MANAGEMENT ON THE MOVE

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Job Of The Week!

Product Sales Manager (Maritime Defence)

Salary: Competitive Location: Dorchester

Job Description:

ATLAS ELEKTRONIK UK develop, supply and support cutting-edge maritime technology for customers worldwide. Based in Winfrith Newburgh, Dorset, they work closely with the UK Royal Navy and global customers to create products which protect lives at sea. Due to continued success and expansion we are now looking to recruit a Product Sales Manager within the Surface Ships division. The Product Manager is responsible for development and upkeep of Ships Division Products, developing relationships with existing and new Customers both in the UK and Internationally, ensuring the retention of existing business and identifying and pursuing new opportunities to meet the Division’s order intake targets. Key Responsibilities Managing existing and developing new products Delivering to agreed sales targets Growing the future sales pipeline both in the UK and Export Market Managing authorised bidding budgets Inputting to the future sales strategy and product requirements Ensuring the sales process is implemented and followed Driving standardisation and reuse strategy within the sales opportunities

The Product Manager within the Surface Ship Systems Division will be responsible for product and bid management activities within the Division in either the Mine Countermeasures, Unmanned Systems / Modular Workboat, Anti-Submarine Warfare or Surface Ship Torpedo Defence dependent on relevant domain expertise. Knowledge, Skills and Personal Qualities Required Proven experience in domestic and international markets Able to integrate and play a leading role within the sales team Broad range of capabilities (bidding, direct selling, marketing, business development) Track record of success in large bids Hard working, dedication and goal driven Can lead and manage teams to deliver large complex bids Has domain expertise and an existing Customer network within the UK MOD and/or overseas relating to any of the following product lines: Uncrewed Surface Vessels (USVs) and Workboats Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) Surface Ship Torpedo Defence (SSTD) Torpedo Detection Classification and Localisation(TDCL) Mine Countermeasures (MCM) Surface Ship Signature Management (Signature Ranges) Port and Harbour Security Key Accountabilities Product strategy development Sales capture and pursuit Leading bid proposals Sales target delivery as agreed with Head of Product Development Behavioural Requirements Highly motivated, enthusiastic and delivery focused Innovative and prepared to challenge conventional thinking Tenacity and determination; with desire to deliver outputs and results Team player and leader Confident and enthusiastic Excellent communication skills; oral and written Ability to articulate ideas to both technical and non-technical audiences Comfortable dealing with Senior Management

This is a very exciting time to join the business and offers the opportunity to work with a stable business with genuine careers opportunities and the chance to work on some of the industries leading projects.

LOCATIONS

LAND

11 Feb 21. Expansion project for NIOA facility hits new milestone. The main timber structure of NIOA’s new headquarters in Brisbane has been assembled in “record time”. Construction firm BESIX Watpac has set up the main timber structure for Queensland-based defence company NIOA’s expanded facility in Brisbane.  According to BESIX, the five-storey building was constructed in “record time”.

“Because all the provisions for services are pre-cut at the factory, we had to do a lot of groundwork with the shop drawings to make sure everything was right so when the panels arrived onsite, they were right to go up,” BESIX Watpac site manager Ben Rowlands said. “We’re really proud of the way it’s come together.”

NIOA CEO Robert Nioa said developers ensured the expansion project caused minimal disruption to work undertaken in the existing facility.

“We’ve got an operating site here, it’s very busy, so this product, the innovation in this product, was about reducing disruption and minimising the time on site,” he said. “The Watpac team has been wonderful to deal with, very professional team, certainly hitting all of our schedule, and working with our team.”

Architect and principal at Kirk, Dr Andrew Magub, lauded the design of the expanded structure.

“We think this will become a new typology of office buildings, column free space, smaller floor plates, but stacked vertically,” he said. “We’re anticipating from the research we’ve seen that this timber building will produce a better work environment than a traditional office environment.”

The expanded Brisbane facility — built using Australian-grown and manufactured Glue Laminated Timber beams and Cross Laminated Timber panels — joins the Rheinmetall NIOA building in Maryborough as the first in Queensland to be built from local material.

Hyne Timber and XLam supplied the sustainable engineered product sourced from plantation grown timber.

Rob Mansell, technical sales representative for XLam, commented, “It’s great for our employees who manufacture the engineered timber see their work coming together for an exceptional office space for the future.” (Source: Defence Connect)

MARITIME

08 Feb 21. Philippine Navy’s second José Rizal-class frigate leaves South Korean shipyard. The Philippine Navy’s (PN’s) future BRP Antonio Luna guided-missile frigate left the facilities of South Korean shipbuilder Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) in the southeastern coastal city of Ulsan on 5 February, en route to the Philippines. The 107.5 m-long warship, which is the second of two José Rizal-class multirole frigates built for the PN, is expected to arrive five days later at Subic in the Philippines, where it will be formally commissioned following mandatory Covid-19-related testing and quarantine of the crew. The vessel (with pennant number FF 151) was handed over to the service a month ahead of the contractual delivery date of 6 March 2021, said the PN, adding that HHI provided “additional equipment and sustainment items, more training activities, and ship-design improvements, which are over and above its contractual obligations”.

PN Rear Admiral Alberto Carlos, who was part of the Philippine team that cleared the frigate for acceptance and delivery following an inspection process held in late January in Ulsan, was quoted as saying that HHI’s “goodwill gesture has an estimated value of USD7.4m.”

The vessel, which was launched in November 2019, completed sea acceptance trials off Ulsan on 18 December 2020. First-of-class José Rizal (FF 150) was launched in May 2019, and formally entered service in July 2020. (Source: Jane’s)

AIR

10 Feb 21. US Navy begins F-35B work-up for Italy. The US Navy (USN) has begun land-based test flights ahead of sending a Lockheed Martin F-35B Lighting II Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) detachment to the Italian Navy (Marina Militare Italiana: MMI) short take-off and vertical landing (STOVL)-configured aircraft carrier ITS Cavour.

The first US Marine Corps (USMC) Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX)-23 ‘Salty Dogs’ pilot from the F-35 Patuxent River Integrated Test Force (ITF) at Naval Air Station (NAS) Patuxent River, Maryland, began STOVL training in early February.

“This Field Carrier Landing Practice (FLCP) flight training is integral to preparing pilots for the ITF test team’s detachment to the Italian Navy aircraft carrier Cavour scheduled between February and March,” the USN said. “During carrier-based flight tests, also known as sea trials, ITF members with engineering and test pilot expertise and experience will gather data that will verify compatibility between the ‘fifth generation’ fighter aircraft and the Italian naval fleet’s flagship. This information will contribute to certifying the ship for the Italian Navy’s operation of its own F-35Bs, the key weapon system of the carrier.” (Source: Jane’s)

09 Feb 21. Boeing’s First Japan KC-46 Tanker Takes Flight. First KC-46 for an international customer completes successful first flight Japan Air Self-Defense Force scheduled to receive tanker this year. The first Boeing [NYSE: BA] KC-46 tanker destined for the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) took to the skies on its maiden flight yesterday. This successful flight highlights an important milestone as the aircraft now transitions into the certification phase of development.

“This is an exciting milestone for the JASDF and Boeing,” said Jamie Burgess, KC-46 program manager. “Japan is getting closer to receiving the most advanced air refueling tanker in the world.”

Japan is the KC-46 program’s first international customer and is scheduled to receive its first jet this year.

“Boeing’s KC-46 and its robust defensive systems will play an invaluable role in the security alliance between our two countries,” said Will Shaffer, president of Boeing Japan. “This tanker’s ability to carry cargo and passengers also makes it a critical tool to support humanitarian relief efforts across the Pacific region and beyond.”

The KC-46 refueling certification encompasses U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps and JASDF aircraft. The U.S. Air Force awarded Boeing a $279m contract for the JASDF’s first KC-46A tanker in December 2017. The agreement was completed through the Foreign Military Sale process between the U.S. government and Japan. Japan is now on contract for a total of four KC-46 tankers.

Boeing is assembling KC-46A aircraft for both the U.S. Air Force and Japan on its 767 production line in Everett, Washington. Boeing’s Japanese partners produce 16% of the KC-46 airframe structure.

08 Feb 21. 1st 5th Generation F-35 Welcomed to BAE Systems Australia. The first F-35 Joint Strike Fighter arrived at BAE Systems Australia’s Williamtown facility recently and was officially welcomed at an event today. The aircraft was welcomed by Prime Minister Scott Morrison, Minister for Defence Linda Reynolds, Minister for Defence Industry Melissa Price, Chief of Air Force Air Marshal Mel Hupfeld and BAE Systems Australia Chief Executive Officer Gabby Costigan.

BAE Systems’ Williamtown facility is the Southern Pacific Regional F-35 Heavy Airframe Depot and will support F-35 aircraft in the region for the next three decades. An initial team of 32 highly skilled F-35 technicians has been recruited to provide airframe maintenance and sustainment for the Depot.

The group has received a mix of training both in the US and alongside Royal Australia Air Force maintenance technicians at RAAF Base Williamtown ahead of sustainment work moving to the company’s adjacent facilities.

Maintaining and sustaining the F-35 will create around 360 new direct jobs for BAE Systems Australia over the next 10 years, develop a specialist supply chain of around 76 SMEs and contribute some $70m to GDP by 2025.

As part of the ramp up to support F-35 sustainment, the company recently recruited 25 former Jetstar technicians, who lost their jobs due to the impact of COVID-19 on the commercial aviation industry.

This arrival of the first F-35 reflects the exceptional partnership and collaboration between the Australian Government, industry partners, and the F-35 Joint Program Office team.  The first of 72 F-35A aircraft arrived in Australia in 2018.

BAE Systems has provided fast jet maintenance and upgrades to RAAF aircraft from its Williamtown facility for almost three decades. The new role builds on the company’s heritage of fixed wing and rotary aircraft sustainment across Australia.

BAE Systems Australia Chief Executive Officer Gabby Costigan said, “It is a privilege to contribute to this exciting global program.

“We look forward to delivering a critical maintenance capability, and continuing to partner with the RAAF, the Department of Defence, Lockheed Martin and Defence industry to support the global F-35 program. Importantly, this new work will deliver a real boost to this region through new jobs and opportunities for local businesses.”

BAE Systems has been awarded assignments by the F-35 Joint Program Office for the Regional Airframe Maintenance, Repair, Overhaul and Upgrade (MRO&U), various Regional Component MRO&U and the Regional Warehouse. (Source: ASD Network)

03 Feb 21. Leonardo Celebrates the AW139 Helicopter’s 20th Anniversary of its 1st Flight.

• A sales champion with 1,200 sold, 1,100 delivered, 3 million flight hours
• In-service since 2004, the AW139 has become the most important helicopter programme in the world’s industry in the last two decades
• More than 280 customers in over 70 countries use the AW139 for all kinds of missions in all environments
• The type’s outstanding capabilities have constantly grown over the years to meet evolving market requirements and the AW139 remains unmatched in its category

Leonardo celebrates today the 20th anniversary of the AW139 helicopter’s maiden flight. The first aircraft took to the skies from the Company’s facility in Cascina Costa di Samarate, Italy on 3 February 2001. The helicopter flew for 45 minutes checking initial airworthiness tests, hovering, lateral and forward flight, handling qualities and subsystems. This soon confirmed the impressive characteristics and the smoothness of the new model and its performance and capabilities were to become a new market benchmark, making it the most important helicopter programme in the last two decades at an international level.

The AW139 intermediate-twin engine 7 tonne boasts orders of almost 1,200 units from more than 280 customers in over 70 countries on all continents. The aircraft has shown extraordinary levels of reliability and operational capabilities with more than 3 million flight hours recorded since the first delivery took place at the beginning of 2004. Data of use testifies the extreme versatility of the AW139 which satisfies any market need: approximately half the world’s fleet for public utility tasks such as search and rescue and air ambulance, law enforcement, fire-fighting, disaster relief and military duties. The rest account for a leading position in its class in the offshore transport sector, plus VIP, institutional and corporate transport as well as other civil missions. The AW139 fleet has a global presence: around 30% in Europe, almost as much in Asia and Australasia, 15% in the Americas, followed by the Middle East. The international success of the AW139 is so important that to meet market demands the helicopter is produced on different assembly lines both in Italy, in the Vergiate plant, and in the United States in Philadelphia which has delivered around 30% of all units to date. The US Air Force will soon introduce the AW139-based Boeing MH-139 to replace the UH-1N fleet.

The AW139 has grown significantly over the years, adapting to the changing needs of customers. The maximum take-off weight increased from 6.4 to 7 tons. Almost 1,000 mission kits and equipment have been certified. With advanced protection systems against icing, the AW139 can fly in all-weather conditions. This model is also the only one in the world capable of continuing to fly for over 60 minutes without oil in the transmission, twice as much as the 30 minutes set by certification authorities. In 2020 new distinguished features for the avionics suite were introduced including synthetic vision, Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning System with offshore modes, improved 2D maps and wireless data loading, increasing crew situational awareness and reducing workload for operations at night or in marginal weather. Despite the experience and maturity achieved in almost 17 years of operational activity, the AW139 remains a young and modern programme, destined to play a leading role into the future. The AW139 truly embeds all areas of excellence and leadership in its field at Leonardo such as transmissions and dynamics, system integration and customization, best in class performance, mission versatility, latest safety standards and a comprehensive range of increasingly localised customer support and training services and solutions, developed and grown to allow customers worldwide to maximise the capabilities of the type.

The aircraft of choice in its class against which all existing and newcomers are measured, the AW139 also represents a turning point in the rotary-wing sector through the introductory concept of the Leonardo “helicopter family”. The AW139 is, in fact, the forefather of a helicopter family comprising of the smaller and lighter AW169 and the larger and heavier AW189. Models, the only case in the world, that share the same design philosophy, the same high performance, the same flight characteristics and the same certification standards, as well as the same approach to maintenance and training. A concept that allows operators with large diversified fleets, with models ranging from 4 to 9 tons of weight, to create significant synergies in crew training, flight operations, maintenance and logistics support. (Source: ASD Network)

PLANT CLOSURES, JOB LOSSES AND STRIKES

10 Feb 21. Bill would cut over 100,000 DoD jobs. New legislation would require the Department of Defense to cut its civilian workforce by 15 percent by 2025, a move that would result in the elimination of over 100,000 federal jobs based on current numbers.

The bill, introduced by Rep. Ken Calvert, R-Calif., Feb. 9 and titled the Rebalance for an Effective Defense Uniform and Civilian Employees Act, would enable the secretary of defense to use voluntary separation and early retirement incentives to encourage that reduction in the coming years.

But that voluntary grace period would be short lived, as the bill mandates that the secretary must initiate involuntary separations by October 2021 if the 15 percent reduction is not met voluntarily. The proposed legislation would only impact civilian employees, not uniformed service members.

According to Office of Personnel Management separation data, on average between 2015 and 2019, just under 82,000 employees left DoD jobs each year, meaning that a standard year’s departures without any new hires would not be enough to voluntarily have the agency meet the 15 percent reduction.

The civilian Senior Executive Service positions at the agency would also be capped at 1,000, and all workforce caps would remain in place until 2029.

In an interview, Calvert said he expects a flat defense budget under President Joe Biden, and while he’s open to “responsible reductions,” he’s averse to cutting uniformed personnel. He believes he can accomplish the cuts through attrition and not firings.

“Like everything else in government, personnel is your biggest cost, and the civilian-to-uniform ratio … is an all time high,” Calvert said. “Our inability to correct that trend is is eating away at our military, our procurement our readiness, all the above, and so we need to do this.”

There are currently around 1.3 million active-duty military personnel and over 768,000 federal employees working across the DoD components.

The legislation is based on a 2015 report produced by the Defense Business Board, which recommended that the DoD could save significant funds by reducing back-office bureaucracy and waste over the course of five years.

That document recommended pushing a modest early retirement option and limiting the backfill of positions that become vacant due to attrition and retirement.

That report was ultimately buried by agency leadership at the time, though a December 2016 Washington Post investigation uncovered the report and fears within the Defense Department that its contents would cause Congress to cut defense budgets.

According to the report, using retirement and attrition at the DoD to reduce the workforce would result in approximately $46bn in savings for the agency. The remaining $79bn in savings could be realized by making changes to federal contracts and IT practices.

Calvert’s bill, though purported to save the full $125bn promised in the DBB report, only directly addresses the proposed workforce reduction.

The Washington Post article notes that the Army, for example employed approximately 199,661 full-time contractors at an average cost of $189,188 per contractor at the time of the report.

At that same time period, the Army employed 253,225 civilian federal personnel, nearly 83 percent of whom made less than $100,000 per year, according to Office of Personnel Management employment data.

Adding on the $36,795 in benefit costs per federal employee — as determined by Cato Institute Director of Tax Policy Studies Chris Edwards using 2015 Bureau of Economic Analysis data — only around 2 percent of civilian Army employees cost the agency as much as the average contractor.

“The legislation seeks to give the secretary of defense the mandate and the tools necessary to implement cost saving measures without being overly prescriptive,” a spokesperson for Calvert told Federal Times, adding that it, “if made permanent, would affect the contracts and IT support needed within the department required to meet the full $125bn. This force shaping measure would allow the secretary of defense the discretion to implement many of the measures included in the report, as well as weight performance more heavily to ensure we keep the best and brightest of our civilian workforce.”

The American Federation of Government Employees said in a February 2019 letter opposing an earlier version of the bill that the civilian job reduction objectives not only ignored the cost of contractors when compared with DoD employees, but also ignored several more recent government and industry analyses that emphasized the importance of the current civilian workforce in accomplishing military objectives.

“For any given level of military end strength, the amount of force structure available for operational warfighting requirements it reduced to the extent that military are siphoned off to perform functions that civilians can and should perform at less cost,” the letter states.

An AFGE spokesperson also noted that sections of fiscal year 2021 funding legislation and defense authorization, “prohibit reductions of the civilian workforce without regard to impacts on readiness, lethality, military force structure, stress of the force, operational effectiveness and fully burdened costs.”

Calvert’s counterpart on the House Defense Appropriation Subcommittee, Rep. Betty McCollum, D-Minn., also worried over the impact on talent retention at the agency:

“Ranking Member Calvert and I have discussed his proposal to reduce defense spending by cutting the civilian employee workforce. His proposal could lead to some of the most talented and committed DoD public servants losing their jobs. While we agree there is excess defense spending, my focus is on making smart investments that yield demonstrable outcomes by cutting waste and ending subsidies for outdated and unnecessary programs and facilities. In my view, the existing Department of Defense civilian workforce is mission critical to ensuring our national security.”

Calvert said he is open to cutting contracting costs, in partnership with McCollum.

“I understand the growth in contracts, and that’s a problem too,” Calvert said. “I don’t think we’ve really looked at some of these contracts as closely as we should … and I think we ought to go out with an open mind.”

The bill is unlikely to gain White House support either, as President Joe Biden has promised both before and after his inauguration to protect federal workers from the kinds of removals proposed under the Trump administration and to encourage more qualified personnel to start government jobs. (Source: Defense News)

MILITARY AND GOVERNMENT

PERSONNEL

11 Feb 21. Australia streamlines employment assistance process for ADF partners. The Partner Employment Assistance Program has been revised to enhance access to benefits for partners of ADF personnel. Defence has announced changes to the Partner Employment Assistance Program, in a bid to streamline access to up to $1,500 for partners of ADF personnel seeking employment support. The changes include the provision of virtual job search preparation workshops, greater access to employment support and enhanced access to job opportunities in their new posting location.

Defence has also revamped the application and approval processes, enabling eligible partners to complete their application online before receiving support within 48 hours of being approved.

“Military life can present challenges for families, particularly around employment opportunities for ADF partners who may have to leave their employment due to postings or when and ADF member is medically transitioning,” Minister for Defence Personnel Darren Chester said.

Minister Chester noted that over 300 partners were supported through the program in 2020, adding that Defence will be better equipped to provide assistance to more applicants in 2021.

The government has also committed to providing support for professional re-registration costs in addition to the $1,500 employment services support limit. (Source: Defence Connect)

EUROPE APPOINTMENTS

11 Feb 21. Change of Her Majesty’s Ambassador to Tajikistan: Tim Jones. Mr Tim Jones has been appointed Her Majesty’s Ambassador to the Republic of Tajikistan in succession to Mr Matthew Lawson who will be transferring to another Diplomatic Service appointment. Mr Jones will take up his appointment during September 2021.

Curriculum vitae

Full name: Timothy Aidan Marschall Jones

Married to: Dr Christin Marschall Jones

Children: Two

Dates

Role

2013 to 2020

Berlin, First Secretary Economics, later Senior Economic Policy Advisor

2008 to 2013

Brussels, Principal Advisor, EU Counter-Terrorism Coordinator, later Global Issues and Counter-Terrorism, European External Action Service

2006 to 2008

Lille, Consul General

2003 to 2006

FCO, Head of Operations, IT Strategy Unit

2003

FCO, Rapid Deployment Team Coordinator, Consular Division

1999 to 2002

Yerevan, Her Majesty’s Ambassador

1996 to 1999

Tehran, Deputy Head of Mission, later Chargé d’Affaires

1994 to 1995

Mostar, Press and Liaison Officer, WEU Police Mission, EU Administration

1992 to 1994

FCO, Permanent Under Secretary’s Department

1988 to 1992

The Hague, Second Secretary

1987 to 1988

Vienna, Member of the British Delegation to the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe

1984 to 1986

FCO, Assistant Desk Officer, Western Europe Department

(Source: https://www.gov.uk/)

U.S. APPOINTMENTS

08 Feb 21. The Defense Department’s glass ceiling is cracking: Kathleen H. Hicks was confirmed by the Senate as the 35th deputy secretary of defense late yesterday. Hicks, a career civil servant who started at the Pentagon as a management intern in 1993, returns to a department buffeted by COVID-19 and looking to counter near-peer competitors. She will work with Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III to “operationalize” the strategy to counter the “pacing challenge” posed by China and the increased threat from a resurgent Russia. During her confirmation hearing at the Senate Armed Services Committee, Hicks said she looked forward to working “alongside women and men — civilian and military — who dedicate their lives to our national defense. They are my colleagues and friends, and I could not be prouder at the prospect of serving with them once more.”

Hicks is coming to the job after serving as the senior vice president and Henry A. Kissinger Chair at the Center for Strategic and International Studies — one of the preeminent Washington think tanks. Hicks holds a Ph.D. in political science from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a masters from the University of Maryland’s School of Public Affairs. She received her undergraduate degree magna cum laude from Mount Holyoke College in Massachusetts.

In her previous Pentagon assignments, Hicks served from 2009 to 2013 in policy offices. In 2012, the Senate confirmed her as the principal deputy undersecretary of defense for policy where she was responsible for advising the secretary of defense on global and regional defense policy and strategy pertaining to such areas as the Asia-Pacific and Persian Gulf regions, Syria and Europe. Before that she served as deputy undersecretary of defense for strategy, plans and forces, leading the development of the 2012 Defense Strategic Guidance and the 2010 Quadrennial Defense Review and crafting guidance for future force capabilities, overseas military posture, and contingency and theater campaign plans.

Austin will oversee a global posture review in the coming weeks. Hicks said she would help translate the rhetoric of strategic competition into the reality of execution.

China is foremost in her mind because China’s military modernization is worrisome. “Armed conflict between the United States and China is not desirable, and it is not inevitable,” she said during the confirmation hearing. “The U.S. military plays a critical role in preventing that outcome. Even as we stand ready today, we must modernize our concepts, capabilities, workforce and budget for deterrence to endure.”

Dealing with near-peer competitors requires allies and partners and Hicks will work to reinvigorate this outreach.

Hicks will also assist Austin in bringing enduring, consistent focus to Total Force health and quality. “We must root out violent extremism, systemic racism, sexual assault and harassment, and other inhibitors to readiness, and this is a matter of readiness,” she said. “We will not be able to attract and retain the world’s finest force, one that represents our democracy, if we cannot hold accountable those who threaten its viability from within.” (Source: US DoD)

09 Feb 21. New Officials Sworn-In at the Department of Defense. The following individuals have been sworn-in virtually or in-person from Jan. 21, 2021, through today, Feb. 9, 2021.

•  Lloyd Austin, Secretary of Defense
•  Magdey Abdullah, Attorney Advisor, Office of the General Counsel, Department of the Navy
•  Brittany Albaugh, Special Assistant to the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Manpower & Reserve Affairs
•  Ramona Campbell, Confidential Assistant to the Secretary of Defense
•  Michael Chase, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for China
•  Tarun Chhabra, Senior Director for Technology and National Security (NSC)
•  Mieke Eoyang, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Cyber Policy
•  Taylor Ferrell, Deputy General Counsel (Environment and Installations)
•  Alice Friend, Deputy Chief of Staff to the Deputy Secretary of Defense
•  Kathleen H. Hicks, Deputy Secretary of Defense
•  Mitchel Hochberg, Special Assistant to the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Legislative Affairs
•  Emily Horne, Senior Director for Press and NSC Spokesperson, Office of the Assistant to the Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs (NSC)
•  Kimberly Jackson, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Readiness, Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel & Readiness
•  Carrie Kagawa, Special Assistant to the Secretary of Defense (Personnel & Readiness / Military Services)
•  Mara Karlin, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs
•  Jessica Kosmider, Research Assistant, Office of the Assistant to the Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs
•  Laura Kupe, Special Assistant to the Deputy Secretary of Defense (Governance)
•  Louis Lauter, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Legislative Affairs
•  Jack Murren, Special Assistant to the Deputy Secretary of Defense
•  Halimah Najieb-Locke, Special Assistant to the Deputy Secretary of Defense (Chief, Acquisition, Technology & Logistics)
•  Roderick Owens, Special Assistant to the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Legislative Affairs
•  Radha Iyengar Plumb, Chief of Staff to the Deputy Secretary of Defense
•  Sameer Punyami, Special Assistant to the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and Low Intensity Conflict
•  Lisa Sawyer, Special Assistant to the Secretary of Defense
•  Jay Shannon, Special Assistant to the Assistant Secretary of the Army (Civil Works), Department of the Army
•  Ezra Stoller, Speechwriter, Office of the Assistant to the Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs
•  Dana Stroul, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Middle East
•  Ryan Uyehara, Special Assistant to the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs
•  Carlie Waibel, Chief of Staff for the Assistant to the Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs
•  Daniel White, Special Assistant to the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Strategy, Plans, and Capabilities
•  Rheanne Wirkkala, Special Assistant to the Secretary of Defense (Strategy)
•  Brent Woolfork, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense (House Affairs)
•  David Zikusoka Special Assistant, Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Space, Office of the Under Secretary of Defense (Policy)
•  Adil Ahmed, Attorney Advisor, Office of the General Counsel, Department of the Army
•  Terry Adirim, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs
•  Scott Arceneaux, Special Assistant for White House Liaison Office
•  Patricia Barron, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Military Community and Family Policy, Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness
•  Susanna Blume, performing the duties of Director, Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation
•  Tanya Bradsher, Senior Director for Partnerships and Global Engagement
•  Melissa Dalton, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Strategy, Plans and Capabilities
•  Morgan Dwyer, Senior Advisor to the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering
•  Beth Foster, Senior Advisor, Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness
•  Beth George, Principal Deputy General Counsel
•  Ozge Guzelsu, Deputy General Counsel (Legislation)
•  Storm Horncastle, Residential Manager and Social Secretary of the Vice President
•  Brian Katz, Special Assistant to the Under Secretary of Defense (Intelligence & Security)
•  Jongsun Kim, Deputy Comptroller for Budget and Appropriations Affairs, Office of the Under Secretary of Defense  (Comptroller)
•  John Kirby, Assistant to the Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs
•  Kelly Magsamen, Chief of Staff to the Secretary of Defense
•  Christopher Maier, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations / Low Intensity Conflict
•  Farouk Ophaso, Senior Advisor, Office of the Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller)
•  Ely Ratner, Special Assistant to the Secretary of Defense (China)
•  Eric Ridge, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Strategy and Force Development
•  Max Rose, Special Assistant to the Secretary of Defense (Senior Advisor, COVID-19)
•  Tommy Ross, Chief of Staff to the Secretary of the Navy, Department of the Navy
•  Leonor Tomero, Deputy Assistant Director for Nuclear and Missile Defense Programs
•  Veronica Valdez, Special Assistant to the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs
•  Matthew Williams, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Senate Affairs

(Source: US DoD)

INDUSTRY

INDUSTRY TEAMINGS

08 Feb 21. Magellan Aerospace and General Electric Aviation Canada Sign Memorandum of Understanding for F414 Engine Sustainment in Support of Boeing Super Hornet Bid for Canada Future Fighter Competition. Magellan Aerospace Corporation (“Magellan”) announced today the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”) with General Electric Aviation Canada (“GE Canada”) for the purpose of exploring an arrangement whereby GE Canada would support Magellan in establishing and delivering a Canadian-based sustainment solution for the GE F414-GE-400 engine, which powers Boeing’s F/A-18 Block III Super Hornet fighter jet. This initiative is in support of Boeing’s proposal to provide the Block III Super Hornet as a solution for Canada’s Future Fighter Capability Project (“FFCP”). Under this MOU, with the selection of the Super Hornet for the FFCP, GE Canada and Magellan would develop an appropriate and competitive sustainment solution for Canada which would provide all aircraft engine sustainment services for the Royal Canadian Air Force (“RCAF”) on their F414 engine fleet. The in-country depot level sustainment support for the engines includes onsite maintenance, repair and overhaul (“MR&O”) support services, technical services, and engineering support and would be performed in Magellan’s facility in Mississauga, Ontario for the life of the program. This engine sustainment work for Magellan aligns with the objectives outlined in Canada’s FFCP ITB requirement and will continue to provide high-value, high-complexity jobs in Ontario, Canada.

GE Canada and Magellan have an enduring and mutually successful relationship that has spanned more than five decades. Magellan’s Mississauga facility currently provides engine R&O and fleet management services for the F404 engine that powers Canada’s existing fleet of CF-18 Hornet aircraft and is an approved source for F404 and J85 engine repair. Magellan’s North American facilities, including Mississauga and Winnipeg, provide components for the F414 new engine manufacture and other GE engine programs. Magellan also has a longstanding relationship with Boeing and provides aircraft components to Boeing for all major programs including the F/A-18 Block III Super Hornet.

“Providing engine and fleet maintenance support for the RCAF is part of the DNA of Magellan’s Mississauga facility,” said Haydn Martin, Vice President of Business Development, Marketing and Contracts of Magellan Aerospace. “Magellan has been the sole provider of RCAF jet fighter engine support since the 1950s and our workforce takes pride in helping Canada’s air force achieve the highest standards of flight and operational readiness.” (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)

PERSONNEL

09 Feb 21. Apply now for 2021 apprenticeships at Dstl. With roles across cyber security, software engineering, explosives and more, this is your chance to become part of the science inside UK defence and security. Each year the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) opens its doors to invite a new batch of apprentices to join our world-class experts in delivering cutting edge science and technology.

Our 2021 apprenticeship roles are now live, with vacancies in a range of operational, scientific and technical roles including:

• Electronic Engineering Technician (Advanced Level 3)
• Business Administrator (Advanced Level 3)
• Associate Project Manager (Higher Level 4)
• Commercial Procurement and Supply (Higher Level 4)
• Cyber Security Technician (Higher Level 4)
• Facilities Manager (Higher Level 4)
• Digital and Technology Solutions: Software Engineer (Degree Level 6)
• Embedded Electronics Design and Development Engineer (Degree Level 6)
• Ordnance, Munitions and Explosives (Degree Level 6)

Apply now

Find out more about our apprenticeship schemes, including salaries and other benefits, and apply now at https://dstlapprentices.co.uk/ (Source: https://www.gov.uk/)

10 Feb 21. More than 40% of young people put their career plans on hold due to pandemic.

• Young people identify continuous learning, a good salary and stability as key priorities
• Engineering and technology and digital are among the top industries which young people believe hold the best long-term career opportunities, in light of the pandemic
• Almost two thirds (63%) of young people have or would consider an apprenticeship

More than 40%[1] of young people aged 16-24 surveyed in the UK say they are putting their career or education plans on hold until the pandemic is over. The research, commissioned by BAE Systems to mark National Apprenticeship Week (8-14 February), looks at the impact the pandemic has had on the ‘lost generation’ and their career aspirations.

Facing the toughest job market since the 2008 recession, a fifth (21%)[2] say they are even more confused about their career path, with 20%[3] of respondents also stating the industry they had wanted to work in has been deeply impacted.

MOTIVATIONS

When asked what matters most to them in a career, almost a third (31%) of young people said continuous learning and the ability to develop their skill set is an important factor, reinforcing the need for flexible training and skills development, as set out by the government in its recent FE White Paper. Whilst wanting to earn a good salary (41%) topped the chart, jobs that provide stability and routine (30%) and a career that is future-proofed (25%) are key areas of concern.

Respondents had clear views on the skills that they think will be most important to support their future long-term career plans, with ‘soft’ skills ranking among the highest, including communication (35%), problem solving (31%) and team work (30%).  With the pandemic highlighting the critical role of healthcare and education professionals, these industries came out top with young people believing they hold the best long-term career opportunities. Interestingly, nearly a third of respondents said the opportunity to make a difference to the world (30%) is important to them in a future career.

The top seven industries for long-term career opportunities are:

1. Healthcare (31%)
2. Education (20%)
3. Finance (14%)
4. Technology & Digital (13%)
5. Engineering (13%)
6. IT (11%)
7. Science (11%)

LOOKING TO THE FUTURE

With more than half of young people (51%)[4] now placing more importance on their career as a result of the pandemic, many are looking at what options are available to them when looking to enter the job market. Almost two thirds (63%) said they have or would consider an apprenticeship, of which, four in ten (41%) cited gaining experience in the working world as a key driver.

Richard Hamer, Education and Skills Director at BAE Systems, said: “It’s clear that currently, the path for young people looking to enter the job market is extremely tough. The ramifications of the Covid-19 pandemic are far reaching and have left students with greater uncertainty about their future. That’s why it’s important that those of us who can, must continue to create new opportunities for young people, working hand in hand with the government and wider industry, to make available options known to young people.

“Apprenticeships play a significant role, providing people with the necessary skills to work in highly specialised and technical industries. Through on-the-job learning of practical skills, the opportunity to work alongside industry professionals and the provision of support at every step of their training, apprenticeships can offer an entry into a long-term and successful career.”

Ben Marson, Director of Partnerships at The Prince’s Trust, said: “The pandemic continues to negatively affect young people’s employment prospects. At The Prince’s Trust, we know from our own research the impact unemployment can have on young people’s mental health and overall future. Our recent Youth Index report found that 60% of young people say that getting a new job feels “impossible now” because there is so much competition and 23% saying they don’t feel confident about their future work. It is absolutely crucial that we work with our corporate partners like BAE Systems to provide opportunities for young people to gain the skills and confidence for work, so they do not lose hope for their future.”

Louise Fairclough, a first year Chartered Management Degree Apprentice with BAE Systems, said: “I joined the Company in January, having gone through the virtual recruitment process. Since then, I have been working from home and feel that despite the pandemic, my career has got off to a fantastic start. I have already had the opportunity to contribute to projects, including the Learner Voice survey which collects feedback from apprentices and helps the business to make informed decisions with regards to the running of its apprentice induction programme.

“I would recommend doing an apprenticeship, both to school and college leavers as well as anyone thinking about retraining. There are a wealth of opportunities provided right from the get-go and I have received a huge amount of support from the Company.”

BAE Systems recently announced it will recruit more than 850 apprentices and 400 graduates in 2021, the highest intake in a single year.

The Company has doubled the type of apprenticeship programmes on offer to more than 50, including options to study up to degree level. Opportunities are available in a variety of roles including accountancy, human resources, electronic systems design, software development, joinery and mechanical fitting. With almost 10% of its current apprentices aged 25 and over, the programmes also offer a wide range of opportunities for people looking to retrain.

The apprenticeship application window is open until 28 February 2021. For more information about the Company’s early careers opportunities or to apply, visit: baesystems.com/earlycareers.

[1] Statistic (43%) combines respondents that selected ’strongly agree’ and ‘somewhat agree’ for ‘I am putting my career/education plans on hold until the pandemic is over’.

[2] 21% of respondents selected ‘I wasn’t sure on my career path and now I’m more confused’ when answering ‘Which of the following statements best applies to you in relation to how your career aspirations have changed in the last year, as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic?’.

[3] Of the respondents who think the Covid-19 pandemic will have a negative impact on their short and/or long-term future career prospects, 20% noted ‘I wanted to work in an industry that has been deeply impacted by the pandemic’ when asked why they think the Covid-19 pandemic will have a negative impact on their short and/or long-term future career prospects.

[4] Statistic combines respondents that selected ‘much more importance’ or ‘somewhat more importance’ to the question ‘How much more or less importance do you place on your career as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic?’.

EUROPE APPOINTMENTS

05 Feb 21. Digital Concepts Engineering Ltd (DCE) has appointed Dr Geoff Robins as Non-Executive Chairman. Geoff brings his senior business experience with a proven track record in leading, managing and advising complex organisations across a wide range of regulated and technology sectors. With a background encompassing engineering consulting and business solutions, Geoff has served on the Board of Atkins UK where he led the international defence, aerospace and communications portfolio. In 2015, Geoff was appointed as the Transformation Director for the UK MOD’s Defence Equipment & Support organisation, which is responsible for the acquisition of equipment and support capabilities for the UK Armed Forces. In 2019 Geoff was appointed Transformation Director for UK Research and Innovation, a non-departmental government body responsible for funding of research and innovation. Since 2020, Geoff has been an independent Non-Executive Director and strategic advisor. Geoff holds a 1st Class Honours degree and PhD in Physics from Liverpool University. DCE is a UK Midlands based SME which provides robotic solutions to increase productivity and save lives. DCE specialises in the development of robotic control systems, unmanned ground vehicles and related technologies including autonomy, position-navigation and timing systems, communications solutions and novel payloads. DCE works with businesses ranging from one-man operations through to governments and global PLCs to rapidly deliver high quality, innovative solutions to some of the most challenging problems in defence, nuclear and healthcare fields.

09 Feb 21. Tony Sexton appointed as Group Sales Director of Nasmyth Group. Nasmyth Group announced the appointment of Tony Sexton as Group Sales Director. Tony joined Nasmyth Group in 2007 as Managing Director of IEC and has more recently held the position of Director of Systems and Defence for both the Nasmyth IEC and Nasmyth CE businesses. In his new position, Tony will develop a new integrated, global sales and marketing focus for the Nasmyth Group’s UK engineering businesses and those in the USA, India and the Philippines. The Group has exciting opportunities for new and more established business across a range of customers and programmes in sectors including Aerospace, Space, Defence, Energy etc. Tony will lead Nasmyth’s sales, business development and strategic teams to ensure the Group successfully interfaces with global customers and partners and secures this business as we return to a sustained growth phase. Tony will also lead the development of the Group’s digital sales and marketing tools as the world rebuilds from COVID-19.

U.S. APPOINTMENTS

11 Feb 21. AMETEK, Inc. (NYSE: AME) today announced that its Board of Directors has appointed Karleen Oberton as a new director of the Company. Ms. Oberton serves as Chief Financial Officer of Hologic, Inc. (NASDAQ: HOLX), an innovative medical technology company primarily focused on improving women’s health and well-being through early detection and treatment systems. Joining Hologic as Vice President and Corporate Controller in 2006, Ms. Oberton has since held roles of increasing responsibility within the company’s finance function. In 2014, she was named Corporate Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer and in 2018 was elected Chief Financial Officer. Prior to joining Hologic, Ms. Oberton served as Senior Corporate Controller for ImmunoGen, a biotechnology company developing targeted anticancer therapeutics. Earlier in her career, Ms. Oberton held leadership positions at Ernst & Young and Arthur Andersen. (Source: PR Newswire)

11 Feb 21. BlueHalo welcomes seasoned leader, Katie Selbe, to the role of Chief Operating Officer (COO). Selbe brings to this role a wealth of industry knowledge and a proven track record of leading large organizations with operational excellence. BlueHalo will rely on Selbe’s extensive experience leading diverse portfolios of programs and solutions to sustain and enhance its mission of providing industry leading capabilities in the domains of Space Superiority and Directed Energy, Air & Missile Defense and C4ISR, and Cyber and Intelligence. As COO, Selbe will serve as a key member of the senior executive leadership team and be responsible for day-to-day program execution and organic expansion companywide. (Source: PR Newswire)

11 Feb 21. Coalfire Federal, a leading cybersecurity services provider to the federal government and Defense Industrial Base (DIB), today announced the appointment of Stuart Itkin to the position of Vice President CMMC and FedRAMP Assurance. The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) framework was created to address the ongoing theft and unauthorized access to Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) by foreign adversaries through the enforcement of good cyber hygiene and best practices. The DoD announced the first contracts with CMMC requirements in December, which will affect 1,500 primes and subcontractors in 2021.  In time, all 300,000+ organizations within the DoD’s supply chain will need to certify at the CMMC Maturity Level defined in their governing contract. (Source: PR Newswire)

09 Feb 21. Virgin Galactic Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: SPCE), a vertically integrated aerospace and space travel company, today announced the establishment of its Space Advisory Board.

The Virgin Galactic Space Advisory Board will provide advice to senior management as the company moves forward to open space for the benefit of all. The Space Advisory Board, composed of leading experts from the aerospace sector, will be a resource as the company starts commercial spaceflight service and develops next generation vehicles. The Space Advisory Board will also serve as a forum to discuss technical and operational best practices, and provide awareness of opportunities in commercial, civil and government-related markets.

The Space Advisory Board members announced today are:

• Chris Hadfield – Decorated astronaut, engineer, and test pilot who served as commander of the International Space Station. He has flown to space three times, to the International Space Station and the Russian Space Station Mir. He has performed two spacewalks and flown over 100 types of aircraft. He was NASA’s Chief CAPCOM, the voice of Mission Control to astronauts in orbit, for 25 Space Shuttle missions, and served as chief of International Space Station Operations at the NASA Johnson Space Center.
• Dr. Sandy Magnus – Former NASA astronaut and deputy chief of the Astronaut Office, with three flights to space including a long duration mission on the International Space Station. Dr. Magnus is a member of NASA’s Aerospace Safety Advisory Board and has served in leadership roles at the Department of Defense and the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA).
• Dr. David Whelan – Chief-Scientist of Cubic Corporation, having previously served as Chief Scientist, Boeing Defense, Space and Security and director of DARPA’s Tactical Technology Office. Member of the National Academy of Engineering, former member of the Defense Science Board and the Air Force Scientific Advisory Board.
• George Whitesides – Chairman of the Space Advisory Board and Chief Space Officer, Virgin Galactic. Prior to joining Virgin Galactic, George served as the Chief of Staff of NASA.
•  Michael Colglazier, CEO of Virgin Galactic, said: “We are excited to welcome these talented space professionals, as initial members of the Space Advisory Board. They each bring incredible depth, experience, and insight, and together they will help us drive our mission forward.’’

Chris Hadfield said, “As an astronaut, I know the profound personal impact of spaceflight, and the opportunity it gives for exploration and self-awareness here on Earth. Virgin Galactic is opening that door of opportunity to many, and I am honored to serve on the Space Advisory Board to help make that happen.”

Dr. Magnus stated, “The movement to open access to space for a broader group of people is a part of the natural evolution in the development of human spaceflight. I am excited to be a part of the next steps in that effort!” Dr. David Whelan added, “To be part of the team that brings people to space and the frontiers that lie ahead is an incredibly exciting opportunity.”

George Whitesides shared, “I am excited to chair the Space Advisory Board alongside leading experts in the aerospace industry as we explore and pursue opportunities in commercial, civil and government-related markets. This Space Advisory Board will assist senior management with the mission of opening space for all, and I am honored to be a part of this journey.”

10 Feb 21. Voyager Space Holdings, Inc. (Voyager), a global leader in space exploration, today announced the appointment of Marian Joh to the company’s Board of Directors. Joh joins esteemed industry experts National Security Expert and four-star Air Force General William Shelton, leading investor Gabe Finke, world leading planetary scientist, Dr. Alan Stern, and former undersecretary of technology Dr. Cheryl Shavers. Joh will serve as an advisor to Voyager as the company moves closer to its overall goal of delivering any mission humans can conceive.

Joh joins Voyager on the heels of another recent appointment: in January, the company added noted public company director Dr. Cheryl Shavers to its Board. This continued momentum follows Voyager’s record-breaking 2020, which included the announcement of its intent to acquire X.O. Markets and its largest subsidiary, commercial space services provider, Nanoracks. Additionally, Eric Stallmer was tapped to lead Voyager’s East Coast expansion as Executive Vice President. (Source: PR Newswire)

REST OF THE WORLD APPOINTMENTS

11 Feb 21. Héroux-Devtek Inc. (TSX: HRX) (“Héroux-Devtek” or the “Corporation”), a leading international manufacturer of aerospace products and the world’s third-largest landing gear manufacturer, today announced the appointment of Mr. Didier Evrard as Director of the Corporation. A 40-year European aerospace veteran, Mr. Evrard most recently served as Executive Vice President and Head of Programs at Airbus Commercial Aircraft, a position he held for nearly five years. In this capacity, he was responsible for all civil aircraft programs, ensuring their profitability and leading product policy. In the eight years prior, Mr. Evrard was Head of the A350 XWB Program, overseeing the technical and industrial development of this iconic family of wide-body aircraft. Between 2002 and 2007, he acted as Program Lead at defence conglomerate MBDA. Didier Evrard graduated from the École Centrale de Lyon in 1975 and from the Sup’Aero Aerospace Engineering School in 1976. (Source: PR Newswire)

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