Favorite Parts Of Working In The Defense Industry As A Co-Founder And CEO
Jorge, as Co-Founder & CEO at Ascender Systems, finds the most enjoyment in the industry from a deep-rooted connection to the RQ-4 drone, "the oldest... unmanned aerial system asset on the planet," because knowing that the work "saves lives" and has a real, global impact on warfighters and allies like Japan and Korea brings immense satisfaction.
Unmanned Aerial Systems, Military Technology, Foreign Military Sales, Leadership, Impactful Work
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Jorge Muniz
Co-Founder & CEO
Ascender Systems
United States Naval Academy United States Naval Academy
University of San Diego - Knauss School of Business University of San Diego - Knauss School of Business Master of Business Administration - MBAMaster of Business Administration - MBA
Engineering, IT, Math & Data
Technology
Strategic Management and Executive
Veteran
Video Highlights
1. Early experience as an end-user of the RQ-4 unmanned aerial system in Iraq, witnessing its capabilities firsthand and recognizing its potential.
2. Current role involves foreign military sales of the RQ-4, extending its impact and utility to international partners like Japan and Korea.
3. Strong belief in the value and life-saving potential of the RQ-4 system for warfighters, driving job satisfaction and a sense of purpose.
Transcript
What do you enjoy most about being in your industry?
For me, the biggest enjoyment came from the fact that this asset, the RQ-4, turns out, if you feel free to Google it, it is the oldest unmanned aerial system asset on the planet. I was one of the first end-users over in Iraq using this asset.
I remember receiving the downlink feed from the air vehicle. The vehicle itself was so classified, I didn't know what it was, but I saw the feed and I said, "This is incredible. This is absolutely phenomenal. Where are we getting this from?"
Twenty-five years later, I am now working on that exact same asset. Now it has transferred from predominantly a US asset to now I'm doing foreign military sales. The lifecycle of the RQ-4 has now gone down considerably. It's going to happen; it's now a very old asset.
But as far as what I enjoy most about this industry, it's that I know it makes a difference, because I know it made a difference to me. And as the individual dealing with Japan, Korea, and getting this asset out there, I know it makes a difference to them and has value.
I know it's useful to the warfighter. I know it ultimately saves lives. And if there's anything that I enjoy most or look forward to, it's knowing that there is value in the work that we do.