Through their service in the U.S. Air Force, Army, Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard, these individuals bring proven skills, experience, and a commitment to excellence for our workforce.
Today is an opportunity to share the stories and perspectives of several team members whose military backgrounds continue to shape their contributions to our company and its mission.
Rachel, Production ExpeditorSafran Helicopter EnginesU.S. Navy Veteran
- What motivated you to join the military?
I come from a military family: my father, stepdad and brother all served, and I felt compelled to do the same. I saw a commercial for the Navy at the age of nine years old, and I remember telling my mom that is what I wanted to do.
- Is there a particular experience that had a lasting impact on you?
My deployment to Sicily, getting to work alongside other squadrons and mechanics stationed there for training and support. It was a unique experience.
- What advice would you give to veterans considering a career in aerospace?
If you’re a veteran coming from aviation or aerospace, my advice would be to stay in that lane. When I left the Navy, I didn’t immediately get a job in these sectors. I don’t regret anything, but I always felt a little lost. I eventually found my way back with my job at Safran, and I feel like I am back where I belong.
Mark, Machine TechnicianComponent Repair TechnologiesU.S. Coast Guard Veteran
- What motivated you to join the military?
Having grown up on the New Jersey Shore, it’s been a goal of mine since childhood.
- What was your role during your service?
I was a Machinery Technician 2 Class Petty Officer. I was responsible for repairing and maintaining shipboard electrical and mechanical systems.
- What skills learned in the military have been most useful in your work at Safran?
After working with so many different types of machinery, I've learned that machines will do exactly what you tell them to do. Just make sure you’re giving them the right information!
Joe, Production ManagerSafran Landing SystemsU.S. Army Veteran
- What is the most important lesson you learned during your military service?
Teamwork. You depend on the person next to you, and they depend on you. At the end of the day, you both want to make it home.
- What are three qualities or strengths that military veterans bring to the workplace?
1. Being on time. In the military, the saying is: “If you’re five minutes early, you’re late.”2. Understanding the chain of command. Communication flows up the chain and then back down.3. Work ethic and teamwork. You learn to work together and understand that the team is only as strong as its weakest link.
- What skills learned in the military have been most useful in your work at Safran?
When you join the military, you work with people of different races, backgrounds and upbringings, and you learn how to come together as a team to accomplish the mission. The mission always is the focus: completing the job and working together to get it done.
Chad, Program ManagerSafran Defense & Space, IncU.S. Marine Corps Veteran
- What was your role during your service?
I served as an electro-optics maintenance technician working on night vision and laser devices. I also spent some time as a Marine Corps Drill Instructor, a Close Combat Instructor, and a Water Survival Instructor.
- What does your job at Safran involve?
As a program manager, I work with a team of professionals with many different technical competencies (engineering, supply chain, manufacturing, quality, etc.). My job is to rudder the program in the right direction so that we can manufacture a reliable, quality product for our customers. When challenges arise, and they do – every single day – it is my responsibility to get the right people on the task to help resolve the problem.
- What advice would you give to veterans considering a career in aerospace or defense manufacturing?
No matter what profession you had in the military, do not think for a second that your experience and the skills you developed in the armed forces are not valued in our industry. An employee who possesses a solid work ethic, diligence, and an energetic outlook, someone who can effectively communicate, is willing to learn new things and works well on teams is equally valued as someone with education and industry experience.
John, Production SupervisorSafran CabinU.S. Air Force Veteran
- What is the most important lesson you learned during your military service?
Managers know what needs to be done, leaders motivate and inspire to get it done.
- What are three qualities or strengths that military veterans bring to the workplace?
1. Dedication 2. Team success 3. Willingness to go the extra mile
- What advice would you give to veterans considering a career in aerospace?
Be prepared to prove yourself, you will start at the bottom, your skills can help you to get recognized.
