Engineering Technician at Northrop Grumman
Former Marine corporal helps build innovative Navy aircraft.
By Warren Duffie

A job well done takes many forms – a project completed on time and under budget, an effective sales presentation or unveiling a new product. In Adam Davis’ case, he’s helping to revolutionize warfare.

An engineering technician for Northrop Grumman, Davis is part of a team designing and building the X-47B – a prototype Navy unmanned aircraft that will be the first to take off from and land on a carrier. Davis, a former Marine corporal, works on the aircraft’s “brains,” the circuitry controlling its flight path and memory.

“The aircraft will first be used for reconnaissance and later for air strikes,” Davis said. “We plan to have the X-47B fully operational and in production by 2018. It’s exciting to be a part of this project because it’s the first of its kind.”

On the Job
Based at Northrop Grumman’s Rancho Bernardino location near San Diego, Davis, 26, gets to work at 0500. He convenes with fellow engineers to discuss the day’s goals, followed by the review of pages of wiring diagrams and blueprints. After a shift of soldering complex computer parts and circuits, Davis meets again with his team to evaluate the day’s accomplishments and outline upcoming tasks. He goes home at 1530.

“My workday can be hectic, but the Marine Corps taught me to handle a lot of responsibility at a young age,” Davis said. “I was an aircraft mechanic and had to deal with stressful flight schedules, so I’m well prepared to work in the aircraft and aerospace industry. My military background and discipline help me add a great deal of value to my work and the company.”

The Company
Northrop Grumman is a global defense and technology company whose 120,000 employees provide systems, products and solutions in the areas of information and services, aerospace, electronics and shipbuilding. The company – whose 2008 revenues were $33.9 billion – develops next-generation airborne tanker transports, space radar, long-range strike aircrafts and aircraft carriers, destroyers and cruisers.

Northrop Grumman employees enjoy medical, dental and vision coverage; education assistance; flexible spending accounts; flexible work schedules; telecommuting options; life insurance; 401k, savings plans and a pension program; and long-term disability, accidental death and dismemberment coverage.

More than 25,000 employees have experience in uniform. In 2005, Northrop Grumman launched its Operation IMPACT program, which helps severely disabled service members find career opportunities within the company. It’s like an internship during which they can receive their active-duty pay, have on-the-job training at Northrop Grumman and line up a job before their discharge. Northrop Grumman also has been named a Top Military Friendly Employers® by G.I. Jobs for two consecutive years.

In Uniform
A native of Chase City, Va., Davis didn’t see much opportunity in his rural hometown. He didn’t want to work on a farm and watched as many of his friends enlisted in the military. In 2005, he joined the Marines.

“I realized that the war on terror was something the United States would be engaged in for a long time,” Davis said. “I wanted to be part of this important time in our nation’s history, so I enlisted in the most challenging and respected branch of the service.”

After boot camp at Parris Island, Davis completed aircraft mechanic school at Pensacola and Camp Lejeune. He later deployed to Al Anbar Province, Iraq, to work on CH-53 Super Stallion helicopters.

Though Davis doesn’t talk much about his injury, he said a massive explosion erupted near him. He was sent to Balboa-Naval Medical Center San Diego for a 14-month recovery.

At Balboa, Davis made use of his barracks’ Career Transition Center, which helped service members craft résumés, attend transition classes and learn about post-military career opportunities. He met a Northrop Grumman representative who told him about the Operation IMPACT program. Intrigued by the aerospace industry, Davis signed up, worked part time at the Rancho Bernardo location and received a job offer just before his April 2008 separation date.

Transition and Acclamation
“I was really nervous my first day on the job,” Davis said. “I really wanted to impress my coworkers and perform at a high level. The nice thing is that there are a lot of military veterans on site. They did all they could to put me at ease and make me feel comfortable. It’s like a family.”

Aside from a much larger salary, Davis enjoys Northrop Grumman’s saving and investment options, educational assistance and opportunities for advancement. Because Davis is 60 percent disabled, the military covers his health care.

“I plan to use my GI Bill benefits and Northrop Grumman’s educational assistance to get my degree,” he said. “I’m motivated to succeed here. I was lucky enough to come home from Iraq. I won’t take that for granted. Life is too precious.”

Davis’ Advice
Be persistent. “You have to put forth a lot of effort and research to find a good job out of the military. Be prepared to work hard before and after you find a job.”

Have a solid résumé. “If necessary, have someone review it for you.”

Do your research. “Before signing on with a company, learn about it. Make sure it’s a right fit for you.”