News & Insights

Tell us about your career path.

After attending college and studying mechanical engineering, I immediately joined the Army, operating and working with combat vehicles. During my 22-year military career, I had the privilege to work with disciplined, skilled individuals from all walks of life.

My current role at Salas O’Brien is my first long-term job as a civilian. I was interested in the company because I knew I could continue to impact the federal government and its missions. Here, I’m able to leverage my experience in the federal government from a contracting perspective to help set the company up for success. Much like the military, I now work alongside people who take pride in what they do.

Is there a particular project you take pride in?

I can’t think of any bigger, more impactful project than the ongoing Armor 1 project.

Armor 1’s ultimate goal is to use robotics and automation to reinforce the levees along the Mississippi River from the southern tip of Illinois to the Gulf. This project will protect millions of people living in population centers along the river, hundreds of millions of acres of farmland in the flood zone, and the national economic security of the United States.

The U.S. is the only country in the world to maintain a river within its current channel with this type of advanced technology, and Salas O’Brien is the prime contractor.

How does Salas O’Brien support veterans like yourself?

Salas O’Brien is a great employer for veterans.

I’ve had an outstanding time working with Salas O’Brien, and we as service members truly feel supported. Programs like Veterans for Impact offer opportunities for veterans to get together not only to share our past experiences but also to create an impact within the company, the communities around us, and our fellow service members.

We also have a program called Hiring Our Heroes, which has been a great success. Through the program, we help transitioning service members or their spouses with job opportunities. Most individuals who enroll in the program are able to transition into full-time team members, which has been rewarding both for Salas O’Brien and for the employees who ultimately become part of the team.

What does the tagline “engineered for impact” mean to you?

Engineered for impact is about having as positive an impact as possible on society in general and the communities in which we live.

Can you share a fun fact about yourself?

I have inspected Russian intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) as part of the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START) nuclear reduction treaty.