Creating Connections in the Future Battlespace

If you were to sum up Christa Jordan’s tech career in one word, it might be “connected.”   

Before joining the firm, she worked as a systems engineer with the Department of Defense, where she regularly interacted with Booz Allen employees. She was struck by the collaborative and connected nature of the Booz Allen team—so struck that she ultimately decided to join them.

Cut to six years later, and Christa supports the firm’s efforts for one of the DOD missions that emphasizes connectivity the most: the digital battlespace. An initiative that answers the Joint All-Domain Command and Control’s (JADC2) call for an interconnected military force, Booz Allen’s digital battlespace uses emerging technologies to create more efficient operations.

As a systems engineer working on the digital battlespace, Christa takes on some of the big challenges facing the Air Force today. Here’s how she uses her talents to create connections—and make a difference.

What projects are you currently supporting?

I currently support the Air Force Distributed Common Ground System (AF DCGS), which includes IT weapon systems with the Air Force. Essentially, I help the Air Force solve tough problems by processing data from different sources. Part of this work includes a transformation to open architecture, and I’m leading a few efforts within that transformation.

What’s the most fulfilling part of your role?

Our team has led the Air Force in not only adopting open architecture but in transforming into an agile acquisition organization.

It’s fulfilling to see the technical products, but it’s amazing to witness the way the transformation affects the team as a whole. The software development teams became more efficient, but we saw changes in other areas as well. There was a unity of purpose that grew because of our work—it felt like everyone had the same goal. It’s amazing to see these real-time results from my efforts.

What’s the best part of working at Booz Allen?

I enjoy any day where I work with my Booz Allen teammates. I’ve found our team to be one of the most cooperative teams in my career. I’ve never asked for assistance and not received help from my teammates as well as people across the firm.

We work hard, but we balance it with incredible work-life balance. Our leadership cares about us. We’re always told to take our leave, spend time with our families, and emphasize what’s important in life. You don’t find that everywhere. 

Do you have any advice for candidates looking to make their next career move?

Be flexible—and be vocal about what you can bring to the team. Our team is so diverse—we have people with software development backgrounds, people who were operators in the Air Force or Navy, someone with a background in music. Combined, we make a stronger team—our different perspectives always bring a better solution to our projects.

What’s the best career lesson you’ve learned so far?

Get comfortable with being uncomfortable. That means you’re challenging yourself. When you challenge yourself, you’re going to learn and grow.