Tag: company culture
#PeopleOfPrecise: Meet Adina Doyle
Behind every mission are dedicated professionals whose expertise helps make success possible. This month, we’re proud to spotlight Senior Scientist Adina Doyle, whose passion for science, mentorship, and collaboration is helping strengthen the future of biodefense.
Supporting two groups within the Biodefense Branch at DEVCOM Chemical Biological Center (CBC), Adina plays a critical role in laboratory sequencing efforts while serving as the technical lead for two programs of record. Her work supports the development of advanced biological detection technologies that provide critical capabilities for the warfighter.
Adina’s journey into biodefense began with a fascination for biology during high school.
“I was drawn to biology early on,” she says. “I earned my bachelor’s degree in Biology with an emphasis in evolution and had the opportunity to conduct undergraduate research studying Yersinia pestis. That experience introduced me to biodefense research and ultimately shaped the career I’m fortunate to have today.”
Today, that passion continues to drive her work every day.
While the science itself is rewarding, Adina says one of the most fulfilling parts of her role is helping others learn.
“I really enjoy lab work and training, and teaching others about sequencing has been a great experience,” she explains. “It’s rewarding to build on my experience mentoring students, interns, and new hires while helping warfighters understand how sequencing can improve biological detection.”
Her dedication to knowledge sharing made her a natural choice to serve as the inaugural speaker for Precise’s new LAUNCH Physical Sciences Lunch & Learn series.
For Adina, innovation happens when people connect.
“The main goal is to foster stronger connections through these discussions and encourage collaboration,” she says. “If we understand the capabilities of those around us, we’re stronger for it. There’s no need to reinvent the wheel when your friendly neighborhood Precise coworker may already have the expertise you need.”
Programs like LAUNCH create opportunities for employees to learn from one another, strengthen technical capabilities, and ultimately deliver even greater value to customers.
“If we know our capabilities and the capabilities of our team as a whole, we can be better prepared to provide the warfighter with the best possible solutions.”
When she’s not advancing biodefense research, Adina enjoys dreaming about her next adventure. Her bucket list includes visiting the United Kingdom, exploring every U.S. National Park, and experiencing parasailing for the first time.
At Precise, our people are our greatest strength. Adina’s dedication to scientific excellence, mentorship, and collaboration exemplifies our commitment to delivering innovative solutions that support our customers’ most critical missions. Thank you, Adina, for everything you do to strengthen our team and help advance the mission.
Precise Systems Awarded $44.7 Million NSWC Carderock Structural Performance Engineering Contract
Lexington Park, MD — June 30, 2026 — Precise Systems has been awarded a five-year contract valued at approximately $44.7 million to provide Structural Performance Engineering Services in support of the Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) Carderock Division Platform Integrity Department (Code 60).
Under this contract, Precise Systems will deliver engineering expertise and technical support focused on the structural integrity, performance, and lifecycle sustainment of critical naval platforms. The work will contribute to ensuring the safety, reliability, and operational readiness of systems that support the U.S. Navy’s maritime mission. The Precise Team is comprised of Precise as the prime with Applied Physical Sciences Corp, Astrion Group, Goodrich Corporation, Collins Aerospace, Concurrent Technologies Corporation, HI-Test Laboratories, Inc., Integrated Program Solutions, Inc., Life Cycle Engineering, Inc., Noblis MSD, Tridentis, LLC, and University of Delaware as teammates.
The NSWC Carderock Division serves as a premier Navy research, engineering, modeling, and testing organization, providing technical solutions that advance the design, maintenance, and modernization of the fleet. Through this effort, Precise Systems will support the Platform Integrity Department’s mission to evaluate, assess, and enhance structural performance across a broad range of naval platforms and systems.
“This award represents an exciting milestone for Precise Systems as we expand our support of the Navy’s maritime mission,” said Abdi Nazari, Executive Vice President of Precise Systems, Maritime Programs Division. “NSWC Carderock plays a vital role in advancing fleet readiness and platform performance, and we are proud to bring our engineering expertise to support that mission. We look forward to building strong partnerships and delivering the technical excellence our customers and warfighters depend on.”
The award further expands Precise Systems’ support of critical Navy engineering and sustainment efforts while reinforcing the company’s commitment to delivering innovative, mission-focused solutions that strengthen national security and support the warfighter. The contract also marks a significant step in the company’s continued growth within the maritime community and strengthens its position as a trusted partner supporting the Navy’s most critical engineering and readiness challenges.
About Precise Systems:
Precise Systems delivers integrated, mission-ready solutions that advance warfighter readiness and strengthen our nation’s most critical defense programs. Through the power of our combined capabilities, we provide deep expertise in Advanced Engineering; Digital Transformation; Electromagnetic Warfare; Interactive Training & Simulation; Physical Sciences Research; Platform Lifecycle Support; and Foreign Military Sales. Unified by decades of trusted performance and expanded through strategic growth, our team applies innovative technologies, engineering rigor, and customer-focused execution to solve complex challenges and accelerate mission success. Guided by our commitment to partnership, precision, and performance, we deliver the scalable solutions and technical excellence our customers depend on—today and into the future.
#PeopleOfPrecise: Meet Makenzie Harbron
At Precise, our people are at the heart of everything we do. Through our #PeopleOfPrecise series, we’re highlighting the talented professionals whose expertise, dedication, and passion help drive our mission forward.
This month, we’re proud to spotlight Makenzie Harbron.
As a member of our Electromagnetic Warfare team, Makenzie plays a key role in helping projects move from planning to execution. Her responsibilities span coordinating schedules across teams, developing requirements, supporting project approvals, and helping resolve challenges that arise throughout the development process.
Because every project is at a different stage, no two days look exactly alike.
“Every day is a different adventure,” Makenzie says. “The team continues to work toward a completed product, and it’s exciting to be part of that process.”
What energizes her most about working in Electromagnetic Warfare is the fast-paced nature of the field. As technologies evolve and new threats emerge, teams must continuously adapt and innovate to stay ahead.
“The threats out there are always revolving, and it’s exciting trying to keep up with the latest technology.”
Among the many areas that support EW missions, Makenzie finds engineering especially rewarding. She enjoys working alongside technical teams and leadership to address current challenges, develop solutions, and help deliver enhanced capabilities to the warfighter.
“It allows us to tackle current problems and figure out how to get updated capabilities out to the warfighter.”
For Makenzie, collaboration is one of the most important factors behind mission success. Whether working with local teammates or connecting with colleagues across the country, she has seen firsthand how diverse expertise and shared problem-solving help teams overcome obstacles and keep projects moving forward.
That collaborative approach extends throughout Precise and strengthens our ability to support customers with innovative, mission-focused solutions.
To stay adaptable in an ever-changing environment, Makenzie’s team embraces agile processes and works closely with leadership to evaluate priorities, respond to emerging needs, and continuously improve.
Her commitment to teamwork, innovation, and supporting the mission reflects the values that make Precise successful.
Thank you, Makenzie, for everything you do. We’re grateful to have you on the team and proud to feature you in this month’s #PeopleOfPrecise spotlight.
#PeopleOfPrecise: Meet Shelly Henderson
For Shelly, a desire to challenge herself and pursue a life of purpose led to a remarkable 20-year career in the United States Marine Corps—and continues today through her work supporting warfighters and allied partners at Precise Systems.
Growing up in a small town in northern Idaho, she knew she wanted to pursue opportunities beyond what was familiar. Motivated by the Marine Corps’ values of selflessness, discipline, teamwork, and mission accomplishment, she made the decision to serve.
That decision would ultimately shape the course of her life.
During her military career, Shelly became the first—and currently the only—woman to qualify and serve as a KC-130F/R&T Flight Engineer in the Marine Corps. The experience taught her invaluable lessons about resilience, accountability, and leadership.
“People are counting on you to do your job right every time because mistakes don’t just affect you—they affect the entire team and the success of the mission,” she said.
Today, she brings that same commitment to excellence to her role as Technical Document Sanitization Lead supporting PMA-231 Foreign Military Sales customers.
In her position, she manages and maintains E-2C and E-2D aircraft technical documentation for partner nations including Japan, France, Taiwan, and Egypt. By reviewing, updating, validating, and tailoring maintenance manuals, she helps ensure aircraft maintainers have the accurate technical data they need to safely operate and sustain mission-critical platforms.
Her work directly contributes to operational readiness across the globe.
“When maintainers have clear, current, and accurate publications, they can keep aircraft safe, available, and effective,” she explained. “That readiness ultimately enables warfighters and coalition partners to execute their missions with confidence.”
As we recognize Women Veterans Day, Shelly reflects on the significance of the occasion.
She hopes future generations of women see limitless opportunities to serve and lead.
Her advice for women considering military service or careers supporting the nation’s defense is to believe in themselves, remain resilient, and focus on excellence.
“You may be the only woman in the room—or on the flight line—but you absolutely belong there. Focus on being prepared, technically competent, and professional. Let your performance speak for you.”
We’re honored to have Shelly on our Precise Team and grateful for her continued dedication to supporting those who serve.
Thank you for your service, leadership, and commitment to the mission.
#PeopleOfPrecise: Meet Sarah La Fuze
For Sarah, serving others has always been part of who she is.
Today, Sarah supports NSWC Crane as a Personnel Security Specialist, helping protect sensitive intelligence programs and the people who power them. Through personnel vetting and continuous monitoring efforts, she serves as a critical line of defense against insider threats while strengthening the security and trust that support our nation’s warfighters.
“My role helps limit insider threats and increases the trust and security of the teams here at Crane,” Sarah explained.
Sarah’s passion for service began with her grandfather, a retired Marine and police officer who inspired her from a young age.
“My Grandpa was my absolute hero and my greatest role model,” she said. “Growing up listening to his stories from Vietnam and Desert Storm, I always knew I wanted to serve my country.”
Her military experience would go on to leave a lasting impact—not only professionally, but personally as well.
“The lesson from my military service that has had the greatest impact on who I am today is the true meaning of family,” Sarah shared.
Through shared challenges and experiences, she learned that family extends far beyond blood relations. The bonds formed through service taught her the importance of trust, loyalty, and showing up for others when it matters most.
Those lessons continue to shape how she approaches her work today, helping safeguard teammates and support mission success.
As we recognize Women Veterans Day, Sarah reflects on the common thread that connects all veterans.
“We all took the exact same oath and signed up to give our lives for people we don’t even know so they can live in a free country,” she said. “I’ve known both men and women who never made it home, and to me, they are all simply my brothers and sisters.”
For women considering military service, Sarah offers honest advice: understand the commitment, embrace the journey, and be open to the life-changing experiences that come with it.
“Joining the military was absolutely the greatest decision I ever made,” she said. “You’ll learn invaluable life lessons and build unbreakable bonds that make the experience worth every second.”
And if Hollywood ever comes calling? Sarah already has her leading actress picked out: Melissa McCarthy.
“I’ve lived a very unconventional and unexpected life,” Sarah laughed. “She’s hilarious, but she can also be genuinely intimidating and never seems afraid to tackle whatever comes her way.”
At Precise, we are grateful for Sarah’s continued service, unwavering dedication, and commitment to protecting those who protect our nation.
Thank you, Sarah, for all that you do.
Christina Payne Named CHRO of the Year at the 2026 WashingtonExec Chief Officer Awards
LEXINGTON PARK, MD – June 3, 2026 – Precise Systems is proud to announce that Chief People Officer Christina Payne has been named CHRO of the Year at the 2026 WashingtonExec Chief Officer Awards, recognizing her exceptional leadership and lasting impact on workforce strategy, employee engagement, and organizational growth.
As Chief People Officer, Payne has transformed the role of HR into a strategic driver of business success, aligning talent, culture, communications, facilities, and security under a unified people-first vision. Her leadership has been instrumental in guiding Precise through a period of significant growth and integration while ensuring employees remained at the center of every decision.
“Christina leads with authenticity, vision, and an unwavering commitment to our people,” said Scott Pfister, CEO and President of Precise Systems. “She has built a culture where employees feel valued, connected, and empowered to do their best work. This recognition reflects the extraordinary impact she has made across our organization.”
Throughout 2025, Payne helped successfully integrate multiple acquired organizations, bringing together teams, systems, and cultures while preserving the values that define Precise. Her focus on listening, transparency, and engagement contributed to a 91% employee satisfaction score, reinforcing a workplace culture built on trust and shared purpose. Under her leadership, Precise welcomed 410 new employees, achieved 22% workforce growth, and created meaningful opportunities for career development and advancement across the enterprise.
Payne has also championed programs that strengthen employee growth, recognition, and connection. Through investments in professional development, education benefits, knowledge-sharing initiatives, and employee recognition programs, she has helped create an environment where employees can thrive while supporting complex national defense missions.
Her leadership has contributed to Precise earning numerous employer-of-choice distinctions, including #1 Military Friendly® Employer (Less than $500M category), #1 Best for Vets Employer in Maryland, the HIRE Vets Gold Medallion Award, and VETS Indexes 5-Star Employer.
The WashingtonExec Chief Officer Awards celebrate the most impactful and innovative executives across government and industry. Payne’s recognition as CHRO of the Year underscores her role in shaping a culture where people, mission, and performance advance together.
About Precise Systems:
Precise Systems delivers integrated, mission-ready solutions that advance warfighter readiness and strengthen our nation’s most critical defense programs. Through the power of our combined capabilities, we provide deep expertise in Advanced Engineering; Digital Transformation; Electromagnetic Warfare; Interactive Training & Simulation; Physical Sciences Research; Platform Lifecycle Support; and Foreign Military Sales. Unified by decades of trusted performance and expanded through strategic growth, our team applies innovative technologies, engineering rigor, and customer-focused execution to solve complex challenges and accelerate mission success. Guided by our commitment to partnership, precision, and performance, we deliver the scalable solutions and technical excellence our customers depend on—today and into the future.
Precise Named to Inc.’s 2026 Best Workplaces List
Annual list recognizes the businesses that set the standard for workplace success and awards excellence in company culture
LEXINGTON PARK, MD – June 2, 2026 – Precise Systems is proud to announce it has been named to Inc.’s 2026 Best Workplaces list. The list, which can be found at Inc.com, honors American companies that have built exceptional workplaces and vibrant cultures that support their teams and businesses, whether in-person, remote, or hybrid.
The award is the result of a comprehensive measurement and evaluation of hundreds of applicants. The process involved a detailed employee survey conducted by Quantum Workplace, covering critical elements such as management effectiveness, perks, professional development, and overall company culture. Each company’s benefits were also audited to determine the overall score. Precise is honored to be included among the 507 companies recognized this year.
“Being recognized as one of Inc.’s Best Workplaces is a tremendous honor and a reflection of the people who make Precise an exceptional place to grow, contribute, and make an impact,” says Christina Payne, Precise Systems Chief People Officer. “Our success has always been rooted in our commitment to Put People First—creating an environment where employees feel valued, supported, and empowered to do their best work. This recognition belongs to every member of our team who contributes to the culture, mission, and sense of purpose that define Precise.”
Founded in 1990, Precise Systems has grown from a small defense contractor into a leading provider of mission-critical solutions supporting the Department of Defense and other government customers nationwide. Through strategic growth and expansion, the company has significantly increased its workforce, geographic footprint, technical capabilities, and support of the nation’s most critical defense missions.
Throughout that evolution, Precise has remained committed to fostering a people-centric culture built on trust, development, recognition, and employee well-being. By investing in the success of its employees, the company continues to strengthen its workforce while delivering exceptional outcomes for the customers and warfighters it serves.
Today, more than three decades after its founding, Precise continues to prove that promising business growth and an exceptional workplace culture are not competing priorities—they are inseparable.
“This year’s Best Workplaces list goes beyond great company culture–it highlights companies making meaningful and sustained investment in their employees,” says Bonny Ghosh, editorial director at Inc. “Even in a labor market that favors employers, these companies understand that an intentional and authentic commitment to their teams drives stronger employee retention, engagement, and ultimately, a stronger business overall.”
To view the full list of winners, visit Inc.com.
About Inc.
Inc. is the leading media brand and playbook for entrepreneurs and business. Through its journalism, Inc. aims to inform, educate, and elevate the profile of its community: the risk-takers, the innovators, and the ultra-driven go-getters who are creating the future of business. Inc. is published by Mansueto Ventures LLC, along with fellow leading business publication Fast Company. For more information, visit www.inc.com.
About Quantum Workplace
Quantum Workplace, based in Omaha, Nebraska, is an HR technology company that serves organizations through employee-engagement surveys, action-planning tools, exit surveys, peer-to-peer recognition, performance evaluations, goal tracking, and leadership assessment. For more information, visit QuantumWorkplace.com.
About Precise Systems
Precise Systems delivers integrated, mission-ready solutions that advance warfighter readiness and strengthen our nation’s most critical defense programs. Through the power of our combined capabilities, we provide deep expertise in Advanced Engineering; Digital Transformation; Electromagnetic Warfare; Interactive Training & Simulation; Physical Sciences Research; Platform Lifecycle Support; and Foreign Military Sales. Unified by decades of trusted performance and expanded through strategic growth, our team applies innovative technologies, engineering rigor, and customer-focused execution to solve complex challenges and accelerate mission success. Guided by our commitment to partnership, precision, and performance, we deliver the scalable solutions and technical excellence our customers depend on—today and into the future.
#PeopleofPrecise: Meet Joseph Jackel
For Army veteran Joseph Jackel, leadership has always started with serving others.
This Military Appreciation Month, we’re honored to spotlight Joseph as part of our #PeopleOfPrecise series and recognize the impact he continues to make both professionally and personally.
After serving 24 years in the United States Army, Joseph joined Precise through the DoD SkillBridge program and now serves as a Program Management Analyst (Senior) supporting DEOMI. In his role, he teaches, coaches, mentors, and evaluates instructors — continuing a career centered around leadership and development.
Joseph’s journey into military service began shortly after the events of September 11, 2001.
“9/11 happened on a Tuesday, and I was in the recruiter’s office that Saturday.”
That decision led to more than two decades of service, sacrifice, and leadership. Reflecting on his Army career, Joseph says the moments that meant the most were the opportunities to lead others in combat.
“Every time I led men in combat.”
Like many veterans, transitioning into civilian life came with uncertainty. Through the DoD SkillBridge program with Precise, Joseph found support, confidence, and a smooth path into his next chapter.
“Serving 24 years in the Army, there is a lot of doubt transitioning out,” Joseph shared. “SkillBridge with Precise made my transition the easiest that it could have been.”
Today, Joseph continues to make an impact through mentorship, training, and leadership — helping others grow while carrying forward the values that shaped his military career.
For Joseph, Military Appreciation Month is a time to reflect on the collective sacrifice of the military community.
“It is not about me. It’s appreciation to all still serving, those that did serve, and those that made the ultimate sacrifice that are no longer with us.”
Thank you, Joseph, for your service, leadership, and continued dedication to supporting others. We’re proud to have you on the Precise Team.
Precise Systems announces Samantha Black as Director of Business Development
Lexington Park, MD — May 5, 2026 — Precise Systems is pleased to announce the addition of Samantha Black as Director of Business Development. In this role, Black will lead strategic growth initiatives, expand customer relationships, and drive capture and pipeline development across key defense markets.
Black brings a proven track record of success in business development, capture strategy, and market expansion within the Department of Defense ecosystem. Most recently, she served as Business Development Manager at Valkyrie Enterprises, where she led high-impact capture efforts, including the successful award of a $48 million Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division (NSWCDD) Dam Neck Activity (DNA) recompete. She has built and managed multi-billion-dollar pipelines, developed competitive teaming strategies, and guided opportunities from early market shaping through contract award.
Throughout her career, Black has demonstrated expertise in identifying and qualifying strategic opportunities, aligning pursuits with organizational capabilities, and fostering strong relationships with government stakeholders, industry, and international partners. Her experience spans systems engineering, software, simulation, and training portfolios, with deep engagement across Navy and joint defense markets, including Orlando, Dahlgren, Dam Neck, Crane, and Washington Navy Yard.
Matthew Orsino, Chief Growth Officer at Precise Systems, commented: “Sam brings a powerful combination of strategic insight, disciplined capture execution, and customer-focused engagement. Her ability to translate market intelligence into actionable growth strategies will strengthen our position as we continue to scale our capabilities and solutions across the defense landscape.”
Black’s background also includes extensive experience in competitive analysis, pricing strategy, and proposal development, where she has consistently ensured alignment between customer needs and technical solutions. Her leadership in cross-functional collaboration and pipeline development will play a critical role in advancing Precise Systems’ growth objectives.
As Precise Systems continues to expand its footprint as a solutions-based defense contractor, Black’s addition reinforces the company’s commitment to delivering mission-focused capabilities that support the warfighter and drive customer success.
About Precise Systems:
Precise Systems delivers integrated, mission-ready solutions that advance warfighter readiness and strengthen our nation’s most critical defense programs. Through the power of our combined capabilities, we provide deep expertise in Advanced Engineering; Digital Transformation; Electromagnetic Warfare; Interactive Training & Simulation; Physical Sciences Research; Platform Lifecycle Support; and Foreign Military Sales. Unified by decades of trusted performance and expanded through strategic growth, our team applies innovative technologies, engineering rigor, and customer-focused execution to solve complex challenges and accelerate mission success. Guided by our commitment to partnership, precision, and performance, we deliver the scalable solutions and technical excellence our customers depend on—today and into the future.
#PeopleOfPrecise: Meet Traci Kettinger
At Precise Systems, our strength lies in our people. This month, we’re proud to spotlight Traci Kettinger, Program Management Analyst Senior (EEW) and Team Lead, whose work supports the mission-critical needs of today’s warfighter.
Traci’s role is centered on ensuring that the fleet is equipped with accurate configuration records for both hardware and software systems. She works closely with her team and logistics partners to provide seamless support—helping maintain operational readiness across platforms.
Her daily work directly contributes to the effectiveness of our electromagnetic warfare capabilities, which play a vital role in detecting, identifying, and countering threats in complex environments. By ensuring systems are properly configured and supported, Traci helps enable mission success across the spectrum.
What excites her most is knowing that her work makes a difference.
From logistics coordination to shipboard support, she sees firsthand how each piece contributes to the bigger picture. Her perspective reflects the collaborative nature of Precise’s work: delivering advanced capabilities requires a unified, mission-focused team.
When asked to describe Precise’s culture, Traci didn’t limit herself to three words. Instead, she captured its essence: doing the right thing when no one is watching.
That commitment to integrity is foundational—not only to how we work internally, but to how we support our customers and their missions.
Outside of her professional responsibilities, Traci has a goal that might surprise some—she hopes to become a competitor in dog shows with her dog. It’s a passion that reflects her dedication, discipline, and willingness to take on new challenges.
Traci exemplifies the expertise, teamwork, and integrity that define Precise. Her contributions ensure that critical systems remain mission-ready—supporting those who serve on the front lines.