Virtual
Industry Pathways | Advanced & Defense Manufacturing
October 6, 2026 1:00pm - 3:00pm ET
About This Event
Advanced and defense manufacturing is one of the most dynamic and mission-critical industries in the United States — and one where the skills, discipline, and leadership experience you developed in uniform translate directly into high-impact careers. From aerospace engineering and systems integration to supply chain logistics and quality assurance, this sector powers the platforms, technologies, and weapons systems that keep our nation safe. FourBlock's Industry Pathways series brings you face-to-face with the people and companies actively recruiting veterans into these roles.
In this virtual event, you'll hear directly from talent acquisition professionals and veteran program leaders at some of the most respected names in defense and advanced manufacturing — including Boeing and Northrop Grumman — as well as innovative organizations like Draper. These companies are not just open to hiring veterans; they have dedicated programs and teams specifically designed to help you translate your military experience into a meaningful civilian career on the cutting edge of manufacturing, engineering, and defense technology.
Whether you worked in aviation maintenance, logistics, systems operations, nuclear fields, or technical specialties, the advanced and defense manufacturing sector offers a wide range of pathways that align with your background. This event is designed to give you the insight, connections, and confidence to take your next step — with FourBlock's support every step of the way.
What to Expect
- Panel Discussion: Engage with veteran hiring managers, military program leads, and talent acquisition partners from leading defense and advanced manufacturing companies as they share what they look for in veteran candidates and how to position your military experience for success in this industry.
- Breakout Sessions: Participate in smaller, focused conversations with company representatives to ask questions, explore specific roles, and get personalized insight into career pathways at organizations like Boeing, Northrop Grumman, and Draper.
- Peer Networking: Connect with fellow transitioning service members, veterans, and military spouses who share your interest in defense and advanced manufacturing — building a community of support and shared opportunity.
- Recruiter Access: Interact directly with military recruiting leads and talent acquisition partners who are actively sourcing veteran talent and can speak to open roles, hiring timelines, and what the application process looks like at their organizations.
Who Should Attend?
This event is designed for anyone from the military community who is exploring or actively pursuing a career in advanced manufacturing, aerospace, or the defense industry. You belong here if you identify with any of the following:
- Transitioning Active Duty Service Members who have experience in aviation, engineering, logistics, electronics, systems maintenance, nuclear operations, or technical military occupational specialties and are preparing to enter the civilian workforce.
- Veterans at Any Stage of Transition who are looking to pivot into the defense and manufacturing sector, whether recently separated or several years into civilian life and seeking a more mission-aligned career.
- National Guard and Reserve Members who are balancing military service with civilian career development and want to explore full-time opportunities with defense contractors that value their continued service commitment.
- Military Spouses who bring transferable professional skills and are seeking stable, growth-oriented careers with companies that champion the broader military community.
- Student Veterans pursuing degrees in engineering, manufacturing technology, supply chain, business, or related fields who want to understand how to enter the defense manufacturing workforce upon graduation.
No prior civilian work experience in manufacturing or defense is required. If you served, your experience matters — and the companies at this event are ready to help you see how.
Explore Career Paths In:
- Aerospace Manufacturing Technician — Assemble, inspect, and maintain aircraft structures, components, and systems on production lines supporting commercial and military aviation programs.
- Systems Integration Engineer — Design and test complex defense systems including avionics, weapons platforms, and autonomous technologies across air, land, and sea domains.
- Quality Assurance and Compliance Specialist — Ensure that manufacturing processes and finished products meet rigorous defense industry standards including AS9100, DCSA, and DOD specifications.
- Supply Chain and Logistics Manager — Oversee procurement, vendor management, and distribution of materials and components critical to defense production timelines and readiness.
- Program and Project Manager — Lead cross-functional teams on defense contracts, managing scope, schedule, cost, and risk for some of the nation's most complex manufacturing programs.
- Industrial and Manufacturing Engineer — Optimize production processes, reduce waste, and improve efficiency on advanced manufacturing floors using lean and Six Sigma methodologies.
- Security Manager and Cleared Personnel Specialist — Manage facility security clearance programs, OPSEC compliance, and personnel security in classified manufacturing environments.
- Test and Evaluation Engineer — Design and execute test plans to validate the performance, safety, and reliability of defense systems and aerospace technologies prior to fielding.
- Technical Training and Workforce Development Specialist — Develop and deliver training programs for skilled manufacturing workers, leveraging military instruction and leadership experience.
- Contracts and Compliance Analyst — Support government contracting processes including FAR/DFARS compliance, proposal development, and contract administration for defense programs.
- Cybersecurity and Information Systems Analyst — Protect sensitive manufacturing and design data across defense networks, supporting CMMC compliance and enterprise security operations.
- Operations and Production Supervisor — Lead production teams on the manufacturing floor, driving safety, quality, and output goals in fast-paced advanced manufacturing environments.
What You'll Get
- CareerFlow AI Tools: As a FourBlock community member, you'll have access to CareerFlow AI — a suite of career development tools designed to help you craft a compelling resume, translate your military experience into civilian language, prepare for interviews, and identify job opportunities in the defense and advanced manufacturing sector.
- Post-Event Resources: Following the event, you'll receive a curated resource package including speaker contact information, company career page links, job search tips specific to defense manufacturing, and guidance on navigating security clearance-related roles — so the momentum doesn't stop when the session ends.
- Expanded Professional Network: Build lasting connections with veteran hiring advocates, military program leads, and peers inside top defense and manufacturing organizations — the kind of relationships that open doors and support long-term career growth in this industry.
- FourBlock Community Support: Gain access to FourBlock's broader network of veteran career transition resources, including workshops, coaching, and a community of veterans who have successfully made the transition into meaningful civilian careers — because no one should navigate this journey alone.
Participating Companies
Speakers
Angela Infante
Veteran Program Lead
Boeing
LinkedIn
Dani Windham
Senior Talent Acquisition Partner, Military, Veterans and Allies
Ish Escobar
Military Recruiting Lead
Boeing
LinkedIn
Jason Geiselhart
Northrop Grumman
Northrop Grumman
LinkedIn
Jennifer Santos
VP of Strategy
Draper
Jessie Ussery
Talent Acquisition Business Partner
LinkedIn
Kortnie Johnson
Louis Johnson
Security Manager
Dynamic Aviation
LinkedIn
Mark Munson
Sr Project Engineer, Flight Mechanics Department
The Aerospace Corporation
LinkedIn
Matthew Gaskin
Sr. Principal Talent Acquisition
LinkedIn
Mouse Neumeister
Systems Director
The Aerospace Corp
LinkedInCategories