Virtual

Industry Pathways: Defense Manufacturing & Industrial Technology

April 6, 2027 12:00pm - 2:00pm ET

About This Event

The defense manufacturing and industrial technology sector is one of the most natural fits for veterans transitioning out of military service. The discipline, technical proficiency, mission-driven mindset, and operational experience you developed in uniform are exactly what leading defense contractors, manufacturers, and industrial technology firms are looking for. FourBlock's Industry Pathways: Defense Manufacturing and Industrial Technology event is designed to bridge the gap between your military career and a thriving civilian career in this high-demand field.

From advanced weapons systems and armored vehicle production to robotics, automation, and supply chain management, defense manufacturing touches nearly every branch of the armed forces in some way. That means your hands-on experience with military equipment, logistics operations, quality control, or technical systems has direct and measurable value in this industry. This event will help you understand how to articulate that value, identify the right roles, and connect with employers who are actively seeking candidates with your background.

Through candid conversations with industry leaders and professionals who have made the transition themselves, you will walk away with a clearer picture of the career landscape, the certifications and credentials that can accelerate your path, and the companies that are committed to hiring from the military community. FourBlock is here to make sure your next mission starts with the right intelligence and the right connections.

What to Expect

Industry Panel Discussion: Hear directly from Karin Childress Wiley, Chief Growth and Strategy Officer, and other defense manufacturing and industrial technology professionals as they share career insights, industry trends, and advice tailored specifically for veterans and military-connected job seekers.
Breakout Networking Sessions: Connect one-on-one and in small groups with recruiters, hiring managers, and employee resource group representatives from defense and industrial technology companies actively looking to hire veterans.
Career Translation Workshop: Get practical guidance on how to map your military occupational specialty, technical training, and leadership experience to specific roles and job titles within defense manufacturing and industrial technology.
Employer Spotlights: Learn about open roles, company culture, veteran hiring initiatives, and career growth opportunities directly from organizations operating in this sector.
Post-Event Resources: Gain access to CareerFlow AI tools, curated job leads, and ongoing FourBlock support to keep your transition momentum moving forward after the event ends.

Who Should Attend?

This event is built for anyone in the military community who is exploring or actively pursuing a career in defense manufacturing, industrial technology, or related fields. That includes:

Transitioning Active Duty Service Members who worked in maintenance, engineering, logistics, ordnance, communications, or any technical military occupational specialty and want to apply those skills in a civilian manufacturing or technology environment.
Veterans at Any Stage of Transition who are looking to pivot into the defense sector, re-enter the workforce, or advance within an industrial technology or manufacturing career they have already begun.
National Guard and Reserve Members whose civilian careers intersect with defense, manufacturing, or technology and who want to expand their professional network and explore new opportunities.
Military Spouses and Caregivers who are seeking career opportunities in a stable, mission-aligned industry and want to connect with employers who value the resilience and adaptability of the military family community.
ROTC Students and Junior Officers who are beginning to plan their transition and want to get an early look at what a career in defense manufacturing or industrial technology could look like.

No prior industry experience is required. If you have served, you already have more relevant experience than you may realize. This event will help you see it clearly.

Explore Career Paths In:

Defense Systems Engineering: Design, develop, and oversee the production of weapons systems, vehicles, aircraft, and electronic defense platforms for government and military clients.
Manufacturing Operations Management: Lead production teams, oversee assembly lines, and manage quality control processes within defense and industrial manufacturing facilities.
Supply Chain and Logistics Management: Coordinate the procurement, movement, and management of materials and components critical to defense manufacturing operations.
Quality Assurance and Compliance: Ensure products meet rigorous military specifications, government regulations, and industry standards including AS9100, ISO, and ITAR compliance.
Industrial Automation and Robotics: Program, operate, and maintain automated manufacturing systems, robotic assembly tools, and smart factory technologies used in defense production.
Program and Project Management: Oversee large-scale defense contracts and manufacturing programs from concept through delivery, ensuring timeline, budget, and performance objectives are met.
Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO): Service, inspect, and restore military and industrial equipment to operational standards across depots, field sites, and contractor facilities.
Cybersecurity for Industrial Systems: Protect operational technology networks, control systems, and defense manufacturing infrastructure from cyber threats under CMMC and NIST frameworks.
Technical Sales and Business Development: Represent defense technology companies in the acquisition of government contracts, working directly with military customers and procurement offices.
Human Factors and Safety Engineering: Design processes, environments, and equipment that prioritize workforce safety and operational effectiveness within industrial and defense manufacturing settings.
Cleared Facility Security Officer (FSO): Manage classified information programs, personnel security clearances, and facility compliance within defense contractor environments.
Industrial Technology Research and Development: Drive innovation in materials science, advanced manufacturing techniques, additive manufacturing, and emerging defense technologies.

What You'll Get

Access to CareerFlow AI: All registered attendees receive post-event access to CareerFlow AI, a powerful suite of job search tools including an AI-powered resume builder, LinkedIn profile optimizer, job application tracker, and personalized career search dashboard to help you find and land the right role faster.
Direct Connections with Hiring Employers: Leave the event with real contacts at defense manufacturing and industrial technology companies, including recruiters and hiring managers who understand and value military experience.
Actionable Career Clarity: Gain a concrete understanding of how your military skills, clearance status, and technical training translate into competitive qualifications for roles across the defense and industrial technology sector.
Ongoing FourBlock Support: Your relationship with FourBlock does not end when the event does. Tap into continued access to career programming, peer community, coaching resources, and future Industry Pathways events as you navigate your transition journey.

Speakers

Karin Childress Wiley

Chief Growth & Strategy Officer