Offering a range of disciplines to apply and grow a unique skillset in manufacturing
Modern manufacturing offers enriching careers spanning design and engineering, procurement and supply chain, program management, operations, and corporate functions like human resources, finance, and brand protection. As a partner to some of the world’s leading automotive, cloud, communications, consumer, health solutions and industrial brands, we have a unique view into a diverse set of industries and have a hands-on approach to the technologies that help propel end markets forward.
Veterans from every branch of the military are putting their acquired skills from serving to use in different capacities.
Matthew Evans, a former helicopter mechanic and crew chief, leaned into his background of machinery maintenance and repair in the military, which led him to engineering school. Today, as a Sr. Architect, Systems Engineering, he leads a product development group focused on developing the processes and steps for verification and validation based on customer needs across several industries.
“My time serving exposed me to working on machinery, which sparked my interest in how products are designed and built. Up until joining Flex, my entire career was in product development in the defense industry.
Now I focus on commercial products, leveraging technology like the internet of things. My experience in the military gives me a unique perspective on developing products since I know how to maintain those products and systems. I also have more of an appreciation for how customers view usability and quality.”
— Matthew Evans, Sr. Architect, Systems Engineering
Rocio Carranza, an ex-military intelligence officer, and security manager, is now a program security manager, at Flex, where she establishes and manages the company’s security program and ensures intellectual property and site personnel are protected. Rocio leveraged learnings from a broad range of security management initiatives from her time in the military. She worked in security management in a number of contexts, including in training, personnel, administrative and more.
Many veterans bring an aptitude for quickly learning a variety of skills during their time in the military. At Flex, we provide formal and on-the-job learning and upskilling opportunities and strive to empower teams and individuals to gain valuable development experience to prepare for challenging and versatile roles.
Fostering a culture of collaboration
Collaboration, disciplined execution, and operational excellence are tenets of our shared values and how our team members work with each another.
Anthony Byrd spent four years as a reconnaissance marine, gathering intelligence while deployed, and worked in the secret service. After transitioning, he began his career in manufacturing at an automotive company as a production supervisor. Anthony then made the jump to security and recognizes the parallels of the military and his role today.
“In the military, I was always working in 6 or 8 person teams with people from all over. Everyone, despite having different backgrounds, was expected to contribute, excel, and do what needed be done to deliver.
Today, in a global role, the same mindset applies. We have people in Mexico, Hungary, and Japan, and we have to successfully work together. We all understand each other’s background and cultures, which makes for a great team and great place to work.”
— Anthony Byrd, Sr. Global Security Programs Manager
Part of our commitment to fostering our workforce is empowering team members to connect on shared interests and build community.
Moving from the military to the manufacturing industry
We tapped into our team members’ expertise to offer a few words of advice for those who are about to or are considering a transition into a career in manufacturing.
Don’t sell yourself short
Give yourself time
“Working in manufacturing is substantially different than what I did in the military as an electronics technician for communications gear. Still, I brought my attention to detail and disciplined focus to medical manufacturing.
So, my advice to other veterans is to give yourself time. It’s a huge adjustment in living and thinking and your patience will be rewarded with success.”
— Anna Kendall, Associate Operation Supervisor
Evaluate how you communicate
We welcome and encourage veterans of all backgrounds to consider the manufacturing industry as a career. Our global team, wide array of roles, and culture of continuous improvement and collaboration helps create an environment for ex-service members to thrive.
