Director of Major Business Delivery at Westinghouse Electric Company
Sub skipper trades nuclear boats for nuclear power plants.
By Warren Duffie

When Greg Billy talks about his official separation date from the Navy, he can’t help but laugh a little. He ended his 30-year military career on April Fool’s Day, which could be seen as a bad omen by some.

“I won’t lie,” Billy said jokingly, “I was a little nervous. You don’t want anything to go wrong with your transition.”

On the Job
Looking back, the former submarine captain can breathe easy. No malevolent force or superstition derailed his successful entry into the civilian work force. Billy, 52, works in the nuclear services department of Westinghouse Electric Company – which provides fuel, services, technology, plant design and equipment for the commercial nuclear electric power industry.

Based in Pittsburgh, Billy is the nuclear department’s director of major business delivery, overseeing large-scale projects worth $25 million or more.

“I manage the people doing the work,” he said. “We deal with major repairs and maintenance in nuclear power plants, such as replacing reactor heads. I’m responsible for making sure there are consistent standards and policies for each project.

“The Navy taught me about problem-solving and taking information to decide on a course of action,” said Billy. “That skill comes into play each day at my job.” 

In Uniform
Billy graduated from the Naval Academy in 1981 with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. He attended nuclear power school in Orlando, Fla.; Navy prototype school in Idaho Falls; and the submarine officer basic course in Groton, Conn.

Billy served on seven submarines during his career, including as commanding officer of USS Florida. He also was stationed in Maryland, Italy, New Hampshire and Pennsylvania. Billy’s final assignment was commanding an ROTC unit at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh. 

The Transition
A couple of years before he left the Navy, Billy took serious stock of his professional strengths and weaknesses, and realized he needed more business knowledge if he wanted to find a good civilian job. So he took night courses at the university, completing a master’s in business administration in 2010.

A year before his transition, Billy took TAP classes and began frequenting the career services office at Carnegie Mellon. In addition, thanks to his tenure with the ROTC unit, Billy knew the military outreach coordinator for a local congressman. The coordinator had contacts at Westinghouse and advised Billy to apply. He submitted his résumé and went through several interviews before being hired in January 2011. He officially separated from the Navy in April 2011.

“On my résumé, I focused on my experience in the nuclear and energy fields,” he said. “I also highlighted my leadership and management skills – and my ability to work within diverse, dynamic organizations.

“I wasn’t afraid of civilian life,” he continued. “My time at Carnegie Mellon had prepared me for that. I was more worried, as a senior naval officer, about finding a career that would challenge and fulfill me as much as the Navy. I knew people who became defense contractors and such, but that wasn’t for me. Thankfully, I found out about Westinghouse.”  

Billy’s Advice
Be confident. “It’s easy to be intimidated by the civilian world. Don’t be. Your military experience will help you succeed.” 

Get certified. “Earn any certifications you can while in uniform. They’ll let employers know how valuable you are. For example, I wish I had earned a certification in project management, since that ties into what I do now.” 

Focus on what you can control. “Worry about what your résumé looks like, how you dress and how you answer interview questions. Don’t worry if someone likes you or rejects you. You can’t control those things, so don’t stress over them.” 

Network. “I wish I had spent more time connecting with veterans’ organizations in my area. They can be a very valuable resource.” 

How’d You Get That Job?
A year before his transition, Billy took TAP classes and began frequenting the career services office at Carnegie Mellon. In addition, thanks to his tenure with the ROTC unit, Billy knew the military outreach coordinator for a local congressman. The coordinator had contacts at Westinghouse and advised Billy to apply. He submitted his résumé and went through several interviews before being hired in January 2011. He officially separated from the Navy in April 2011.

What Billy Likes About His Job

• That I can stay in the nuclear field.
• Working in an environment that’s as challenging and stimulating as the Navy.

www.gijobs.com/westinghouse