For Becky Westing, providing multiple solutions for a resilient positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) capability is exciting work. In her role at Booz Allen, Becky and her team enjoy building solutions across the Department of Defense (DOD) and seeing the work have a direct impact on warfighters.
What makes our PNT capability so exciting and critical? We spoke with Becky about forging her career path and how she is empowering change through her work.
How did you get started in your field?
As an engineer in the Air Force, I had the incredible opportunity to be a navigation payload analyst for Global Positioning System (GPS) satellites. It was humbling to be charged with safeguarding a system that touches nearly every person in the world.
I quickly learned that the people entrusted with protecting these assets develop a passion for GPS and the capabilities it provides. I was excited to find a PNT engineering position at Booz Allen, where the employees are motivated by the same desire to protect and strengthen the nation’s PNT capabilities.
What projects are you working on at Booz Allen?
I’m working on projects that use digital engineering tools, techniques, and processes to facilitate the design, cybersecurity, and sustainment of the nation’s weapon systems.
One project is using model-based systems engineering (MBSE) to create a PNT reference architecture that will enable modularity of complex mission systems and facilitate faster PNT capability insertion. A MBSE approach allows the complexities of the PNT domain to be captured in a flexible and illustrative model. We’re also thrilled to be applying an open PNT architecture to prototypes for navigation units across military aircraft.
How do you feel you’re making an impact?
Our end goal is to provide warfighters with assured PNT. The Department of Homeland Security considers reliable PNT vital to 13 of the nation’s 16 critical infrastructures including air transportation, maritime shipping, electrical power, communications, financial services, and emergency response. The loss of PNT could cost the U.S. over $10 billion a day.
Robust and resilient PNT solutions will help bolster PNT capabilities in concert with addressing GPS vulnerabilities. I’m passionate about using digital engineering tools to create repeatable frameworks and processes, enabling the nation’s PNT and weapons systems to keep pace with emerging threats.
Why did you choose Booz Allen?
Booz Allen recognizes people as one of their greatest assets and gives us the tools to succeed. As a military spouse who had been at home with the kids for four years, I was apprehensive about re-entering the workforce. However, I’ve learned that Booz Allen values the unique perspective that each person brings, and even has dedicated resources for employees in the military community who are preparing to move.
I’ve been fortunate to continue to support the same work and missions throughout two military moves over the last three years and am confident I can continue to make an impact no matter where we land in the world. I work closely with employees throughout the country and am continually impressed by the caliber of the people and work we do, along with our genuine desire to help others thrive.
