Jeremy Untalan, Guidance, Navigation, and Control Engineer
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Jeremy Untalan is a Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) Engineer at Northrup Grumman, a major American global aerospace and defense technology company. GNC Engineers give spacecraft self-awareness about their position and orientation in space, and guidance on where to go and how to get there.
Jeremy Untalan, Guidance, Navigation, and Controls Engineer
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Education
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BS in Aerospace Engineering (BSAE)
MS in Aerospace Engineering (MSAE) |
How did you end up in this role?
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I tried going to college straight out of high school. I wasn't mentally ready for the commitment and eventually went on academic probation. I then decided to leave and join the Air Force. The military definitely got my head back on my shoulders and imparted many valuable skills that I still use today. As my enlistment came up I made the hard decision to get out and finish what I started.
I did not actually get into university because I didn't meet the credit limit to transfer which led me to Community College. After a year in Community College I was finally able to transfer and complete my undergraduate degree while trying to build experience via internships. The network I developed through internships helped me land my first real engineering job at Lockheed Martin. I finished my Masters in one year while working full time (yikes) but with a great support group I was able to do it! That led me to my current role as a GNC Engineer for a well-known global aerospace and defense technology company. "I can't stress enough that
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What I struggled with as a student
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Being able to focus is and will always be something I struggle with. I learned that I needed to write down my thoughts and tasks daily. I keep a planner and for each day I split the left side of the page into three columns: meetings, tasks, and notes. The other side I use for more in depth notes on tasks. This has not only helped me remember information but it started a routine where I can mentally check in to what I'm doing.
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Advice for aspiring students
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Don't give up! If you fail once that doesn't mean the subject is not for you. What it means is you need to spend some more time learning and that is perfectly fine. I can't stress enough that anyone can do what I do. Just put in the time!
Life is not a race. People have different circumstances and experiences. Believe it or not, no one is judging you! You would be surprised how many people would support if you just reach out. |
