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Nicole, Lead Systems Engineer at Government Contractor: Advize Career Interview

A career journey fueled by continuous learning and a desire to make a real impact is embodied by this Lead Systems Engineer at Booz Allen.

Starting with a systems engineering degree and a business minor, they leveraged an internship into a full-time role, now driving digital transformation for the Navy.

A typical day involves coordinating diverse teams, translating technical jargon for leadership, and contributing to strategic decision-making while pursuing an MBA to expand skill sets.

Key skills include communication, adaptability, and emotional intelligence, essential for navigating the complexities of government contracting.

The most rewarding aspects of this role involve streamlining workflows, shaping team understanding, and bringing consumer-focused innovation to high-impact missions.

Despite the slow pace of the government space, opportunities abound to drive change and make a difference. Thriving requires detail orientation, adaptability, and people skills to navigate ambiguity and build trust. The advice?

Embrace adaptability, prioritize clarity in communication, and say yes to opportunities to develop both hard and soft skills, setting a student up for success in this dynamic and impactful field.

Advizer Information

Name

Job Title

Company

Undergrad

Grad Programs

Majors

Industries

Job Functions

Traits

Nicole Giunta

Lead Systems Engineer

Government Contractor

Virginia Tech

University of San Diego | MBA

Engineering - Industrial

Government

Strategic Management and Executive

Honors Student, Worked 20+ Hours in School

Watch all of this Advizer's videos below

Career Path of a Lead Systems Engineer at Booz Allen

Nicole, a Lead Systems Engineer at Booz Allen, studied systems engineering with a business minor at Virginia Tech, which led to an internship and then a full-time role at Booz Allen post-graduation; fueled by "an itch to learn more about business," Nicole is currently pursuing an MBA at USD while continuing to grow a career in systems engineering.

Main Responsibilities of a Lead Systems Engineer at a Government Contractor

As a Lead Systems Engineer, Nicole supports the Navy's "digital transformation efforts," helping teams modernize their use of agile methodologies and new technologies. This role is a mix between a stakeholder, process improvement expert, and technical solution alignment specialist, bringing systems engineering best practices to teams to align them with strategic goals.

A Day In The Life Of A Lead Systems Engineer At A Government Contractor

As a Lead Systems Engineer, "a typical day... involves a lot of coordination," including facilitating working sessions to align developers and business leads, and acting as a translator between technical teams and leadership. Outside of work, Nicole expands skill sets with an MBA, focusing on projects involving startups, consumer research, and international business strategy, all of which complement their ability to "solv[e] the right problems in the right ways from a technical and strategic perspective."

Most Important Skills for a Lead Systems Engineer at a Government Contractor

For a Lead Systems Engineer at a Government Contractor, "strong communication and adaptability are really key," especially when working with cross-functional teams, but emotional intelligence and the ability to "build trust, read the room, and facilitate momentum" are invaluable for understanding diverse stakeholders' needs and bridging communication gaps between teams.

Favorite Parts Of Being A Lead Systems Engineer At A Government Contractor

As a Lead Systems Engineer, what Nicole enjoys most is "the translation piece," making complex technical concepts understandable and facilitating improved workflows for teams. Brainstorming in strategy sessions to define the right questions and shape the team's understanding of value also brings great satisfaction to Nicole in this role.

Biggest Challenges Faced By a Lead Systems Engineer at a Government Contractor

As a Lead Systems Engineer in government contracting, the biggest challenge is the slow pace and restrictions inherent to the space, stemming from red tape, regulations, and budget cycles; however, this also provides opportunities for "suggested improvements and driving change within the client space," despite the frustration of waiting for approvals.

Favorite Parts of Working in Government Contracting as a Lead Systems Engineer

Nicole, a Lead Systems Engineer at a Government Contractor, most enjoys working on "high impact missions" for the Navy that directly affect the war force, and appreciates that the scale of the systems has provided great experience; moreover, bringing innovation to a typically "slower moving" space and focusing on "consumer-focused work" to make experiences better and more intuitive for everyday people is especially rewarding.

What Type Of Person Thrives In The Government Consulting Industry, According To A Lead Systems Engineer At A Government Contractor

Nicole, a Lead Systems Engineer at a Government Contractor, believes those who thrive in government consulting are "detail oriented, adaptable," and "comfortable navigating ambiguity" because clients often don't know what solutions they need; therefore, being "process driven" and "people savvy" by tailoring communication styles is critical to success.

What A Lead Systems Engineer As A Government Contractor Wishes They Had Known Before Entering The Government Contracting Industry

Nicole wishes someone had warned them about the delayed gratification inherent in government contracting, noting that the impact of a project might not be seen for years, or the funding could be pulled unexpectedly, requiring a quick shift in focus. A key takeaway is to avoid getting "too married to a solution" and instead embrace adaptability while consistently driving change and adding value.

Entry-Level Positions For Aspiring Lead Systems Engineers At A Government Contractor

Nicole, a Lead Systems Engineer, suggests that analyst roles such as "business systems engineering" or strategy-focused positions are a great entry point, along with program coordinator or junior consultant roles at companies like Booz Allen Hamilton, which offer opportunities to learn project management, stakeholder engagement, and problem-solving skills "learned on the job" that are invaluable for navigating large organizations.

Significant Career Lesson From a Lead Systems Engineer at a Government Contractor

As a Lead Systems Engineer, one significant lesson Nicole has learned is that "clarity drives momentum," especially concerning the requirements of a solution. Articulating "the why and the pain points behind the work" leads to faster alignment, more confident decisions, and easier tracking of the impact, making clarity crucial for problem-solving and project success.

College Experiences That Helped a Lead Systems Engineer at a Government Contractor Succeed

Nicole attributes success in the Systems Engineering career to saying "yes to a lot of opportunities outside of the classroom," such as leadership roles and volunteer work, which developed vital soft skills like presenting and leading teams. A technical internship with Booz Allen was also crucial, as it pushed Nicole to work collaboratively on ambiguous problems, forcing the discovery of hard and soft skills and understanding how to "bring the most value" to a large corporation.

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