Sylvia's Story: Continuous Learning in Weapon Systems
When systems engineer Sylvia first started with Textron Systems nearly three years ago, she suffered from imposter syndrome. “[I] was afraid to bother people with ‘silly’ questions,” she says. Today, she recognizes the strength in using your teammates, mentors and those around you as a valuable resource for information.
In her current role, Sylvia oversees design, development, integration and testing of various systems and technologies. “It’s helpful to think of me as the bridge between the technical experts—software engineers, mechanical engineers, and electrical engineers—and the end user,” says Sylvia. Day-to-day, she’s busy defining system requirements, analyzing how different components interact, leading risk assessments and validating that the final product meets its performance goals.
Working at our Wilmington, Mass. site on the Weapon Systems team, Sylvia helps create defense solutions that are reliable, efficient and mission ready. She emphasizes that the products she’s working on today will have lasting impacts for years to come. “We are developing cutting-edge technology that will be admired in the future by the next generation of engineers.”
Finding a Culture of Continuous Learning
Despite experiencing hardships when she first started, Sylvia explains that Textron Systems’ culture has been instrumental in her professional growth, saying, “the culture at Textron Systems encourages growth, with fantastic mentors who are always willing to share their knowledge and guide you in fields you’re passionate about. It’s inspiring to work alongside some of the brightest minds, pushing the boundaries of innovation while learning something new every day.”
By being a part of hands-on projects, she’s had the opportunity to tackle complex challenges that helped expand her technical expertise and problem-solving abilities.
Additionally, Sylvia says the alternate work schedule has been a game-changer for her work-life balance. “For me, the schedule promotes a healthier balance between professional commitments and personal life without compromising productivity.”
Advice to Future Engineers
Reflecting on her time with Textron Systems so far, Sylvia says it’s critical for systems engineers to understand that the industry is rooted in adaptability and problem-solving. “Systems are constantly evolving to meet new challenges, incorporate emerging technologies, and address shifting user needs, which means engineers must remain agile and open to learning,” she says.
For those looking at joining the Textron team, she recommends highlighting experiences that required on-the-job learning to show adaptability to changing environments.
As for Sylvia, she’s looking forward to gaining more knowledge and experience to further her development. “Being part of a team that values both personal and professional growth makes Textron Systems an incredible place to build a career.”
To learn more about current opportunities at Textron Systems, visit our careers page and see how you can help us keep Pushing Past Possible™.