Meet Scot, a Noblis chemical engineer. Throughout his career, Scot has supported clients that span the  DoD and the armed services on key engineering, research and development and lifecycle assessment initiatives. Read below to learn more about his background and impact on military sustainment, as well as his contributions to the Noblis Sponsored Research (NSR) program.

What is your background and career experience?
Scot’s career spans years of experience in chemical engineering and project management supporting the military. “I have been supporting DoD or other services, such as the Army or the Air Force from day one,” he said.

His experience has largely included industrial pollution prevention and sustainment, which involves maintaining weapons systems and reengineering processes to be more environmentally friendly and cost effective.

“Sustainment efforts have a major impact on maintaining the warfighter’s edge. We’re ensuring that our military’s critical weapons systems are kept in working condition. That’s crucial to sustaining the readiness of a strong fighting force.”

Currently, he works in the Noblis San Antonio office as a Principal Environmental Engineer, which encompasses both technical and business development roles, including a special study developing a strategy for the elimination of cadmium and hexavalent chromium for the DoD and lifecycle assessment work in support of the Air Force.

What is your favorite part about your job?
Scot’s favorite part of his job is working on his current research, a special study on the elimination of cadmium and chromium on behalf of the DoD’s Environmental Security Technology Certification Program.

You work as part of the Defense & Homeland Security mission area. How has supporting the Defense mission enriched your career, and what has been your biggest accomplishment?
According to Scot, the chance to do things that range from basic research to installing equipment has been excellent for his career progression. He sees the instances where his technical findings have influenced client strategy as his major career highlights.

“Providing accurate research and consultation on issues that help keep America’s warfighters safe is the most satisfying accomplishment,” Scot said. “Providing something to our warfighters who risk their lives for us is such a great thing to be part of. Stepping back and looking at the bigger picture allows me see the real change my efforts are making for our nation.”

What do you think gives Noblis an edge in the industry, as it relates to the Defense mission?
According to Scot, Noblis’ reputation makes the biggest difference in comparison to other players in the industry. “We have smart and capable people that can come in and solve the hard problems that other organizations are having trouble with,” said Scot. “We’re constantly providing high-level strategy recommendations from a mission-oriented point of view. We consider the impact on our clients foremost and always.”

The Noblis Sponsored Research program is also a big Noblis differentiator, from Scot’s point of view. “The NSR program intersects our internal technology and capabilities with real-world federal challenges, which helps us anticipate and plan for the future. Seeing that intersection come together and pay off, keeps us bringing new and fresh innovations to our clients.”

What is some advice you would give to aspiring Engineers working in the Defense Industry?
The most important thing, according to Scot, is to master the ability to “think like an engineer” and learn how to solve problems effectively. “It’s essential for engineers to know how to apply their knowledge to solving complex, real-world problems,” Scot said.

Second, he stresses the importance of getting involved in your organization. Involvement fuels opportunities and the chance to make a difference.“Constant networking and keeping up on industry trends is something that will take you far,” explained Scot. “Try to learn about what those around you are working on. I went from managing one smaller-scale project to working on a six-million-dollar initiative and beyond. Being at the right place at the right time can be a game-changer, but you need to show up to get those opportunities.”

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Scot currently serves as the Principal Environmental Engineer in the Defense & Homeland Security mission area, responsible for fulfilling roles in technical leadership, project and program management, and business development. He holds a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Texas at Arlington.