By Ernesto Penaloza, Principal Quality Engineer

In 2008, I was working in Phoenix, Arizona, in BAE Systems’ Protections Systems organization, helping produce body armor and T-11 parachutes for the U.S. Army and U.S. Navy.

These products protected our soldiers, so they had to work every time, with no exceptions. I remember telling the operators who were assembling the body armor to ensure that all of the layers were accounted for. I encouraged them to think about the product’s quality should it end up being used by one of their loved ones.

Sadly, as the company’s contract was reaching its end, I was nervous there wouldn’t be enough work to sustain my job in the long term. I was the sole provider for my family, and I had two little kids at home. So, I decided to leave BAE Systems in January 2011.

I quickly landed a contract job as a quality manager at a solar company for two years. Then in 2012 I picked up my family and moved to Illinois to work for a global automotive company. After that, I moved back to Arizona in 2014 as a senior quality engineer for an aerospace supplier, where I stayed until October 2021.

Over these years my children grew. In 2020, my son, who had joined the U.S. Air Force, was deployed overseas. He experienced the stressors of war and shared his experiences wearing his body armor, and the way he felt protected because of it. His stories made me remember my days at BAE Systems.

Over the years as my career continued to evolve, I kept BAE Systems on my radar. I wanted to go back and be able to experience working for such a great company again; a place where you love going to work every single day and are treated with respect and recognition.

And then, it happened. Last year, I saw an opening advertised on LinkedIn for an engineer position at the BAE Systems Electronic Systems site in Austin, Texas.

Since my previous experience with the company was so positive, I decided to give it a shot and apply. I wanted to be part of a company with a good reputation. The benefits and work flexibility were another plus.

I interviewed, received an offer, and I rejoined BAE Systems in October 2021. I am now in quality support for the APKWS® laser-guidance kit program, serving as a liaison between our suppliers and operations function.

My son is now a staff sergeant and air traffic controller in the U.S. Air Force, and he is serving our country with honor and distinction. Working here, I feel that I am helping protect my son and his fellow service members.

My family was the reason why I explored different career opportunities in 2011, but family is the same reason I returned to BAE Systems. I’m committed to our mission – We Protect Those Who Protect Us®. If you're also inspired by our mission, I encourage you to explore career opportunities with us today!