Somewhere on a base in southeastern Poland, Amentum team members are answering calls from Ukrainian soldiers on the battlefield about how to fix their U.S. donated equipment. Working with the U.S. military, the Amentum team uses encrypted programs and translators to chat with the Ukrainians, advising them on solutions in real-time. 

As the U.S. and other allies send equipment to Ukraine, help is a tele-maintenance remote expert away.

“The world and our technology are evolving at a rapid pace, and so should our ability to provide near-instantaneous support,” said the Amentum lead for its Sustainment and Analytics business line. “We don’t need to transport subject matter experts on-site, we can instead provide experts remotely – whether we need to advise on a vital repair to an M-1 Abrams tank, or simply conduct an audit on airframe systems.”

The work in Poland is part of a U.S. Army remote maintenance and distribution contract on which Amentum delivers equipment sustainment, remote maintenance assistance to support U.S. donated assets at forward operating locations, and managing the ordering, receiving, warehousing, and distributing of repair parts.

Currently, remote maintenance support is provided through phones and tablets using encrypted chatrooms. Soon, Amentum will integrate a new technology, introducing augmented reality headsets into its maintenance operations. The headset is fully calibrated for hands-free use so frontline workers can easily connect with remote experts in real time, from anywhere, using secure optimized video collaboration applications.

“The Amentum team has successfully integrated in the U.S. military operations cell,” said one on-site employee. “We realigned some job roles to gain efficiencies in information flow and synchronization of operations amidst multinational stakeholders.”

“We’ve also been evolving our transient maintenance capabilities as we go,” said another on-site employee. “An Amentum team was deployed out to another location in Poland and in just three days, conducted the equipment inventory, loading and unloading operations, and the vehicle maintenance to prepare the equipment for use at forward locations.”

In the first four months of the program, Amentum has filled 605 work orders, opened a 4,666 line supply support activity and maintained 100 percent accuracy, while supporting the movement of 534 pieces of equipment.

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Two Amentum teams have strengthened operational readiness for the warfighter. The teams performing critical vehicle maintenance support and procurement services at Soto Cano Air Base (SCAB), Honduras, provided immediate access to non-tactical vehicle and equipment repair parts and procurement status despite challenging conditions.

Providing procurement services in Honduras has unique challenges with heavy rainfall, high humidity, mountainous terrain, narrow coastline, the occasional earthquake or hurricane, and inadequate infrastructure throughout the country to meet continual supply chain demands. The government’s average lead time for receiving non-tactical repair parts for vehicles and equipment was 120 days when Amentum first arrived to begin operations and deliver logistical services.

APLS Logistics Director, Doug Bellah knew from experience his team could meet customer needs by improving the procurement process and overcoming obstacles. After seeking and receiving the procurement award from the customer, his first order of business was to reduce the lead time for arriving repair parts. Bellah immediately implemented a Maintenance Readiness Review (MMR) team to improve efficiency that resulted in reducing the over 90 days open work orders from 135 down to 18 and the average material lead time from 120 days to 35 days. Furthermore, the contractual Acceptable Quality Level for fault repairs is now 96.64%. A goal unreachable prior to MMR implementation.

“The first six weeks of implementing the MRR was arduous, but after the team’s hard work at understanding the process and taking ownership, they are enthusiastic about seeing the results of the MMR throughout the project,” said Director Bellah who meets weekly with the MMR team.

Additional improvements to the procurement process included increased visibility on material order status, which was not readily available before the procurement team created and implemented an expediting report. The procurement team met over several weeks focusing on customer needs regarding Purchase Order (PO) status to develop the report, which is now circulated to all end-users. Training sessions were also offered to end-users that demonstrate the report’s full visibility on every PO. The benefits include buyer visibility on critical PO dates that led to setting performance metrics and increased confidence.

“Fully functional vehicles are a critical element of all military operations, and I am very proud of the teamwork that has produced exceptional visibility and readiness for our customers and end users,” said Richard Hayes, VP of Operations, Critical Missions Logistics and Supply Chain, on a recent visit to Soto Cano.

Carlos Perez recently accepted the Program Manager role at SCAB and had this to say about the remarkable work being performed by his teams, “By achieving our goals, our team members take pleasure in their outstanding performance. I am consistently proud of the work being accomplished in Honduras in support of the warfighter.”

The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Rock Island awarded Amentum-Parsons Logistics Services the LOGCAP V SOUTHCOM task order for support services at Soto Cano Air Base, Honduras in May of 2019.

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How did your military service prepare you for a successful career at Amentum?

Military service required that I honed leadership, organizational, and teamwork skills. They apply directly to what I am doing now in Amentum.  Secondly, 30 years in the Army ingrained a disciplined approach to all facets of life and work.

What is your professional and personal background? 

Born and raised in South Carolina, I graduated from West Point in 1981 and commissioned as an Infantry officer in the US Army. I commanded up to brigade level and retired coming out of Iraq in 2010 to our horse farm just outside of Charleston, SC. I began working for ATS/PAE in 2011, serving in various capacities within the company and transitioned over to Amentum in the acquisition.

Describe the work you do and how you think it makes a positive impact. 

I am privileged to lead an expandable team (20-45 pax) of subject matter experts (SME) who build, design, write, and facilitate certification exercises for Army commands that would respond to natural (earthquakes, hurricanes) and man-made (nuclear detonation, major chemical/biological events) disasters inside the US. This is part of DOD Defense Support to Civilian Agencies under the Stanford Act. When a command is certified, our team knows the soldiers of the commands are ready to directly help our citizens in what might be the worst days of those citizens’ lives.

What are some of your accomplishments and/or what has been your proudest career moment? 

Everything that I have accomplished has been the result of having a loving family, exposure to senior positive influences, great people around me, or exercising strong values. I owe thank you notes to many.

What do you enjoy about working for Amentum? 

The most enjoyable and important aspect of working for Amentum is that senior leadership provides the freedom to do what is needed to produce the best value or service for the customer.

What are you passionate about? 

I am passionate about two areas. First is experiencing the outdoors. Whether it’s backpacking, fishing, hunting or working on my farm, I’d rather be outside doing something. Secondly, I look forward to leading teams to accomplish a mission by teaching, coaching, and doing with them. This applies to building houses for Habitat for Humanity, training a group of novice mountain hikers, or leading the SMEs under the ETSC JCS contract.

What’s your career advice? 

Never be afraid of stepping forward to do what you love. If you stumble and fall, rub some dirt on the wound and go again.

What does safety mean to you or do you have a favorite safety tip? 

My favorite safety tip came from my grandfather who taught me to “look twice, check twice, and measure twice.” It works.

What’s the best invention in the world and why?

The invention of the microchip is rivaled as the best invention only by the swiss army knife. Micro processing gave us near total information access and nearly unlimited communication through a small smart phone. The swiss army knife is self explanatory.

What does Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month mean to you?

First and foremost, I am an American. I am also so very proud of my Asian blood line. My father escaped from Communist China in 1949 and came to the United States. He lived the loss of his native country and fully adopted America as his new home. My southern mother and he raised my siblings and me to cherish the freedoms, privileges, and rights that we enjoy while embracing the responsibility of service continuing to build our great nation.

The post Employee Spotlight: David Ling appeared first on Amentum.

Are you a veteran?

Yes. I was commissioned a Second Lieutenant of Armor and Cavalry in 1983 through ROTC at Eastern Michigan University. I went to Eastern Michigan on a full scholarship from my hometown of Hampton, Virginia to play football – not really for school. I realized pretty quick that I wasn’t going to play professional football, so I decided to follow in my father’s, brother’s, and sister’s footsteps and join the Army. I had no intention of staying in the Army for 30 years – it just happened. I had great leadership positions and served with the best group of heroes in the world – the American soldier. I also enjoyed the support we received from great Army families and the American populace – particularly when we deployed overseas. I served in a variety of command and staff positions – United States, Germany, Bosnia, and Iraq (3 times).  I enjoyed the leadership positions I was fortunate to be selected for which includes Commanding General of the United States Army’s largest training center – Fort Jackson where we train 36,000 soldiers a year, Deputy Commanding General at the United States Army Recruiting Command enlisting 60,000 young Americans annually, and commander of the 2nd “Black Jack” Brigade Combat Team, First Cavalry Division during hurricane Katrina rescue operations (New Orleans) and Operation Iraqi Freedom conducting combat operations in Baghdad for 15 months. For me, it’s all about leadership.

How did you come to join Amentum? 

I retired from the Army in 2014 and went to work right away for my best friend’s Small Minority, Veteran-Owned engineering company as director of business development. I learned a lot about business development there. However, I had Army buddies working for DynCorp who encouraged me to come work “with” them on the international business development team. They were traveling and working with foreign armies which sounded cool; and it was a natural fit because while in the Army, I worked foreign military sales in Iraq. I interviewed and the rest is history. The transition from DynCorp to Amentum has been smooth for me. I’m doing the same work I did at DynCorp – foreign military sales and with Amentum, we have a lot more/diverse capabilities to offer our partner countries.

What is your professional and personal background?

My father was an Army officer stationed in Germany where I was born. He was a logistician; I guess that’s where I got my passion for maintenance and logistics. At two years old, we moved from Germany to Hampton, Virginia where I grew up. Both of my parents graduated from Virginia State University, a Historically Black College and University (HBCU).

I went to Phoebus High School which was very influential period of my life. I played football and ran track. My coaches where tremendous role models. I was in the school band since junior high and played the trumpet. I loved the jazz band and marching in parades. I still play at church from time to time. That’s a passion.

We have three adult children who are all doing their thing – proud of them.

Describe the work you do and how you think it makes a positive impact.

Critical Missions supports our U.S. Military in a multitude of ways; all of which ensure people, unit, ground vehicle, and aircraft readiness. We enable Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coastguardsmen to do their jobs at a very high level for our nation. We help make them ready!
I work our Foreign Military Sales (FMS) portfolio. Through FMS, we ensure our allies have the equipment they need to protect themselves and are ready to conduct operations alongside American forces if necessary.

What are some of your accomplishments and/or what has been your proudest career moment?

Transitioning from the Army to civilian business was a big accomplishment for me. Transitioning from the Army to civilian sector isn’t necessarily that easy. Picking the right job after a military career is key to transition success.

My proudest moment is winning my 1st contract at Amentum – support to the Peshmerga military in Iraq.

What do you enjoy about working for Amentum?

I enjoy the autonomy I have and the trust my leadership has in me to do my job and represent Amentum worldwide.

What are you passionate about?

It might sound simple but I’m passionate about working with people of different ethnicities, cultures, backgrounds, and strengths and weaknesses. I’m passionate about teamwork, people, and leadership.

What’s your career advice?

Perseverance is critical. It’s not always easy.

Find a job doing something you’re passionate about. Might not happen immediately but make that a goal – you’ll be better and happier. Understand where the organization is going and make yourself a part of the plan. Listen, watch, learn. Do what your boss wants you to do. Keep learning and get better at your job. When it’s no longer exciting, it might be time to find another job.

What does safety mean to you or do you have a favorite safety tip?

My favorite safety tip is “Keep Your Head on a Swivel.” Probably an Army thing. It’s important to constantly be aware of your surroundings and everything happening within our dynamic environment to prevent accidents.

What’s the best invention in the world and why?

Two: the light bulb and the telephone. Although he didn’t discover either, Lewis Latimer (a black man) was directly involved. The telephone – Lewis Latimer helped draft the patent for Alexander Graham Bell’s design of the telephone. Lewis Latimer also improved Thomas Edison’s original light bulb invention by patenting the use of a carbon filament which made possible the widespread use of electric light in public and in homes.

Anything else you would like to share from a personal or professional perspective?

There are diversity and inclusion months throughout the year – not just Black History Month. Take time to broaden your horizon during these months. It’s important to understand our “People Ecosystem.”

What does Black History Month mean to you?

I learned a lot about black history growing up because my father was a history teacher and my mother an elementary school teacher. They introduced black history in our house and in their classrooms. I remember helping my mother make bulletin board materials for Black History – both school and church. So, I learned from that. My father liked to “stump the chump” with black history questions. Wasn’t beat into us – but we were exposed to our heritage at a young age at home. Black history wasn’t in textbooks or taught in the classroom. I’ve learned it over time; and continually doing so. To me Black History Month means I’m part of an ethnic group/race that’s important enough in American history to be celebrated and highlighted. It’s an opportunity to showcase and recognize the achievements, contributions, culture, and sacrifices. I also think monthly observances helps unite us – the more you know about the person on your left or right the more effective you’ll be, particularly as leaders. It’s important to celebrate the accomplishments and contributions of all Americans.

The post Employee Spotlight: Meet Bryan Roberts appeared first on Amentum.

How did you come to join Amentum?

I worked in several different industries and wanted a challenge. When I was given the opportunity to come to Amentum, I was excited and wanted to make a difference while creating a better place for everyone.

What is your professional and personal background?

In 1974, I started working maintenance at CF & I Steel Mill and attained the title of millwright. I have worked in several mechanical positions allowing me to fill my present position here at Pueblo Chemical Agent Destruction Pilot Plant (PCAPP), where chemical weapons are disassembled and the agent destroyed.

Describe the work you do and how you think it makes a positive impact.

I perform maintenance activities on plant equipment, helping to keep the equipment operational. I enjoy working with everyone at PCAPP and do my best to bring a smile to their faces. I am always willing to lend a hand or help where I can and I’m never too busy to give comfort to those around me. I like to laugh and I feel it has a positive effect on those I work with.

What are some of your accomplishments and/or what has been your proudest career moment?

I have received several awards from the company for the dedication and support I give every day. I recently received an Excellence Award for going above and beyond. I’m proud of this award but feel I was just doing my job. I have been here at PCAPP for nearly nine years and have made almost one hundred Demilitarization Protective Ensemble (DPE) entries. I am proud that I could perform DPE entries and offer the highest levels of safety to aid in the toxic areas of the plant. I am also proud to be part of the Explosive Containment Rooms (ECR) Leaker Recovery Team, using extensive knowledge of the machines, systems and components in the rooms to make sure potential leaked contaminants remain within the rooms.

What do you enjoy about working for Amentum?

The maintenance department I work in works as a team and we support each other. We work hard but we also find time to share a few laughs.

What are you passionate about?

My work ethic and willingness to help others while performing my job.

What’s your career advice?

Always stay focused and move forward.

What does safety mean to you or do you have a favorite safety tip?

By staying safe, I can return home the same way I come to work. I stay safe so I can go home and spend time with my dog.

What’s the best invention in the world and why?

The computer and the fast technology gain it has created — so much information for learning.

Anything else you would like to share from a personal or professional perspective?

Sometimes, by slowing down to complete tasks, you will finish the task at hand sooner and safer.

What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you?

To work with different cultures from around the country and show them the Hispanic Heritage from the southwest region of the country.

The post Employee Spotlight: Martin Ramirez appeared first on Amentum.

How did you come to join Amentum?

After 10 years in the Navy, I transitioned to civilian life to prioritize being present for my growing family. I began my career with our company in the demilitarization (demil) industry at the Anniston Chemical Agent Disposal Facility in Alabama. That mission eventually transitioned me to the Anniston SDC Facility where I currently work.

How did your military service prepare you for a successful career at Amentum?

I learned how essential teamwork is, as well as the value of developing a versatile skillset.

What is your professional and personal background?

Professionally, the first 10 years of my career was focused on Nuclear Engineering in the Navy. The next 17 years (and counting) have been in the demil industry in various roles, beginning with Operations as a Control Room Operator (CRO), then Training as a CRO Instructor, and then Project Management in 2010 for my current role as Technical Advisor.

I grew up in small-town New Mexico in a family with little means…but amazing food! I learned the value of work ethic, appreciation for what little I had, and to value what matters most – faith and family! I’ve been a follower of Jesus Christ since my youth, and my Christian faith has been the foundation and catalyst for my life and career – which have both been incredible journeys beyond what I ever could have asked or imagined!

Describe the work you do and how you think it makes a positive impact.

Like most of our team at the Anniston SDC, I wear multiple hats. I primarily serve as the site munitions expert, which means I do a hefty amount of research, evaluation and training for project mission scopes, as well as test development and coordination for the Army. The immediate local impact is keeping our team and facility safe through my research and training on the hazards of munitions we handle and destroy. The broader impact is improving the safety and well-being of our local community, the environment, and communities across the country we support through destruction of aging ammunition and explosives.

What are some of your accomplishments and/or what has been your proudest career moment?

Career-wise, it’s been a willingness and drive to step into the unknown and find success. A highlight is support of several international new business ventures, which enabled me to serve as team lead for projects in several countries, including Japan and China.

Overall, using my God-given talents and calling to invest in the lives of others through teaching, mentoring, and serving. A highlight of that is a rock-climbing wall I built in Vietnam at a therapy center for children with special needs. I receive regular updates on how life-changing it is for them in their physical therapy and emotional wellness!

What do you enjoy about working for Amentum?

First, the people. The team I work with at the Anniston SDC Facility is more like a family. A diversity of backgrounds and perspectives has become our strength, and the mutual respect we share enables us to maintain a balance of trust and a questioning attitude.

Second, the company emphasis on safety and environmental excellence. The top-down buy-in of this culture has empowered every employee at our facility to own and endorse worker and workplace safety, regardless of rank or position.

What are you passionate about?

My Christian faith, my family, and legacy living. I’m also passionate about rock climbing – using it for personal growth and positively impacting others.

What’s your career advice?

Work with enthusiasm, ethics, excellence, and expectation and you’ll go far! And always invest in your people (above, beside and below)! The right relationships promote a unified workforce and produce amazing results.

What does safety mean to you or do you have a favorite safety tip?

A favorite safety tip I learned is to take workplace safety practices and habits home with me! This has really helped me slow down and perform home repair tasks more safely as well as pass on good safety habits to my family.

What’s the best invention in the world and why?

Music! It’s a powerful force in our lives that crosses language and cultural barriers to bring us together…like tacos!

Anything else you would like to share from a personal or professional perspective?

Foundation, priorities, and growth are essential to a fulfilled life. Our lives are only as secure as the foundation they are built on, so pick one that can’t be shaken or taken! Jesus Christ has proven to be the unbreakable foundation of my life. Priorities built on that solid foundation and rightly ordered provide balance. A healthy hunger and pursuit of personal growth promote wonder, discovery, and pushing past boundaries we never thought possible.

What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you?

It’s a consistent reminder to remember my roots. It helps me to appreciate my humble beginnings and be mindful and supportive of others walking that path. It also reminds me of the reality of the American dream and how it truly is achievable for those who stay hungry. Finally, it serves as one of many pieces in the diversity puzzle that makes up our incredible nation, which should remind us that our cultural differences can and should be celebrated!

The post Employee Spotlight: Josh Reyes appeared first on Amentum.

It is no secret that predictive analysis helps businesses make informed decisions, avoid risk, enhance security, and improve efficiency.

The Department of Defense (DoD) is no different. The DoD has adopted a Data Strategy to become a more data-centric organization. In the opening of the strategy document, Deputy Secretary of Defense David Norquist called on all defense leaders to “treat data as a weapon system and manage, secure, and use data for operational effect.” The DoD’s data strategy emphasizes the importance of data for survival on the modern battlefield. When information exists in silos it is unable to be leveraged to our military advantage.

Navigating the data environment is a challenge in three ways:

1. Managing large amounts of data and using it for a competitive advantage is arduous. Data must be categorized, stored, moved and deconflicted. Data must have integrity, confidentiality, and accessibility. The vast amounts of data coming from sensors is overwhelming to the point that humans cannot process it fast enough to recognize patterns.
2. The Army’s data environment is constantly evolving, both from an overall strategy perspective and down to the unique requirements of each individual organization as to how to execute their data fabrics, data models, and unified data sets.
3. Choosing the right solution is daunting. Organizations struggle with the fundamental decision on whether to make vs. buy. There are hundreds of commercial off-the-shelf and government off-the-shelf tools available. There are several data “OEMs” who build customized solutions or adapt/adopt 80 percent solutions.

Partnering with a firm who has developed proven approaches can help counter these data challenges.

Amentum’s Data Analytics Center of Excellence(CoE) is comprised of people, processes/platforms and tools that coalesce into expert advisory services that help operationalize data. Our Data Analytics CoE acts as a dual-purpose collaborative center for analytics-led transformation across Amentum (internal enterprise) and for our customers (external-facing). Our internal initiatives focus on our corporate processes and corporate data. Our external-facing offerings make use of customer-centered design approaches which include working closely with key customers and end-users to ensure alignment with program objectives and maximize value for end-users. Two ways we leverage predictive analysis includes the following:

1. Data Analysis for Workforce Management (internal enterprise)
2. Predictive Combat Power (external-facing)

Data Analysis for Workforce Management focuses on providing predictive staffing. One of the biggest challenges across the DoD is hiring the right talent. Amentum adopted a data analytics application that aggregates data from all our programs into a single Common Operating Picture that pulls from all of our Programs of Record, i.e., our hiring system, HR system, and requisition system. Our data analytics and visualization tool amalgamates the data inputs, producing simple-to-use data interpretation and visuals that our strategic recruiters and program managers use to conduct turnover forecasting and reduce the impact of programmatic vacancies. The output of the analytics informs sourcing priorities for recruiters to those positions that are at highest risk of a vacancy.

Amentum’s time to fill (average) for programs that have not yet moved to this model is 29 days. However, programs now using the combination of our Data Analytics for Workforce Management tool have achieved as low as 10 days, a nearly 65% reduction, both well below the industry average of 47 days.

Predictive Combat Power and Maintenance for battlefield equipment and supplies is incredibly important for forward operating bases (FOBs) or any forward deployed scenario. Our team implemented a Predictive/Prognostic Maintenance (PPMx) solution for an Army Aviation customer. We deployed an artificial intelligence and machine learning-based solution that uses historical data on asset classifications, repairs, vendors, and maintenance plans to predict current asset conditions and failure causes. Our customers will be utilizing this solution to better monitor asset health, optimize maintenance schedules and costs, and gain better insights and understanding of operational risk and planning. They can realize efficiencies by looking at RUL (Remaining Useful Life) charts of assets, minimize time to diagnose asset failures (when an incident does occur), and prevent future failures. Using our PPMx tool, our team was able to predict repair costs and predict future failures. Additionally, we have adapted and adopted this solution for several of our facility maintenance contracts in which we have realized more than $848,000 in cost savings for our customers.

In closing, service providers who have made investments in predictive analysis both internally and externally are well equipped to address complex data challenges for the Army and DoD. Our team has the expertise to cover the gamut of services on behalf of our customers to include assisting them in developing tools that enhance our services offerings.

The post The Data Challenge appeared first on Amentum.

“We thank ISOA for recognizing the 55,000+ men and women of Amentum for the work that they execute each and every day. We are proud to perform this remarkable work in challenging environments throughout the world with the dignity, grace, and appreciate that such missions require.” said Ken Fox, VP Operations, while accepting the award.

This award was presented to us in recognition of our efforts in support of global security and COVID efforts around the world:

• Providing advanced O&M support to U.S. Embassies & Consulates at high-threat 12 locations in 7 countries including Ukraine & Russia
• Supporting the Afghanistan withdrawal
  – Working with the Department of State to evacuate more than 1,100 employees, family members, U.S. citizens and third country nationals
  – Closing five different Army Aviation bases in Afghanistan and relocating 4,900+ lines of DOD equipment to Kuwait
• Fulfilling our commitment to our Afghan allies who worked shoulder to shoulder with us by operating Camp Liberty, NJ as part of Afghanistan Refugee / Operation Allies Welcome effort
  – Mobilizing a joint Navy, Air Force, and Amentum mass-vaccination effort to contain a measles outbreak among the displaced Afghan population
  – Delivering culturally sensitive dietary and living accommodations
• Supporting the COVID-19 response by expanding the capacity of hospitals / medical center support and then supporting vaccine trials under Operation Warp Speed

Congratulations to the Amentum teams who do this work everyday around the world.  Our clients and Amentum succeed because of their selfless and tireless work.

Pictured:

• Top: Ken Fox, VP Operations, accepts the Vanguard award on June 9th, 2022
• Bottom: Amentum’s Dr. Karl Spinnenwebber, President Mission Readiness, through Liberty Village at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, NJ where Amentum is providing resettlement and processing support to thousands of our Afghan allies(U.S. Air Force photo)

The post Amentum Wins ISOA Vanguard Award for Critical Humanitarian and Stability Support appeared first on Amentum.

How did you come to join Amentum?

While I was working on a shipyard construction project, I received a call from a friend at the Vietnam Coast Guard. He referred me to the company for a job he thought I would like. He was right.

What is your professional and personal background?

 My background is working for investment cooperation projects between foreign enterprises and Vietnamese legal entities, which I have done since graduating in 1996. The difference is that I was a military officer during those days.

Describe the work you do and how you think it makes a positive impact.

If I had to use one word to describe my job, it would be facilitator. You will help the car go faster if you are good at paving brick.  Project participants will also understand each other better if you do a good job of connecting the parties.

What are some of your accomplishments and/or what has been your proudest career moment?

I’m just ordinary person, doing an ordinary job. I don’t seem to have any brilliant achievements. However, I am always very happy when I complete any task. Whether it is a schedule to build a shipyard or arrange a meeting between the project stakeholders.

What do you enjoy about working for Amentum?

 Good collaboration between colleagues!

What are you passionate about?

I love planting flowers, such as cattleya, dendrobium, hippeastrum, and more.

What’s your career advice?

My brother told me years ago, if you can’t turn passion into work, turn work into passion.

What does safety mean to you or do you have a favorite safety tip?

I have just one word: Cautious!

What’s the best invention in the world and why?

That’s the wheel. There are three great points to highlight:

• Technically: It turns rotation into translational motion.
• Communicatively: It makes the connection between people and people easier.
• Commercially: It helps trade to grow. From there, it led to the development of production and living conditions of people.

 Anything else you would like to share from a personal or professional perspective?

Love your family, your wife, and children. Family is the last support for you before all the occurrences of life.

What does Asian Pacific American Heritage Month mean to you?

This is the first time I learned about Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. It’s fun to share and learn.

The post Employee Spotlight: Tien Pham appeared first on Amentum.

How did you come to join Amentum?

I’ve been at Delta Bridge for six and a half years or so. I joined right after college. I went to George Mason and I got a degree in physics and after I applied, I made a connection with Tom Becherer who was formerly the CEO.

What is your professional and personal background?

I’m from Virginia but I moved around a bunch as a kid. My parents worked for the State Department, so we lived overseas for a while and bounced around. But most of my time was in Virginia. I didn’t know what I wanted to do when I got to college, but I knew I wanted to do something that would give me a lot of options. I had a lot of questions about how things worked, and I figured, physics is pretty good at addressing the root of everything you could ask about in the physical world. So I went that route, and I did not expect it to be quite as hard as it was, but I love it. If I could go back, I would do it exactly the same way.

Describe the work you do and how you think it makes a positive impact

I’m a senior design engineer with Delta Bridge. I manage and run new technology that Delta Bridge is working on so I’m a creative technical problem solver. A small team of folks and I collaborate on customer requirements and come up with solutions for them. It requires programming, networking, and electronics, mechanical and logistical components. I do configuration work, software work, electronics work, and I also work in a mechanical shop. We build custom solutions for technical projects.

How does this work make a positive impact?

For us and for Delta Bridge and our customers, we have a niche set of clientele that have very specific demands just based around their line of work. It can be hard to find off-the-shelf commercial technology that supports their efforts, and so it helps to have a small shop like Delta Bridge that can help come up with solutions for these endeavors. These groups that we’re supporting are doing positive work so that’s the impact that Delta Bridge is providing.

What do you enjoy most about working for Amentum?

Delta Bridge is pretty newly acquired by Amentum. I like that it’s very fast-paced, it’s very dynamic, it’s different every day. I’m working on different projects all the time. There’s a lot of autonomy here. If there’s a customer that needs something, folks at Delta Bridge can be nimble and creative about what we think are the best ways to solve that problem, and then we can implement it. It’s a creative outlet as well as a fun problem-solving outlet.

What are you passionate about?

I’m passionate about a lot of things. I’m passionate about learning. I’m passionate about creativity. I would call myself a creative person. I’m passionate about people. I think if you want to do anything in this world, you have to do it with people. Anything meaningful at all, people have to be involved.

What would your best career advice be for someone who is trying to get into the same field you are in?

I would say be willing to put yourself out there. The one piece of advice I do have for younger folks coming into a field like this: make it a priority to get really good at the things that you like to do because people are going to ask you to do them more. People will ask you to do the things that you are good at, and you will actually want to do them because you like to do them. As far as career-building goes, it’s very practical to get good at things that you enjoy.

What does safety mean to you or do you have a favorite safety tip?

When I think of safety, I think of a space in which you feel free to be vulnerable whether that be creatively, whether that be interpersonally, whether that be professionally, whether it be physically.

What’s the best invention in the world and why?

Is it too cheesy to say the wheel? That’s a pretty good one. It’s kind of hard to top the wheel. I wouldn’t classify fire as an invention. I wouldn’t call math an invention, I would call math a discovery. I’m going to say that in terms of physical inventions by humans go, I think the wheel is a pretty darn good one.

Is there anything that you think I missed or anything else that you’d like to add?

I think a big part of building a healthy, whole-hearted lifestyle and having a good career that you’re passionate about (and has high impact and all that stuff) is important, but it’s not the only thing. There’s this work-life balance that’s also incredibly important. I believe participating in some sort of creative endeavor, whether you classify yourself as a creative person or not, is an important and powerful part of the human experience. Cultivating a strong work-life balance is maybe as important as cultivating a great career, so for folks looking to get into an industry like this, you really do have to find that balance. Striking that balance will be good for you and it will be good for everyone around you. Everyone wins when you’re living a happy life.

For example, I’m the drummer in a band called Sub-Radio and we’re selling out shows, touring nationally and releasing music. We met in high school and have been together for ten years. We just came back from touring up and down the east coast, including a stop at South by Southwest. It was fun and it’s a big part of my work-life balance. It’s nice because I get to be creative there and I get to be creative at work in a different way.

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