By Jake Trybulski, Talent Acquisition

When Jason Panczenko and Maddie Marr open their closets, they see two different uniforms.

One represents their business professional roles at BAE Systems. The other is a set of fatigues, embodying their commitment to a component of our military’s reserves.

Jason is a U.S. Air Force veteran of 18 years and now serves as a reserve Airman. Maddie is an Army National Guard veteran of five years serving as an intelligence analyst.

“The purpose is one of servitude and selflessness. I’m a better soldier and a more effective employee because I understand all sides of the space systems lifecycle–buying the product, development, operations, and sunsetting,” Jason said.

On top of being in the reserves, both Jason and Maddie are part of the Space & Missions Systems (SMS) team helping to pioneer discovery in the final frontier and protect troops through a variety of space solutions.

“The work we do at SMS is exciting because we’re not only on the cutting edge of space exploration, but also on the defense side, and you don’t get that mix at a lot companies,” Maddie said.

Jason (left) and Maddie (right) meet at a Space & Mission Systems facility in Boulder, CO.

Juggling reserve commitments with work and life responsibilities can be a hard balance. Most reservists dedicate at least one weekend each month to drills and complete a two-week training annually. They may also face active-duty deployment when specific tasks require their expertise.

With nearly 20% of BAE Systems’ workforce holding a veteran status, colleagues understand the unique challenges that come with reserve duties as well as military transition.

“I felt like I was in the right spot when I first met a leader of ours. He is also a fellow veteran, and he was still wearing his jump wings. In having jump wings myself, I asked him about his experience and noticed that he was an Airborne veteran. His story was so compelling. I could relate to him, and I felt I belonged here,” Jason said.

Jason operates as a supply chain and subcontracts program manager, responsible for helping to build space systems at an effective cost and meeting contract requirements.

Before joining BAE Systems, he served just over six years of active duty in the U.S. Air Force in various space systems acquisition and operation roles before being honorably discharged in 2013. Just two years later, he rejoined the Air Force in a reserve capacity. Today, as a reserve Air Force Lieutenant Colonel, he is the head officer to the commander for a squadron at an operational location.

“I'm in charge of somewhere close to 350 people and they're doing a real-time operational job that protects our country. My boss supports my service and is fantastic about letting me flex my hours to meet my reserve commitments,” Jason said.

Maddie is a project controls analyst helping to estimate costs and make sure her internal customers stay in budget and within profit margins.

She joined the National Guard becoming an all-source intelligence analyst after a career pivot in 2020, which sparked her passion for national security work and ultimately led her to BAE Systems.

“I love people, I love our country, and I love freedom. And that comes at a price. That's why I joined the military,” Maddie said. “When I was looking for a place to work, BAE Systems wants to protect people and wants to serve people. That’s how I knew this was the place for me.”

There are hundreds of reservists and thousands of veterans across BAE Systems. The company recognizes the sacrifices and accomplishments of the entire military community to provide the security and freedoms enjoyed by all. BAE Systems is proud to offer flexibility and military leave programs for dedicated people like Jason and Maddie to carry out reserve commitments.

Candid shots of Maddie, (left) and Jason (right) at the Space & Mission Systems facility in Boulder.

“They have visibility into the military space and understands what it means. They're very supportive of me,” Maddie says. “It makes my work-life balance so much easier.”

Jason and Maddie may wear two different uniforms, but each represent the same mission of protecting lives and safeguarding national security.

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Looking to continue the mission at BAE Systems? Work with leaders like Jason and Maddie and explore careers at BAE Systems today.

Visit our military and veterans page to explore careers with our military skills translator, learn about our programs and partnerships and connect with our dedicated military hiring team.