For the past few months, I’ve been cross-training with the Systems Engineering (SE) and Mechanical Sustainment Engineering (MSE) teams at General Atomics.
It’s been a fun, educating, and impactful experience. Here’s a 4 key things that I’ve learned:
1. We all impact each other’s work
Since my primary role is in Logistics, I touch on all 12 elements of Integrated Product Support.
But working directly with SE and MSE helps me understand, for example, the engineering change proposal process and how we all play a part in incorporating and dealing with the Engineering Change Proposal (ECP) from beginning to end.
2. Being a liaison with Mechanical Sustainment Engineering and Systems Engineering has helped the Logistics team
Understanding the processes that the MSE and SE teams work with has helped me help my team by conveying an knowledge gaps or “good to know” info.
For example, when working with MSE on an engineering change notice, their team stores references in a certain folders in the open database that are useful for Logistics. We, the Logistics team, would never have known about this info if I didn’t work with MSE.
With SE, I have assisted with base-lining the EMALS and AAG subsystems. Diving into the subsystems engineering requirements and capabilities have helped me better understand how everything works together. As a result, this helps me better utilize our logistics database to ensure that all subsystems reflect their capabilities.
3. Bringing the Logistics mindset also helps Mechanical Sustainment Engineering and Systems Engineering
Since we all impact each other’s work, the SE and MSE teams need to understand their impact on Logistics. Fortunately, my logistics background can help!
For instance, SE needed more info on logistics impacts for EMALS. With guidance from my Logistics lead, I was able to write specifications that would be reasonable for not only logistics: but for systems engineering as well.
As for the mechanical sustainment engineering team, I was working on an ECP where I needed to look for a new washer for a new encoder. I ensured that the washer was up to code and also in the federal supply chain (to encourage the use of standardized parts to save time and money).
4. I highly recommend cross-training in the workplace!
It’s been great bouncing between different lines of work. I think it keeps me on my toes, and it has been intellectually rewarding.
I enjoy the variety in my work, and, cross-training has helped all 3 teams at General Atomics to be more optimized, efficient, and knowledgeable.
Roselynn Conrady 