SSAI In The News

Join us as we shine a spotlight on the incredible talents, stories, and contributions of our amazing Science Systems and Applications, Inc (SSAI) Black employees during this Black History Month. Get ready to be inspired!

Mike Jones is a graduate in electrical engineering from Morgan State University. He has had a wide range of experience in engineering, especially in the United States Department of Defense (DOD) community ranging from systems engineering, network engineering, and cyber security compliance. Mike has a passion for humanity and the collective brain trust coming together to solve complex problems in our world. Mike noted, "Working together across multiple disciplines to find solutions for complex problems was a dream come true."

Also, Mike took time to share his thoughts further below regarding his career and SSAI:

What drew you to SSAI, and how does the company's mission resonate with you personally?

Coming from my background, I was an electrical engineer by trade at Morgan State University. As I graduated, I pivoted to more of the systems engineering side where I did a lot of things with software and network engineering, and it was more in the DoD contracting space. It was very refreshing to come across an opportunity where I could see our projects that I saw that had a positive impact on humanity. Along with the multiple disciplines that NASA brings from the engineering side, it was a no-brainer in my opinion and I looked at it as a dream job. I found a great opportunity where there was actually a difference being made from the environmental perspective, as well as from humanity, as we travel through space.

What factors have contributed to your decision to work at SSAI, and how does the company support your professional growth and development?

First and foremost, being part of a smaller company, rather than a large mega-contractor firm, has given me the unique opportunity to connect not only with the owners but also with managers across various projects. This access has been invaluable, allowing me to gather insights and perspectives from senior-level management beyond my specific tasks. At SSAI, this mentorship culture is ingrained, fostering an environment conducive to growth. I'm thrilled to be here—it's a rare opportunity I've yet to encounter elsewhere.

Can you share a specific project or initiative at SSAI that you're particularly proud of? How has it contributed to your sense of fulfillment and impact within the organization?

Although I'm still relatively new here, witnessing the PACE launch and closely interacting with team members directly involved in it has been incredibly enlightening. Observing it from a management perspective has highlighted the extensive planning and resource management required, particularly under time constraints. Despite the occasional stress, seeing the end product has been immensely fulfilling due to its profound impact on society. It's a far more rewarding experience compared to other contractor roles, and I'm eager to be part of similar projects in the future.

Thanks, Mike, for sharing!