Veteran Spotlight: Meet U.S. Army Veteran Chris

Chris is a senior principal contract administrator at Northrop Grumman. 

After joining the Army in April 2000, Chris deployed to Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom from February 2003 – May 2004. He served 14 years as a Soldier attaining the rank of sergeant first class as a Communications section chief. From there, Chris was direct commissioned to Second Lieutenant, Signal Officer in the Signal Corps of the Army Reserves. While serving in the reserves, he completed law school, and, upon passing the California State Bar, he transitioned into the Judge Advocate Corps of the Army Reserves. 

Chris’ 21 years of military experience spans across operations non-commissioned officer in charge, future operations officer, communications chief, systems engineering officer, aide-de-campe, and currently as a trial counsel.

Male soldiers holding rifle in back of military vehicle

How long have you been with Northrop Grumman? How did you hear about us?

I’ve been with Northrop Grumman for a year and a half. I worked for the Department of Defense as a civilian for 15 years, so Northrop Grumman is well known in that field. I came to a career fair in October 2019 and accepted a position as a contracts administrator in December of that same year.

What is your military background?

I first enlisted in the Army in 2000, then was commissioned in 2014 as a Signal Officer, and eventually transitioned to a Judge Advocate Officer in 2020. I have been very fortunate during my period of service. I met amazing people and made life-long friends.

How did your military background set you up for the role you are in now?

Both my leadership experience as a signal officer and legal experience as a Judge Advocate Officer have been instrumental in my day-to-day success as a contract administrator when dealing with the government as a customer. Working with contracts is a legal-intensive field in itself, so having that legal background has been quite useful.

What was your experience transitioning into Northrop Grumman as a veteran?

I transitioned into Northrop Grumman through the Department of Defense SkillBridge Program. I originally came aboard with Triton Master Planning and Scheduling then spent the next three months helping the Talent Acquisition and Veteran Team. From there, I was lucky enough to be picked up by the Global Hawk team.

What do you hope to gain from your new role?

I hope to be able to share my knowledge and experience gained here with future veterans who transition into the Northrop Grumman family. Transitioning out of the military is not a very simple and straightforward task, however Northrop Grumman made it extremely enjoyable and rewarding. And, I am excited to be a part of an organization that cares so much for the veteran community.  

What advice would you give to other veterans interested in a career in Northrop Grumman?

I would 110% encourage them to do so. Northrop Grumman is extremely veteran-friendly and everyone is willing to support and help new hires. There are so many opportunities within the organization for those looking to join the Northrop Grumman family. The camaraderie and team mentality experienced here is an all too familiar feeling that reminds me of the military family I gained throughout my years of service.

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