation and that tradition holds true today. People are not only proud of the work they do and the technological achievements accredited to the organization, they support their coworkers as teammates and friends. Basically, people really care about each other here and it makes a huge difference.
Genesis
China Lake, CA
Program Analyst, International Technology Cooperation Office
2.5 years with NAVAIR
Jason
The culture mandates a certain degree of self-motivation within an atmosphere where teamwork is required. You need to be responsible for your own progress, achievements and contributions to your team, but, that being said, there are still tremendous resources and people with experience to help when assistance is required. The atmosphere is friendly, not competitive. Your co-workers realize that success and failure are reflections of collective achievements, not so much on individual outcomes.
Jason
China Lake, CA
Counter Air Mission Area Lead for AIR 4.1 & Deputy HICAP IPT Lead
10 years with NAVAIR
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Hear what benefits have been most important to NAVAIR employees.
Katherine
The benefits here are tremendous. I am currently getting my Master’s degree at San Diego State University and NAVAIR has been incredibly encouraging of this effort by funding all of my classes and required books. I will be graduating soon thanks to the assistance of NAVAIR. This is yet another reason why I feel that the environment is supportive.
Katherine
NAVAIR North Island
Structures Engineer
2 years with NAVAIR
Linda
It’s easy to maintain a healthy work life balance since you get a fair amount of annual leave, and overtime is often available but voluntary. There is usually very little pressure to work overtime except during urgent situations. There is flexibility in setting work hours, and you can usually work out a reasonable arrangement. I was taking afternoon classes that ran into my work schedule and was able to work extra hours throughout the week to make up for leaving early on a couple days. NAVAIR also paid for my Master’s degree, which I got through a distance learning program at the University of Florida.
Linda
Jacksonville, FL
Aerospace Engineer
7 years with NAVAIR
Jacqueline
NAVAIR offers many benefits to its employees. Not only are we offered some of the best health care options, but we have a great TSP retirement system. Also, I've been able to take advantage of the Acquisition Workforce Tuition Assistance Program and was 100% funded for my Masters Degree. Also, most places at NAVAIR offer flex time and a compressed work schedule. Having the ability to work with my supervisor to determine my work hours and having every other Friday off are great benefits!
Jacqueline
Patuxent River, MD
Logistics Systems Performance Assessment Branch Manager
7 years with NAVAIR
Shuja
Work and life balance has been very important with this job. At one company where I worked as a Co-Op, I saw engineers working 60 hours a week to meet certain deadlines and not get paid any overtime. However, at NAVAIR, I decide when I want to perform OT and at the same time, I get paid for it. Also, after working an eight hour shift, I have enough time to go home and work out or cook and simply relax.
Shuja
Cherry Point, NC
Electronics Engineer
18 months with NAVAIR
Marla
The flexible work schedule has been very useful to me. Here at NAVAIR, we have the option of working a compressed schedule where we work 9-hour days and get every other Friday off. The Fridays that we don’t get off we only work 8-hour days. This is very useful for handling personal business outside of work.
Marla
Lakehurst, NJ
NAIP Mechanical Engineer
6 months with NAVAIR
Joshua
I have taken the opportunity to use NAVAIR’s tuition assistance to further my education. I am currently enrolled at the University of Central Florida pursuing a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering.
Joshua
Jacksonville, FL
Aerospace Engineer
3 years with NAVAIR
Genesis
For me, the ability to explore new career directions has been a tremendous benefit during my short time here. Before coming to work at China Lake, I thought this job would be the stereotypical ‘nine to five’ and that I’d have to spend the next 30 plus years doing the same exact thing. To my relief, this just isn’t the case with NAVAIR. I can’t stress enough the benefit of working for an employer that supports career growth and allows people to find the job that’s the best fit for them.
Genesis
China Lake, CA
Program Analyst, International Technology Cooperation Office
2.5 years with NAVAIR
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What memories of working at NAVAIR stand out the most to people?
Katherine
I had an assignment that was on a damaged aircraft that was out on a carrier and it was mission critical. The design of the repair and the manufacturing of the part required the help of over five groups working together in parallel to get the part to the fleet before the carrier moved beyond delivery boundaries. The aircraft was able to be repaired in time to complete its task. It was the first time I had been on a project where my efforts directly related to the success of a mission of the warfighter. I found it especially rewarding when the captain of the carrier sent a personal thank you.
Katherine
NAVAIR North Island
Structures Engineer
2 years with NAVAIR
Jacqueline
I started with NAVAIR right out of college, so I didn't have any previous military experience. One of the things the NAIP program does is familiarize folks with the Fleet. They hold a "Fleet Week" for training and also have an aircraft carrier tour. I had been working with NAVAIR for two years when I was able to attend the aircraft carrier tour. We drove down to Norfolk, VA and took a flight in a C-2 aircraft and landed aboard the JFK Carrier. What an amazing experience to land on board an aircraft carrier! We stayed aboard the carrier for three days as guests of the Maintenance Department. We got to tour and work with the different maintenance shops so that we could understand how our products that we develop at NAVAIR truly affect the Fleet. Still to this day, I reflect upon this trip and always try to keep in mind who I am supporting every day at work.
Jacqueline
Patuxent River, MD
Logistics Systems Performance Assessment Branch Manager
7 years with NAVAIR
Joshua
In August of 2008 I had the opportunity to travel to Guam to give on-site engineering support to a mishap investigation that included a salvage operation at sea. Our task was to recover two engines and determine their responsibility from an EA-6B Prowler that had crashed off the coast of Guam. Using a Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) we recovered two engines and miscellaneous aircraft parts that were at a depth of 6400ft. Once the engines were recovered, they were shipped to Jacksonville to be investigated. Once in Jacksonville, the engines were disassembled and we determined that the engine was the cause of the mishap. This was a challenging assignment because I worked on all phases of the investigation including salvage operations, engine disassembly, determining root cause, and corrective action. Participating in specific design changes to correct this problem from occurring again is especially fulfilling because in the end it will give the warfighter a safer and reliable weapon system.
Joshua
Jacksonville, FL
Aerospace Engineer
3 years with NAVAIR
Kami
Within the first year of being with NAVAIR, I was involved in many endeavors that helped me grow as a chemist. One was an audit I participated in for the Aviation Breathing Oxygen (ABO) program. Another was assisting a senior chemist on her project concerning cleaning solvents for the ABO bottles. I got the chance to test different solvents and work with her to come to a conclusion on which is the best to use. Toward the end of our testing, I was sent to the Air Vehicle Conference in San Diego, CA to do a presentation on all the work that we had done. To my surprise, I was one of five awarded the 2009 Air Vehicle Engineering achievement award in the Apprentice category. I was so honored to have been nominated for the award let alone received the award for the work that I had done. It really made me feel good to know that my peers saw all the hard work that I have been doing, and inspired me to continue to work hard to prove to them that I deserved the high recognition.
Kami
Jacksonville, FL
Chemist
1 year with NAVAIR
Johann
I have been fortunate to travel around the world and work directly with the Fleet. I have learned from first-hand interaction the sacrifices that our service men and woman make in their lives for their families and ours. The stories that I carry drive me to make and support decisions to the best of my evolving abilities. I know the products I support empower our Fleet to make a positive difference in this day and age and I use that to help me and others achieve focus when outside influences attempt to alter our positive outlook.
Johann
Patuxent River, MD
BAMS Mission Systems Deputy
5.5 years with NAVAIR
Juan
My most memorable experience was during aircraft carrier qualification. I had the opportunity to actually fly in an aircraft! I was launched off the flight deck, accelerating from 0 to 165mph within two seconds.
Juan
Lakehurst NAES
Mechanical Engineer
1 year with NAVAIR
Meredith
As a participant in the ESDP, I have had opportunities to interact first-hand with NAVAIR’s customers. The ESDP Carrier Experience and detail at NAS Fallon allowed me to see how NAVAIR products affect the Fleet, and how the Fleet utilizes NAVAIR products. Not only was the experience eye-opening (especially considering I was a fairly new employee at the time), but it also gave me a chance to see the bigger picture from the customer’s point of view. These experiences made me grateful for the job that they do and motivate me on a daily basis.
Meredith
China Lake, CA
Electronics Engineer
5 years with NAVAIR