Inside Chemring

We took this opportunity to catch up with Alexander, a Production Supervisor at Chemring Sensors & Electronic Systems, to hear about his time in the US Armed Forces and his journey since transitioning to civilian life.

Which branch of the Armed Forces were you in?

I served 10 years in the Air Force as an Aerospace Propulsion Craftsman (Jet engine maintenance).

What attracted you to military life?

For me, the primary draw to military life was the opportunity to work on aircraft. I developed a passion for aviation during high school and was captivated by the mechanics and excitement of flight. I had already been considering a career in the Air Force when a trip to Germany with my father helped solidify that decision. While visiting Frankfurt, we toured a historic castle overlooking the Rhine River. As we stood atop one of the turrets, a deep rumble filled the air, and moments later, two F-16s roared overhead. The sound, the power, and the sheer exhilaration of that moment left a lasting impression. Right then, I knew I wanted to be part of the team responsible for keeping those incredible machines in the sky.

What was your career journey in the military?

I joined the Air Force right out of high school and began my journey with basic training in San Antonio, Texas, followed by technical school in Wichita Falls, Texas. My first duty station was in Okinawa, Japan, where I spent two formative years learning my craft and gaining hands-on experience. During that time, I worked on Pratt & Whitney F100-220 engines supporting the F-15 aircraft stationed there. It was an incredible learning environment, and I took every opportunity to absorb knowledge from my peers and mentors.

After Okinawa, I was assigned to Shaw Air Force Base in South Carolina, where I transitioned from working on F-15s to maintaining General Electric F110-129 engines for the F-16 fleet. I spent the next eight years at Shaw Air Force Base, where I continued to develop professionally. I advanced to the role of dock chief, overseeing the maintenance and overhaul of approximately four engines at any given time.

Later, I had the opportunity to lead our accessories section, which focused on the repair and overhaul of the engine's exhaust components. This role allowed me to expand my leadership skills and manage more complex projects. During a subsequent reorganization, our accessories section was reintegrated into the Jet Engine Intermediate Maintenance (JEIM) section, which required extensive training and coordination to ensure all personnel were properly qualified for their new responsibilities.

I concluded my Air Force career by overseeing the overall maintenance and overhaul operations for our engine shop. It was a challenging but rewarding experience that provided me with invaluable technical and leadership skills.

Tell us about some of your memorable experiences

One of the most memorable aspects of my time in the Air Force was watching engine runs, whether on the test stand or in the aircraft itself. There’s something awe-inspiring about seeing a 30-foot flame shoot out the back of a jet engine—the noise, the pressure, and the raw power. Every time, it filled me with a deep sense of pride in the work we did to keep those engines mission-ready.

However, the most unforgettable experience of my career was the opportunity to fly in the back seat of an F-16 at Shaw Air Force Base. My leadership nominated me for the flight, and not long after, the Air Force suspended incentive flights across the board. I didn’t expect anything to come of it, so I was completely surprised when, nearly a year later, I received a call inviting me to fly after the program was reinstated.

The mission we flew was a Basic Fighter Maneuvers (BFM) training sortie, essentially a simulated air-to-air combat exercise between our pilot and a wingman. We did a max climb take-off and pulled a peak of 7.8 G-forces during the ~45-minute flight, and to answer the most common question: I did not pass out or lose my lunch!

What did you enjoy most about military life?

What I enjoyed most about military life was the strong sense of purpose and pride I felt every day. Serving in the Air Force gave me incredible opportunities that helped shape both my career and who I am today. Honestly, getting to work on fighter jets at just 19 years old was one of the coolest experiences I could have imagined.

Beyond the technical side, I had the chance to travel, live abroad, and meet some truly amazing people, many of whom have become lifelong friends. I was fortunate to have great mentors who guided me and helped me grow, both professionally and personally. Overall, I truly enjoyed my time in the military and look back on it with nothing but fond memories.

What did you find challenging?

At times, the work and the pressure were definitely challenging. Our mission required that aircraft be ready to fly at a moment’s notice, including supporting high-profile operations like presidential escorts along the East Coast. One particularly demanding period came during a major fleet upgrade, when we were tasked with overhauling all of our engines to extend their service life. This meant fully disassembling, inspecting, and reassembling every engine—an intensive and time-sensitive process.

Like many other industries, we were also affected by supply chain issues, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Delays in receiving critical parts added another layer of complexity. We had to make strategic decisions daily to keep operations on track and ensure our aircraft remained mission-ready.

What I’m most proud of from that time is that, no matter how difficult things got, we never had a “hole” in an aircraft—in other words, we always had an engine ready to install. Our team rose to the challenge and delivered every time.

What do you miss most?

I know it might sound like a cliché, but the camaraderie is truly what I miss most. There are very few environments where you build the kind of bonds that form in the military. You spend so much time with your team—especially when stationed overseas—that they become more than just coworkers; they become family.

During the holidays or challenging times, you lean on each other, create your own traditions, and find a sense of normalcy together. Those shared experiences forge friendships that last a lifetime. While there are certainly days I miss that sense of connection, I’m incredibly grateful for everything the military taught me and the direction it’s given my life since.

How did you get involved with Chemring?

Chemring actually found me about six months after I separated from the Air Force. At the time, I was working in a role that didn’t align with my skills or interests, and I was actively looking for something more meaningful. When a recruiter reached out about an opportunity with Chemring, I was immediately intrigued, especially since it’s a defense contractor, which felt like a natural fit given my military background.

The transition from military to civilian life can be challenging, and Chemring offered an environment that helped bridge that gap. The mission, the product, and the people all resonated with me. It was a much better fit than where I had been, and I’ve really come to enjoy both the work and the culture here.

Tell us about your role today and what you enjoy about your job

Today, my role closely mirrors the work I did at the end of my Air Force career. As a Production Supervisor at CSES, I oversee daily manufacturing operations alongside a dedicated team of eight. Together, we assemble, test, and ship state-of-the-art biological detection devices.

Manufacturing always presents its share of challenges, whether it’s material delays, engineering redesigns, or shifting production priorities, but those challenges are part of what I enjoy most. I get to collaborate with multiple departments, solve problems in real time, and ensure we’re delivering a high-quality product that meets mission-critical needs.

What I truly value about my role at CSES is the sense of purpose behind the work. In the military, I believed my efforts contributed to saving lives and supporting national security. At Chemring, I feel that same sense of pride and meaning in what we do every day.

What skills/experiences/knowledge from the Armed Forces serves you well in your current role?

One of the most valuable assets I brought from the military is a strong technical background. I spent a decade working on complex jet engines, which gave me a deep understanding of mechanical systems and how to approach hands-on work with precision and accountability. Put simply—I know how to put things together the right way, and that foundational knowledge still serves me well in manufacturing today.

The Air Force also taught me leadership—particularly during one of the most challenging experiences of my career. I led a small team of six during a seven-month deployment to Europe at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. That time reinforced the importance of building a strong, resilient team and always taking care of the people you lead. It was a difficult period, but the lessons I took away were invaluable.

Additionally, my experience managing major engine overhauls gave me insight into supply chain logistics, inventory control, and quality assurance. We were executing full engine tear-downs—inspecting, replacing, and tracking countless components—and coordinating the return of large assemblies. That experience directly supports my current responsibilities, where ensuring the right parts are in the right place at the right time is critical to our production success.

Would you recommend Chemring as an employer to other veterans?

Absolutely, I would highly recommend Chemring to other veterans. At CSES, there's a strong veteran presence that helps recreate that familiar sense of camaraderie many of us value from our time in the service. People here work together toward shared goals and there’s a collective mindset that feels very mission-driven.

One of the things I appreciate most is the sense of purpose that comes with the work. It gives you the feeling that you’re contributing to something bigger than yourself, very much like the military experience. Chemring does a great job of bridging the gap between military and civilian life, which can often feel more daunting than people realize. It’s a place where veterans can continue to grow, contribute, and feel at home.

What does Armed Forces Day mean to you?

To me, Armed Forces Day is a time to recognize and honor the dedication of those who serve in uniform. It’s an opportunity to listen to their stories, reflect on the sacrifices they’ve made, and appreciate the commitment it takes to support and defend our nation.

It’s also a reminder that service takes many forms. Not every military role is on the front lines, but each one plays a vital part in the overall mission. Every service member has a story that deserves to be heard. Armed Forces Day helps shine a light on those individual journeys and the important work being done every day to ensure our security and uphold the values we hold dear.