NSBE - Convention 2010 - (Page 17)

Ernest levert of lockheed Martin dedicated to Excellence and Service By Syreeta A. Thomas ‘‘p ick an area, and become an expert.” This was the advice given to Ernest Levert by Ronald McNair, Ph.D., the second African American to fly in space. Levert met Dr. McNair when the astronaut was keynote speaker at a banquet at The Ohio State University, when Levert was a student there. Dr. McNair took the time after his remarks to advise students one on one, something that left a lasting impression on Levert’s life. Levert grew up in Cleveland, Ohio, and was fascinated by space programs from a young age. The NASA Glenn Research Center was nearby in his hometown, and he began working there in the 10th grade. After high school, Levert joined the U.S. Navy and served in the Vietnam War. After his military service, he earned a B.S. in welding engineering from Ohio State. There, he met many of his early mentors, including Dr. McNair. Now a senior staff manufacturing engineer for Lockheed Martin Corporation, Levert functions as the subject matter expert for welding engineering and materials-joining processes for the entire company. His role at Lockheed Martin can be challenging at times. “Everything must work the first time, every time,” remarks Levert. And he is extremely proud of his track record of providing quality products on time. Levert’s pursuit of excellence has brought him many accolades throughout his career. One of his proudest moments came when he was awarded the Lockheed Martin NOVA Award for Outstanding Leadership, one of the company’s highest honors. Levert notes that receiving the call of congratulations from James Berry, president of Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, and visiting the corporation’s headquarters in Bethesda, Md., have been two of the high points of his career. Levert also enjoys being able to see the fruits of his labor a little closer to home. What makes his job at Lockheed Martin so enjoyable? “Seeing products go out the door to war fighters and knowing they are home safe because of your products,” he says. Levert, who also serves as a local scoutmaster, has received messages of gratitude from the boys in his Scout troop. Being a scoutmaster is just one way Levert gives back to his community. He is an active mentor for local students, and he participates in several programs Lockheed Martin has initiated in his home of Dallas, Texas. “Kids need to have good role models,” says Levert, “someone to tell their story.” Levert also tells his story by conducting a workshop for young engineers called “Introduction to Corporate America.” This workshop offers career advice and provides attendees with valuable insights in a manner similar to the counsel provided to Levert by “Everything must work the first time, every time.” Dr. McNair. There are many important lessons that Levert believes will help future engineers and scientists be successful in their careers. “Find good mentors along the way…. This is key,” Levert advises. “You need someone to help pull you up and encourage you.” Finding a good internship while in school is also of utmost importance, according to Levert, not only to help you find out what you like but also what you don’t like. Once you discover what you want to do, you can zero in on mentors who hold positions you would one day like to hold. This is how Ernest Levert became a technical expert in his field, using the advice given to him by the iconic American figure he met during that banquet years ago. ■ www.nsbe.org nsbe magazine • convention 2010 • 17 http://www.nsbe.org

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of NSBE - Convention 2010

NSBE - Convention 2010
Contents
Get Involved
What Makes Us Great
Sandra Edmonds of Intel
Dr. David Freeman of MIT Lincoln Laboratory
Dwayne James of Jacobs
Jean Paul of Philadelphia Gas Works
Ernest Levert of Lockheed Martin
Bryan Agard of ITW
Bettye Moddy of Navair
International News
Chapter News
Region I Jobs Outlook
Engineering a Global Impact
Things To Do In Toronto
Career Fair Recruiters Speak
Golden Torch Award Winners
Save Our Kids 2010
CE Cover: Advanced Degrees
Employer Profiles
AE Members On the Move
Advertisers Index

NSBE - Convention 2010