It’s More Than a Job – It’s a Lifestyle

It’s More Than a Job – It’s a Lifestyle

For Sarah, a Quality Analyst and Black Hawk pilot with the Rhode Island National Guard, working at Lockheed Martin is more than a job—it’s a personal mission. Inspired by the events of 9/11, Sarah pursued a career in aviation, balancing her civilian role at Sikorsky with her military service and responsibilities as a military spouse. Her work ensures the highest safety standards for aircraft, driven by her dedication to protecting those she loves. With Lockheed Martin’s flexibility and support for the military community, Sarah thrives, making an impact both in her career and in service to her country.

November 18, 2024
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At Lockheed Martin, protecting our customers and solving complex challenges is at the heart of what we do. For team members like Sarah, a Quality Analyst, this mission is personal. Outside of work, Sarah and her husband are Black Hawk pilots with the Rhode Island National Guard. Her journey is one of dedication, resilience, and a passion for making a difference—both on the job and in the field.

We spoke with Sarah about balancing her roles as a civilian, service member, and military spouse, and how Lockheed Martin’s support for the military community has made a difference.

From Dream to Impact

Sarah’s connection to Lockheed Martin began as a Sikorsky intern in 2015, working for a brand she had always admired. Today, she’s a pilot and Quality Analyst, committed to ensuring the highest standards in aviation safety. 

 

Her work in quality assurance lets her make a real impact for those she loves and for Lockheed Martin’s mission.

 

 

 

Knowing my friends and family are flying safe aircraft, built to the highest quality—that’s what keeps me here every day.
sarah heli

 

 

A Call to Serve

Sarah’s decision to become a pilot was influenced by the events of September 11, 2001, when her father narrowly avoided being caught in the Twin Towers attack. She remembers the shock and the resolve that followed. “I had a burning desire to do something meaningful,” she said, which eventually led her to the Rhode Island National Guard. Here, she found a way to serve her country while also building a civilian career at Lockheed Martin.

 

 

Balancing Her Passions

Joining the National Guard after college allowed Sarah to pursue both military service and a civilian career. The role at Sikorsky meant she could contribute to the helicopters she pilots. Following enlistment, she attended flight school in 2016 and later returned to Sikorsky after deployments to Kuwait and Iraq. Balancing her commitment to quality defense equipment and her dedication to military service has been extremely rewarding.

 

 

Support on All Fronts

Sarah met her husband through the National Guard, and his recent deployment gave her a new appreciation for the challenges faced by military families. Having been deployed herself, she now understands the strength required to keep things going at home. At Lockheed Martin, Sarah has found support for both her active-duty service and her role as a military spouse. 

 

Noting how her management team supports her through unexpected family needs and provides the flexibility to balance her responsibilities.

 

 

 

 

As a military spouse, I’ve found my manager and leadership to be incredibly flexible and understanding.
s and h

 

 

A Place to Thrive

Veterans and service members bring invaluable expertise to Lockheed Martin, playing a vital role in the success and safety of our products. Their firsthand experience equips them with practical insights that drive innovation and quality. Here, veterans can continue their service in new ways, supporting Lockheed Martin’s mission with the same dedication they brought to the field. With strong support for active service and family commitments, Lockheed Martin is a place where military professionals can thrive and make a meaningful impact.

 

Lockheed Martin is committed to empowering the military community by fostering a supportive culture, providing career growth opportunities, and supporting initiatives that honor and uplift veterans and military families. We believe in recognizing and advancing military talent at every level and ensuring that service members and their families have the resources they need to thrive in the workplace.