A Day in the Life – Barry
What is your title?
Program Manager for the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) Mission Planning Environment (MPE) Team. I am responsible for managing overarching cost, schedule, and performance of the JSF MPE program and serve as the primary customer contact for program information.
What drew you to CSCI? Why did you choose to work here? How was the switch for you?
I retired from the U.S. Navy in 2021 out of the Pentagon. During my transition, I was introduced to the CSCI team by a close friend and mentor who thought that CSCI would be an ideal fit for me. After talking with Lance Hoyt and discussing the work that I would be doing supporting the government customer, it was a “no-brainer” that I wanted to join the CSCI team.
Seamless. The work that I accomplished as a requirements officer / resource manager in uniform was very similar to the work that I was doing at CSCI. My wife was concerned that I would struggle going from the “Ready Room” environment that I was accustomed to as a pilot in the Navy to the Corporate environment as a contractor. However, CSCI has that same “Ready Room” environment and the folks that work here are fantastic.
What makes CSCI different than your previous workplaces?
As I previously mentioned, the work at CSCI is similar to the work that I was doing in uniform. The main difference was as a contractor, you don’t speak for the government, but advise and assist them. But the sense of camaraderie that I enjoyed in the military is very much the same here at CSCI.
What do you like best about working at CSCI?
Hands down – the people! I can’t say enough what a tremendous pool of professionals and genuinely good folks that we have here at CSCI.
What is an example of a success story you have had at CSCI? How did you achieve success on that project or endeavor?
First, helping to bring on some of my friends from the Navy/Marine Corps onto the CSCI team – Bart, Arg and Homer. They are a huge benefit to the CSCI and government team that they support.
Second, jumping into the PM role for the JSF MPE Team and helping to positively impact that program. We have grown the team, overcome a bunch of hurdles and challenges, and continue to “make it happen” for our government customer.
What advice would you give to someone looking to pursue a role like yours? Are there specific character traits or skills/certifications someone should possess?
The PM role requires a background in program management which I received from DAU courses and a tour at NAVAIR as the CMV-22 Program Lead. PMP certification is another route to get that experience. That being said, there has been a ton of “on-the-job” learning that I have experienced over the past six months. The following are some of the key lessons:
- Don’t be afraid to ask questions.
- Lean on your team’s experience.
- Ask for guidance and help when needed.
- Work on your people skills – those are critical!
What’s on your playlist when you’re focusing on a project at work and when you travel?
Hmm… That’s a tough one. Kind of depends on my mood. AC/DC, Billy Joel, U2, Imagine Dragons, The Cure, Matchbox Twenty.