We value the skills and contributions of our Military Veterans. Their unique experiences in the military have contributed to the success of the programs they support at Northrop Grumman.
We're proud to introduce one of our many Northrop Grumman veterans. Get to know him—you may end up working side by side.
Name: Patrick, Manager, Coastal Warfare and International Programs
Branch of service: United States Coast Guard, retired Captain
Years of service: 30 years
Education: Bachelor's Degree in Marine Engineering, United States Coast Guard Academy, Master's Degree in Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering and Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan
How did you learn about Northrop Grumman?
Throughout my military career I had the opportunity to interface with many good people in the defense industry and worked with some in great detail. Those relationships grew over the years and led me to pursue a position with Northrop Grumman.
What is your position and how did your military service fit into your current career?
In my current position, I work mainly in Coast Guard customer relations, business development and international business development. In the Coast Guard, I spent the first half of my career as a naval engineer where I had alternating tours on shore and at sea. Early on, I served on two large cutters as an engineer and worked as a port engineer at several shore stations, supervising maintenance and repair contracts for anything from ice breakers to trailerable small boats. In my second half of duty, I was part engineer, commanding the Project Resident Office in Marinette Wisconsin, where we built the 225 Buoy Tenders. I was also part administrator, where I developed the requirements for all new Coast Guard assets and part ship driver. I commanded a high endurance cutter out of Honolulu doing patrols in the Bering Sea. For my last duty station, I commanded the first National Security Cutter, BERTHOLF, out of Alameda, Calif.
What background/education/experience was helpful in obtaining a position with Northrop Grumman?
Without a doubt, I got my current job as a result of my background and education – there's no substitute for a good education and there's no education like good work experience. While job hunting I did extensive business research on the companies that I thought Id like to work for and networked with every contact I knew– because of some of the fine people I met during my extensive time with Northrop Grumman, I was certainly biased towards working here.
How was your transition from military life to your civilian career?
I left BERTHOLF at the end of May 2009 and Michelle, my wife and I drove across country with our three cats in the car. We took our time and went through all the national parks in the southwest. Apart from it being an unforgettable experience, it was a great decompression time and on July 13, 2009, I started working at Northrop Grumman. I got used to not wearing the same thing every day during that period and believe it or not, that was the major change for me. I think what made it smooth was that every good organization has a defined structure with established procedures; it also has a highly competent workforce in place to achieve its goals –Northrop Grumman is no exception and therefore the transition was fairly easy.
Do you continue to serve in the reserves, and if so, how has that worked in blending the military and civilian life?
After serving for 30 years on active duty, the Reserves are not an option.
What made you decide to go into this field?
Ive always been in, on or near the water in work and in leisure, so I wanted to do something that kept me in the marine field. After living on BERTHOLF for a year and seeing first-hand what an exceptional ship it is, I was drawn to work for the company that builds its class.
Any advice for soon-to-be veterans who may want to chose this career field?
The best advice anyone can give to any job seeker is to go after something you really want to do. Don't pick what others might consider a great job if you arent going to be happy in it – it wont be a great job. I was fortunate enough to get a great job that does make me happy, so I would encourage job seekers to look at all the possibilities available to them.
What are your best three transition tips for soon-to-be veterans?
Do your research, prepare yourself well for interviews and network – your best job leads will come from a good network of contacts.