Tag: company culture
#PeopleOfPrecise: Meet Lindsey Medina
Meet Lindsey Medina – Graphic Designer and Precise Systems’ employee spotlight for August 2025.
Lindsey officially joined our Precise Team in early 2024, when Precise announced its acquisition of JHT. She brought her passion and talent for graphic design with her, excited to contribute to the ever-evolving brand of our organization. Immediately, Lindsey was drawn to the tenacious, collaborative, and adaptable culture of Precise and could not wait to get started.
Her love of graphic design began long before she became a member of the Precise Team, but no matter what, she has always found the rules to be the most interesting part of her work. She explains, “Every project comes with a visual framework or style guide, but it’s the creative problem-solving inside those boundaries that excites me. I love looking at a design challenge as a puzzle: how do I surprise and delight while still meeting expectations?” With each new project, Lindsey is thrilled by the prospect of balancing innovation with consistency – pushing just enough to feel fresh, while still hitting the brief, and knowing that everything has clicked into place, both functionally and aesthetically.
Lindsey has had the chance to work on numerous projects throughout her career and time with Precise, but one that stands out for her is the U.S. Army’s xTech AI Grand Challenge. This effort gave her the chance to flex a wide range of skills, from producing an animated informative video to developing polished final presentation materials. She also collaborated with an incredibly talented team of 2D and 3D artists, whose own strengths pushed Lindsey to elevate her own graphic design and animation work. Speaking about her experience, she says, “It was a challenge to adapt Precise’s brand into the Army’s design standards, but it was also deeply satisfying results. Projects like this remind me why I love what I do: blending creativity with strategy to not only impress the customer but also strengthen our team’s sense of identity and capability.”
It is hard to see Lindsey as anything other than the amazing and superb designer that she is, but if she did not choose a career in graphic design, she would have loved to pursue either medicine or engineering for the same reason she did choose graphic design – they are all about problem solving and improving people’s lives. She is extremely thankful she followed her passion for art and design, but still knows that even if she did not, she still would have wanted to professionally contribute in a way that combines empathy and innovation to find practical, human-centered solutions that make life better for others.
Lindsey’s creative passion even goes beyond her 9-5! When asked about a skill she has always wanted to learn, she says that she would love to learn how to crochet, saying that there is something magical about a craft that machines still cannot fully replicate. Crocheting feels timeless and deeply human to her and speaks to her inner “Golden Girl” – something that lets her simply sit with yarn and make something cozy!
We are so grateful Lindsey joined our Precise Team and brought her undeniable talent. No matter where you look, you can see Lindsey’s impact and ideas brought to life. Thank you, Lindsey, for scaling our Precise brand each and every day!
#PeopleOfPrecise: Meet Chris Powels
Meet Chris Powels – Toxicology Scientist Technician and Precise Systems’ employee spotlight for June 2025.
Chris joined our Precise organization in the spring of 2023 as part of our Operational Toxicology team, where he works as a Toxicology Scientist Technician. Much of his work centers on characterizing existing and emerging threats to produce human estimates of toxicity, utilizing a variety of in vivo and in vitro assays and techniques. One of his favorite aspects of his role, he says, is the implementation of surgical models and behavioral studies. Chris explains, “I particularly enjoy the precision and focus my work requires, as such during surgical procedures.”
He and the rest of our Operational Toxicology team play a crucial role in protecting our warfighters, as they provide the necessary data that informs protective measures and medical countermeasures for the U.S. Army. Every day, they collectively work towards better understanding the toxic effects of potential chemical threats. Ultimately, their contributions lead to a safer national defense overall by ensuring our personnel are prepared for and protected against a wide range of potential hazards.
All his life, Chris has possessed a natural curiosity that makes him strive to ask questions and seek answers – ultimately leading to the scientific career he has now. He says, “It’s a field that allows me to constantly learn, explore, and always find more ways to ask ‘why’”.
He finds that one of the most impactful ways he can find his answers is through the data he works with on a daily basis. Chris explains that he is especially intrigued to learn more about data science and machine learning and the ease of accessibility these new techniques offer. He believes that applying these techniques would open up a whole new world of insights from the datasets he and the Operational Toxicology team work with, even allowing them to detect subtle distinctions and improve our predictive capabilities. This, he says, would be incredibly useful in early symptom detection and compound differentiation.
Something a lot of people may not know about Chris is his hobby outside of the lab – playing cello in the Baltimore Gamer Symphony Orchestra! This fantastic group, with over 100 members, exclusively performs music composed for video games. The Orchestra offers free concerts and hosts social events around the Baltimore area, so be sure to check Chris and the rest of these incredible musicians out!
Thank you to Chris and the rest of our Operational Toxicology team for the mission-critical work you do day in and day out. Our warfighters are safer because of you and we are grateful you are part of our organization, contributing to a greater defense every day!
#PeopleOfPrecise: Meet Caitlin Machnicki
Meet Caitlin Machnicki – PMA-201 FMS Team Lead, cancer survivor, and Precise Systems’ employee spotlight for June 2025.
At the start of this month, we recognized National Cancer Survivors Day on Sunday, June 1st and the inspiring stories of individuals who have battled the hurdles and challenges of cancer, including our very own – Caitlin Machnicki.
Caitlin is part of our PMA-201 Foreign Military Sales (FMS) team as a Team Lead and Program Analyst, where she supports over 115 people, 40 countries, and 254 cases. Her role as a Program Analyst includes the planning, development, implementation, and evaluation of various organizational programs and projects. As a Team Lead, she gets the opportunity to guide and support a team of six members, helping them reach their goals each day.
As a key player on an FMS team, she has received firsthand experience collaborating with different countries and cultures, and how those interactions inform the work she does. When asked what she has learned from it all, Caitlin says, “The importance of respect and humility – approaching each partnership with respect and humility has been fundamental within my time at PMA-201 FMS. Acknowledging that different cultures have unique strengths and perspectives fosters an environment of mutual respect and collaboration, leading to lasting relationships and successful outcomes.”
Caitlin has certainly made an indelible mark on our organization through the top-notch support she provides to our customers and nation, but her story is truly what makes her an inspiration to us all.
Nearly 10 years ago, she battled the diagnosis and treatment of lymphoma. In 2018, she received her final round of chemotherapy, and since then, has courageously shared her cancer journey. In her own way, Caitlin is inspired by the stories and journeys of other cancer survivors. This is what has empowered her to share her story so fearlessly. Now, it has become therapeutic for her, helping her process her own experiences and find meaning in the overall journey.
After everything she has been through, Caitlin is passionate about helping others who are currently going through cancer treatment. She wants them to know the unique strength it brings out in them, despite the harsh reality of what they are facing. Her mindset was her biggest weapon, reminding herself and others – “You can either be a victim of cancer, or you can be a survivor of cancer. The choice is yours.”
She also advises prioritizing physical and emotional healing, explaining that this can serve as a powerful source in maintaining hope and restoring energy.
Caitlin’s unique strength and power allows her to support her son, her loved ones, and her work in the most awe-inspiring ways. She is excited about the opportunities coming her way, which will hopefully include bucket list trips to The Maldives, Alaska, and Thailand!
To all cancer survivors, patients, caretakers, and angels – thank you for your bravery and fortitude that inspires us all every day. We are thankful for the chance to support you and Caitlin and are with you every step of the way!
#PeopleOfPrecise: Meet Virgil Mendivil
Meet Virgil Mendivil – SkillBridge Program participant, Air Force airman, and Precise Systems’ employee spotlight for May 2025.
Virgil joined our Precise Team in March, as part of his participation in the DoD SkillBridge Program. This program gives active-duty service members the chance to gain professional experience in the civilian sector during their last 180 days of service. This provides them with the necessary skills, experience, and network they will need once they enter civilian life full-time.
Participating in the SkillBridge program gave Virgil an inside look into how the skills gained from his military service can transition into the civilian sector. He feels confident in his abilities outside of the uniform and is grateful for the structured opportunity the program has provided to explore his future career path.
Before he became part of our organization, Virgil served for 23 years in the United States Air Force. His initial plan was to join the Marine Corps, but his girlfriend at the time (now wife) introduced him to the military’s hidden gem of the Air National Guard. From there, he was hooked and now looks back on his time in the Air Force with great fondness. He says, “I’m preparing to retire with no regrets and a heart full of gratitude for the journey.”
Virgil recalls some of his greatest memories from his service time, including the experience of flying in an F-16. On that incentive ride, he pulled 9.1 G’s before blacking out. That moment alone, and so many others, gave him a deep appreciation for the strength and skill of our warfighters. This experience is one of the many that showed him just how incredible it is to be part of the Air Force.
As he gets ready to trade in his uniform for a polo and slacks, he knows that there are many others just like him who are trying to prepare for the rest of the professional career. To any service member thinking of joining the SkillBridge program, Virgil’s best advice would be to start the process early and choose a program that aligns with your future goals. He has come to experience first-hand what an excellent opportunity this program provides, being able to apply his military experience in a civilian setting, gain new skills, and build a professional network for his life after service.
Virgil knew that Precise was the perfect fit for him when he realized just how valued the work ethic and perspective of veterans is at our organization. From day one, he felt genuinely welcomed and appreciated for his service and unique experience. Every day since, he has seen the inclusive, collaborative family that Precise Systems truly is. Supporting our nation’s veterans is paramount to our culture, and we are grateful that Virgil chose us to be the stepping stone for the rest of his career.
To Virgil and all of our nation’s veterans – “thank you” does not even begin to describe our gratitude for your strength, sacrifice, and service to our country. We are forever in your debt but honored that we get to play a role in recognizing and saluting you.
#PeopleOfPrecise: Meet Maira Foust
Meet Maira Foust – Project Manager, military spouse, and Precise Systems’ employee spotlight for May 2025.
Each May is celebrated nationally as Military Appreciation Month, with one day being dedicated to recognizing our military spouses. This year, May 9th marks Military Spouse Appreciation Day, and we are excited to recognize one of our very own.
Maira Foust is a Project Manager supporting our PMA-205 team and has been with Precise since August 2023. Prior to joining Precise, Maira served as a military spouse for 14 years, supporting her husband and their family during his time in the Air Force. The most rewarding part of being a military spouse, she explains, is the deep sense of pride and purpose that comes with supporting someone who willingly serves their country. Maira says, “There is so much fulfillment in the strength and resilience we develop and the close-knit community we become part of in the military.”
Although there are many employment opportunities in the Patuxent River area, Maira knew she wanted to make Precise her professional home when she saw the excellent service and solutions provided to our customers. She immediately knew she wanted to be part of that team of outstanding professionals and saw that she would be given many opportunities to grow in her career.
One of the biggest challenges for military spouses is finding a career that not only supports their unique lifestyle but also values the experience and skills they can bring to the table. Precise has provided Maira with a stable and fulfilling career path, while still offering the flexibility and understanding that her and her family’s military life required. Speaking of her career with Precise, she says, “The supportive culture of Precise and the leadership team has made it possible for me to grow professionally without compromising my role at home. I am so grateful to be part of a company that truly understands and supports the military community.”
Maira believes, and is a living testament to, that a military spouse’s career does not have to wait due to military life – it can truly thrive alongside it. For a military spouse looking to begin or continue their career, she would tell them to never underestimate the value of adaptability, resilience, and diverse perspectives. These are just some of the skills military spouses can uniquely bring to an organization, and it is important to seek out employers who recognize and support the military community and understand the strengths of military spouses.
Outside of being a military spouse and a project manager, Maira is an avid country music fan! When asked what three songs she has on her playlist right now, she says:
- “Good Horses” by Lainey Wilson
- “What He’ll Never Have” by Dylan Scott
- “Spin You Around” by Morgan Wallen
We are so grateful for Maira and all military spouses supporting our organization and nation beyond. Thank you for your courage, sacrifice, and service to our country. We see you, we are inspired by you, and we salute you!
#PeopleOfPrecise: Meet Isaiah Emenike
Meet Isaiah Emenike – NSWC Crane System Engineer, Team Lead, and Precise Systems’ employee spotlight for April 2025.
Isaiah is part of our NSWC Crane team as a System Engineer, specifically supporting the JCREW Drake program by defining and managing system requirements for ongoing software enhancements and the evolution of legacy software design features. A typical day for him revolves around facilitating the continuous integration (CI) and continuous deployment (CD) processes, ensuring seamless and efficient software updates and system improvements.
In addition to the technical role he plays, Isaiah is one of our Crane Team Leads, where he oversees a team of systems engineers. He is focused on fostering a culture of continuous improvement and professional growth, driving technical excellence, and ensuring everyone on his team feels they are given the chance to thrive. He says, “I challenge my team to embrace complex problem-solving tasks and innovate to prevent stagnation, encouraging them to approach each engineering challenge with critical thinking and a growth mindset.”
Whether it is handling installation requirements or overseeing total system performance, Isaiah’s work is a direct contributor to the safety of our warfighters and fleet beyond. He works in alignment with the needs of the Navy and ensures that every design meets high-quality standards. Despite being part of the larger mission, Isaiah and his team provide the best support when they focus on the smaller tasks and daily wins. The end goal is that the systems our Navy relies on are always ready and performing at their peak.
System engineering is a phrase heard often throughout our organization but may not be immediately understood by all. System engineering, as described by Isaiah, is, “using your critical thinking skills to break down big, complex issues into smaller, more manageable pieces.” The solution is achieved by tackling each smaller part, step by step, until it leads you to the main issue.
Once you figure out the solution, system engineering also provides the blueprint for success. Isaiah explains, “It’s about making clear, detailed instructions (like requirements, specifications, or action plans) for the team of engineers to follow and setting a roadmap for the team to follow so everything gets done right.”
Our Precise NSWC Crane Team has benefitted greatly from Isaiah’s talents, expertise, and leadership. He has also experienced great benefit by being a member of our organization, and even before his first day, he knew that Precise was the next right step in his professional career. After interviewing with Jay Twigg, Isaiah felt immediately comfortable and was excited to be part of a group of people that genuinely cared about his success and provided opportunities for him to grow. Isaiah truly displays the ‘One Team, One Precise’ mentality!
His passion for his work and our mission is evident, but that does not end when he leaves the office. Outside of work, he is an avid thrill seeker! When asked to describe the top 3 items on his bucket list, he shared:
- Open his own BBQ restaurant and share his favorite recipes with the world.
- Score 50-yard line, lower-level seats at the Super Bowl – what an epic memory that would make!
- Experience the unforgettable thrill of skydiving.
We are incredibly grateful and driven by Isaiah’s dedication and commitment to our Precise Team, mission, and warfighter at large. Thank you, Isaiah, for being part of our organization – we are better every day for it!
#PeopleOfPrecise: Meet Lauryn Paradis
Meet Lauryn Paradis – Engagement Specialist, former military child, and Precise Systems’ employee spotlight for April 2025.
Lauryn has been part of our Precise Engagement team for just over two years, but before that, she has supported our corporate teams in different capacities since she was 16 years old. Prior to her joining our organization, she grew up as a military child. Her father had served active duty in the U.S. Navy from before she was born to just before she started high school.
Being a military child has been central to Lauryn’s life, as it has developed so much of who she is today. She says, “Being a military child means a lot of sacrifice and grit, and that you will face some unique difficulties growing up, especially if you have a parent who deploys often, but you will come out on the other side and see just how strong those experiences have made you. It is not easy, but it is always worth it.”
There are many important life and career skills to be gained as a military child, some of which include adaptability and resiliency. Precise is a place where Lauryn feels her unique skills are not only appreciated but are grown and given the chance to thrive in such a fast-paced environment. Lauryn explains, “Whether you are supporting a military family or supporting our Precise team, you remember that you’re not just here for you; you’re here to support the mission, however that calls you.”
Although military life did bring its challenges, there are many fond memories she has from her time as a military child. One of her best memories is when her dad surprised her and her little brother, Connor, by unexpectedly visiting home during one of his overseas deployments. Lauryn and Connor had spent the night with their grandparents, but when their mom came to pick them up in the morning, their dad was hiding in the back of the car waiting to see them and wrap them in a big hug!
Many young children are currently experiencing at least one or more parent’s deployment, or a difficult move away from their friends and hometown. When asked what advice she would give these children, she says that finding ways to cherish time with family is incredibly important. Lauryn and her family had small traditions that would get them through deployments and moves, such as nightly Skype calls with her dad or learning about their new towns together as a family. Although these are little things, those will remind you that your family were the ones that were by your side the whole way through.
Today, Lauryn still holds a deep and innate respect for our nation, and for those who commit their lives to defending our freedoms. But now, she gets to celebrate that passion in a different way – “Blue and gold runs deep in my veins and getting the chance to attend the historic Army/Navy football game in-person is such a once-in-a-lifetime experience – especially when Navy sings second! Go Navy, Beat Army!”
Thank you to Lauryn and all military children who support our warfighters in often unseen ways. We are grateful for your service to our country and our organization at large. We are proud to have you, Lauryn!
#PeopleOfPrecise: Meet James McNeilly
Meet James McNeilly – Junior Project Analyst, Precise Internship Program alum, and Precise Systems’ employee spotlight for March 2025.
James joined our Precise Team last summer as an intern supporting PMA-281, where he has now become a full-time junior project analyst. During his internship, he was able to learn valuable, DoD-specific skills, tasking, and routines that contribute to his success in his role now. He says that the opportunity to learn all of this throughout the summer, along with the chance to work with the same team he supported then, gave him the confidence and foundation he needed to start his career off strong.
He describes himself as friendly, organized, resilient, motivated, and flexible – characteristics that he feels are not only supported, but given the chance to thrive in our organization. When asked how he knew Precise was the next right step in his professional journey, James says, “Precise lets their employees learn from experience, and are very driven in supporting the customer. Precise is also very supportive when problems arise, and excellent in communication.”
The characteristics James uses to describe himself are largely inspired by his love for sports and the role models he often finds in professional athletes. Kobe Bryant, someone known for his work ethic and passion for his career, is a huge inspiration for him. He says that he would cherish the opportunity to have dinner with Kobe and learn how to push not only yourself, but the people around you to be better each and every day.
James’ experience with the Precise Internship Program led him to where he is today, and he highly recommends any college student preparing for their career to apply to the program. He has one piece of advice for anyone thinking of applying, saying, “Be open to learning new things. This kind of work is not taught in college so everything you will face is new, but the more I learn, the more I know it will help the people around me.”
We are so proud and thankful to have James as part of our Precise Team! His talent and growing expertise are an invaluable asset to our organization.
If you’re an enthusiastic learner eager to gain hands-on experience in a professional environment, explore cutting-edge technology trends, and dive into the world of Government contracting—this is your chance to shine! Learn more about our program and apply here no later than March 28th!
#PeopleOfPrecise: Meet Michael Schulte
Meet Michael Schulte – Senior Software Engineer and Precise Systems’ employee spotlight for February 2025.
Michael supports our Interactive Training and Simulation capability as a Senior Software Engineer. He has gotten to know our Precise culture very well, and would describe it as dedicated, capable, and employee-focused.
In his role, the days can vary a lot in terms of tasking. Some days, he focuses solely on programming, whereas other days, he handles a large assortment of projects, including writing technical documents, making software builds, or describing how things work to an artist to create graphics for program support documentation. Michael’s work can ebb and flow, but there is surely never a dull moment!
His passion for software engineering came from his hobby of playing video games. When he was in high school, he was torn between becoming a marine biologist or a software engineer, but ultimately decided to choose the latter. One of his high school programming classes, QBasic, helped seal the deal, and the rest is history.
While Michael brings a great many technical and professional skills to his role, he has a personal skill he has always wanted to learn – how to pilot a small airplane. He’s never had the chance, but says, “I think it would be a neat experience and something good to know for life.”
A software engineer who can also fly planes sounds like the making of a great movie! If a film was ever made about his life, Michael would choose Tom Hanks to play himself. He believes that his vast repertoire of characters would make him the perfect person to capture Michael’s sarcastic humor and analytical way of thinking. We’d definitely buy a ticket to see that!
We are grateful and fortunate to have such skilled, passionate employees like Michael as part of our organization. Our capabilities and culture are made better every day with him here!
#PeopleOfPrecise: Meet Vanessa Molina
Meet Vanessa Molina – Senior Scientist and Precise Systems’ Employee Spotlight for February 2025.
Vanessa supports the Naval Research Lab in Key West, Florida, where she works as one of our Senior Scientists. Each day looks a little different for her, since her to-do list can contain any of these responsibilities – overseeing the planning and management of projects, conducting experiments, analyzing results, writing reports, supervising a team of scientists, and managing a lab – or all of the above!
February 11th is celebrated as the International Day of Women and Girls in Science. This day is especially important for Vanessa, as a woman who works in STEM, and means a lot to her. She says, “This day honors the contributions and achievements of women and girls who are pursuing careers in STEM. We use this day to promote female gender equality in the sciences and to encourage equal access and opportunities for science education.” Vanessa is daily inspired by the women who build each other up and understand that while our similarities unite us, it’s our differences that make us unique.
She is also invested in building up the next generation of women in STEM and hopes to inspire someone the way so many others have done for her. For a young girl interested in pursuing a career in STEM, Vanessa would say, “Explore various branches within your interested field. Find your passion and take opportunities to volunteer to learn and expand on what a role in that field looks like.”
Outside of a busy day at the lab, she enjoys taking time for herself and relaxing. Some of her favorite hobbies include traveling, art, spending time with her dogs, and practicing self-care. She is incredibly passionate about her work, but also knows how important it is to take care of herself so she can keep showing up to be the best she can be!
To Vanessa and all of our women in STEM, thank you for your example, hard work, and dedication you have brought to our organization. We see you, we recognize you, and we are inspired by you constantly. Thank you for making our Precise Team better each and every day!