STR Career Growth & Development

What makes yours a dream company to work for? What do you get to do that you didn’t at other companies? What perks do you see as the most beneficial?
In my opinion the factors which make STR a dream company are leaders who empower you to do your best, a company and culture that actually want to hear your thoughts and will listen if you have a concern, and a dedication to solving hard problems. While STR may have perks like free coffee and snacks, that is not what makes a company great. It’s the willingness of people at all different levels to come together and work as a team to deliver a lasting impact on the programs we execute. 

Unlike other organizations, STR really puts a focus on respecting people’s work-life balance and doesn’t expect people to regularly work crazy hours. They truly understand that sometimes things happen and family should come first. Outside of the perks that STR offers their employees — from the free snacks and coffee at each site, the family summer gathering, winter soiree and summer food truck events — they also really invest in building an awesome IT team. Not only have I felt like a valued member of the team, but I know that even if I hit a technical issue, the IT team will be there to help in a very timely manner.

What do you think helped you land the job? Were you able to bring any special expertise or project experience that your employer found valuable?
I think that there were three main qualities that helped me land the job: a fundamental understanding of the concepts required for the role I applied for; adaptability — an ability to communicate how I could adapt my understanding of the concepts to apply to broader applications; and excitement to speak with anyone and everyone about my area of expertise. While not a completely unique area of expertise, systems engineering and more specifically model-based systems engineering, along with an understanding of how to work and adapt the concepts to align with customer needs, expectations and experience, has hopefully been a skill set that has been a value-add to STR.

What do you think helps engineers move up quickly or be the top pick for a competitive employer? What should engineers seek out if they hope to move up or be hired by their “dream” company?
I think that the qualities that enable engineers to move up at a competitive employer are aligned with what engineers should seek out if they want to move up or be hired at their dream company. A willingness to learn, ask questions and listen to others are three key attributes that can enable engineers to move up or be a top pick for competitive employers. When you are able to demonstrate these key attributes, it shows that you want to continue to grow and work together to elevate the team rather than just trying to elevate yourself at the expense of the rest of the team. 

At the same time, if someone wants to grow in their career, they should look for teams and companies that are willing to teach, listen and adapt. Teams and companies that can demonstrate these attributes to their employees set the culture that allows it to be OK to ask questions, to provide constructive feedback and to learn. These are the types of organizations that allow people to try new things, to step outside of their comfort zone and to move up and grow their career.