Vertex Pharmaceuticals

Cybersecurity Principal Engineer

Northrop Grumman

Principal Cyber Systems Engineer

US Navy

Provides expertise in cybersecurity, information technology, command and control, communications, networks and space systems through the planning, acquisition, operation, maintenance and security of systems.

Information Professional Officer

Responsible for establishing, monitoring, and maintaining radio frequency communication systems, as well as operating and maintaining global satellite telecommunications systems. Duties include transmitting, receiving, and storing all incoming and outgoing messages, managing and coordinating information systems security across platforms and fleets, and designing, installing, and operating wide-area networks, computer systems, and associated devices. Additional responsibilities include performing network system administration, maintenance, and training, managing network security, and installing applications while troubleshooting user issues. Tasked with providing training and assistance on computer hardware and software, writing programs to collect and distribute data, ensuring proper security and handling of communications materials and equipment, and performing diagnostics, data recovery operations, and maintaining logs.

Information System Technician

Responsible for installing, testing, troubleshooting, and repairing or replacing cryptologic networks, physical security systems, electronic equipment, antennas, personal computers, auxiliary devices, digital and optical interfaces, and data systems. Additional tasks include configuring, monitoring, and evaluating Information Operations (IO), Information Warfare (IW) systems, and Information Assurance (IA) operations. Expertise in performing hardware and software isolation and repairs for state-of-the-art electronics, computer and network equipment, and related systems using complex test and analysis equipment, diagnostic software, hand tools, and technical publications. Also tasked with maintaining fleet cryptologic permanent and carry-on direct support systems essential for special land, sea surface, and subsurface operations.

Cryptologic Technician (Maintenance)

Command Destroyer Squadron 21 (CDS 21)

Manages network and telecommunication activities to achieve global operations. Coordinates with global satellite, network and telecommunications service providers to obtain Internet Protocol services and to establish Service Levels of Agreement.

Information Technology Manager

Navy Information Operations Command Hawaii (NIOC HI)

Directed Computer Network Operations (CNO) teams in the planning and execution of Offensive Cyber Operations (OCO) supporting national objectives.

Cyber Warfare Officer

USS IWO JIMA (LHD-7)

Developed system Assessment and Authorization packages consisting of 50 systems under Risk Management Framework, implemented information assurance controls, documented risks and provided recommendations to leadership. Executed mitigation plan and developed Plan of Action and Milestones (POA&M).

Information Systems Director

Naval Network Warfare Command (NNWC)

Provided command and control decision-making support and shared situational awareness of four global enterprise networks.

Global Network Operations and Security Center Manager

Command Destroyer Squadron 50 (CDS 50)

Provided critical Command, Control, Communications, Computers and Intelligence (C4I) support to a staff of 40 overseas.

Navy Information Operations Command Georgia (NIOC GA)

Managed a 19-person, multi-service team responsible for the installation and maintenance of telecommunications and network infrastructure in support of 3,000 personnel.

Information Technology Division Supervisor

Naval Security Group Activity (NSGA) Groton and Pearl Harbor

Certified, installed and maintained communications and network equipment suites to include local/wide area networks installation, troubleshooting, operating system configurations (Linux, Unix and Windows) and associated network administration.

Fleet Electronic Support Maintenance and Installation Technician

M.S. Network Operations & Technology | Sec+, IAM I, IAT II | ITIL v3 | Navy IP Officer | Seeking Cyber, GRC and ISSM-related roles | Open to CO, CO Springs and remote roles | Active TS/SCI Clearance | Available 8/23

As a seasoned cybersecurity professional and career strategist, I bridge the gap between technical expertise and career development in the rapidly evolving security landscape. My journey spans multiple technologies, industries, and organizations, giving me unique insights into what drives success in cybersecurity roles.

Having successfully navigated my own transition from military service to civilian cybersecurity, I now dedicate myself to guiding others through their career journeys. I specialize in helping veterans leverage their military experience for cybersecurity roles, understanding that the path can seem overwhelming without proper guidance.

I take pride in demystifying cybersecurity careers through:
- Strategic career mapping and transition planning
- Certification and skill development guidance
- Resume optimization and interview preparation
- Professional networking strategies
- Personal brand development

When I'm not mentoring cybersecurity professionals, you'll find me on the golf course, pursuing fitness goals, or writing about industry trends. These diverse interests inform my holistic approach to career development – because success in cybersecurity requires both technical excellence and personal balance.

Connect with me to discuss:
- Military to civilian transition strategies
- Breaking into cybersecurity
- Career advancement in security roles
- Professional development planning
- Building resilient security teams

I regularly share insights, trends, and opportunities in cybersecurity. Let's connect and build a stronger security community together.

Josh Hicks

Johnsonville

Lead operations for a 240-member facility, overseeing safety, quality, production, and workforce performance.

Improved plant attainment rate from 62.1% to 90.02% through process audits and yield optimization.

Increased head-per-hour rate from 79.5 to 103.2 and packaging efficiency from 55.3% to 88.9% in 2024.

Spearheaded a $3M capital investment project with a 26% IRR to support growth and infrastructure.

Enhanced raw material quality and reduced downtime by improving supply coordination by 25%.

Drove safety transformation initiatives, earning the 2024 Superlative Safety Award.

Reduced employee turnover by 30% through leadership development and engagement strategies.

Senior Operations Manager

Partnered with senior leadership to enhance organizational culture and leadership effectiveness.

Human Resources Business Partner

UnitedHealth Group

- Spearheaded global enterprise DEI strategies, propelling business, community, and social outcomes.
- Coordinated the development of a DEI-integrated Performance Reviews approach, advancing diversity goals and enterprise-wide alignment.
- Pioneered the establishment of the Employee Resource Groups workflow collaboration model spanning the organization.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Fellow

*Senior HR Associate Director & Advisor (Submarine Force and Nuclear Program)
*Executive Talent Manager (Chief of the Boat/Command Master Chief)
*Compliance Manager (HR and Employment)

Managed a team of 32 HR professionals serving a submarine force of 28,000+ personnel.

Advised executive leadership on workforce planning, compliance, and policy execution.

Implemented a large-scale CRM solution, boosting operational efficiency by 75%.

Developed talent management and retention strategies recognized with multiple awards.

Senior HR Advisor & People Manager

USS Maryland SSBN 738 Chief of the Boat (COB)

Led 165+ personnel in high-stakes operational environments, improving team performance and readiness.

Drove standardization efforts across departments, resulting in sustained operational efficiency.

Developed cross-functional SOPs and training strategies, achieving 100% readiness metrics.

Mentored and coached teams across five operational units, revitalizing underperforming departments.

Ranked #3 of 8 Senior Chiefs for leadership excellence and strategic execution.

Designed and executed training programs achieving 100% compliance with zero major failures.

Senior Operations Excellence Manager

Directed three operations teams across maintenance and training, ensuring high equipment readiness.

Led electronics projects supporting a multi-billion-dollar national asset with zero rework.

Delivered weekly performance and readiness reports, enhancing mission-aligned workforce allocation.

Operations Manager | Program Manager

-Early career experience includes an impressive record as a Talent Acquisition Manager, implementing full cycle recruiting strategies and achieving 120% hiring goals including building and maintaining relationships with schools and community-based organizations.
-Expert in Submarine Electronics and Computer Field.

Early Professional Experience

The year 1977

Average Cost of new 🏠 $49,300
Average Income per year 💵$15,000
Average Monthly Rent 🏡 $240
Cost of a gallon of Gas ⛽️ 0.65 cents
Atari was released in North America
Star Wars premieres 🌌

📌 In 1977, my parents immigrated to the United States from El Salvador 🇸🇻, escaping the civil war that plagued their home country. They arrived here with limited resources, no formal education, and unfamiliarity with the language. However, their unwavering determination, strong work ethic, and solid family values propelled them towards success.

Throughout their journey, my parents instilled in me invaluable life lessons:

✔️ RESPECT: They taught me the importance of respecting everyone, irrespective of their background. This foundational principle enabled me to extend the same level of respect to others.

✔️ DETERMINATION: Despite the numerous challenges and roadblocks they encountered, my parents never gave up. Their unwavering determination inspired me to push through adversity and persevere.

✔️ HELPING OTHERS: Humility and compassion were ingrained in me as my parents emphasized the significance of assisting those in need. Growing up, we opened our doors to family and friends who sought refuge in this country, recognizing that we are all part of the same human family.

📌 These life lessons have shaped me both personally and professionally.

✔️ As a Human Resource professional, I embody these principles by ensuring that every individual, regardless of their race, gender, age, or background, is treated with dignity and respect.
 

Skills: Leadership & Business Strategy, Operations Management, Diversity and Inclusion, Process Improvement, Risk Management, Performance Management, Employee Engagement and Relations, HR Policies, HR Transformation, Coaching & Mentoring.

taplio

The Battle

Josh Hicks

Rigo Magaña

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