Career Path of a Project Manager at United Launch Alliance

Back in college at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, I studied industrial technology with a focus on packaging. I also earned three minors.

I initially started in environmental management, but changed my major after my first year to industrial technology to open up more career options. While in college, I juggled three jobs: two part-time roles as a warehouse technician and in fast food, along with a position as a retail salesman.

On top of my jobs, I participated in Army ROTC at Cal Poly. This involved officer training three to four times a week, with field exercises once a quarter. Because I switched majors after my freshman year, I essentially reset my degree path and had an additional four years of study. I condensed this into the remaining three years by taking six to eight classes per quarter, which meant I didn't get much sleep.

I graduated and was commissioned on the same day in 2018. Shortly after, I married my wife, whom I met at Cal Poly. After a brief honeymoon, we were activated and sent to Fort Lee, Virginia, for my initial training. We spent about six months there, living in a hotel room while I completed my lieutenant officer training.

Following that, I was stationed at Fort Hood, Texas, from roughly 2018 to 2023. During my time at Fort Hood, I held many different roles and found myself in a very senior position early in my career, about five years ahead of schedule. I learned to rely on my non-commissioned officers for guidance and support.

I was quickly recognized as a top performer, receiving my first number one ranking for my work. This fast-tracked my career in the Army. I then moved into a platoon leader position, leading about 25 soldiers through COVID-19. My leadership and management during that time were effective, and I maintained high metrics, making the period productive.

This success led to me being promoted about six months earlier than expected. I then became an operations officer and executive officer, leading a company of about a hundred people for 18 months. This was my most educational job, involving seven-day weeks and 18-hour days. I learned a great deal through difficult lessons and failures, but continued to rely on my team and build trust.

Out of 26 companies, ours was ranked number 26 when I started. By the time I left, we had risen to number one, and I received another number one ranking. This led to me being selected to lead a higher echelon headquarters company as my final role in the Army.

Around this time, I decided to leave the military. The physical toll of the lifestyle had become significant. My last job, while the company remained effective, led to burnout. After completing that role for about eight months, I transitioned out of the military.

I utilized a DOD Skillbridge program, which is designed to help transitioning service members find civilian employment. The Department of Defense assisted me in conducting about 43 interviews with various companies, including Google, Tesla, and Microsoft. It was an amazing experience to have such prominent companies reach out to me.

I received several offers from across the country. My wife and I had a goal to return to California, where we had two children and wanted to be closer to grandparents. Unfortunately, we couldn't find a suitable job in California that would allow us to afford a house.

United Launch Alliance (ULA), which manufactures and launches rockets for NASA, Space Force, and NRO, reached out. Working with rockets was a childhood dream of mine, so I accepted their offer. After considerable discussion, my wife and I decided to move to Alabama.

I now live in Huntsville, Alabama, and work at the Rocket Factory in Decatur. I was initially hired as a project manager and oversaw several significant projects. The company is currently undergoing a major transformation. I quickly became a high performer there, and as of a few months ago, I was placed on a fast track. I am now the Chief of Staff to the Vice President.

I've recently had my third child and am currently navigating life at this point. I'm looking to slow down a bit.