Our innovative product lines are dedicated to keeping service members safe while helping them accomplish their missions. We have a commitment to the military community, which is reflected in how we hire, train, and support veterans across the company. Veterans bring unmatched experience, leadership, and perspective that help drive innovation across both our commercial and defense businesses.

Through leadership development, tuition assistance, internships, and global mobility programs, we give our people the tools to continue growing and leading long after their service.

In this Q&A, David, a Navy veteran and director of Enterprise IT, shares how his military background shaped his career and why Textron continues to feel like an extension of service. After serving four years in the Navy, David joined Textron in 2007. He now advances global infrastructure strategy, supports cross-functional initiatives, and mentors the next generation of talent.

Can you walk us through your career journey at Textron?

I joined Textron through an acquisition when the company I worked for became part of the Bell Helicopter family. I ended up spending about a little over a decade there, mostly on the commercial helicopter side of the business. My first role was in information technology, where I led a multi-phase Merger and Acquisition IT project to bring McTurbine Inc. and U.S. Helo into the Bell Helicopter IT ecosystem. That work included building full system connectivity and integration, which helped support programs like the Huey II and commercial helicopter engine overhauls.

After that, I was promoted to IT Manager and focused on driving technical architecture, application programming, and major technology initiatives that supported Bell’s top revenue-generating product lines, accessories, and services at the Commercial Delivery Center in Piney Flats, TN. A few years later, I was promoted to Director of Information Technology, responsible for IT Infrastructure and Security at Textron Specialized Vehicles in Augusta, GA. That shift took me outside of aviation and gave me a whole new perspective on business and the commercial market and how different business lines operate.

For the past four years, I’ve been part of the Textron Enterprise IT Team, supporting all Textron businesses across the organization.

What kind of opportunities does Textron offer to veterans?

Textron has more than 220 locations around the world. We have an extensive line of products, and we need the right people in the right place at the right time to make them successful. There are an endless number of opportunities. Whether it’s travel, relocation, technical work, or leadership, it’s all about where you want to take your career. It is easy to enjoy where we work and what we do when we make products that directly relate to our military service.

We also offer internships, direct hire roles, and leadership development programs. For those using their GI Bill, Textron can help support your education and career goals. We provide tuition reimbursement and give service members the flexibility to continue reserve duty if they choose.

How does Textron approach veteran recruiting?

I do a lot of college recruiting, and I see a lot of veterans on campus using their GI Bill. Textron looks for veterans because we know they bring discipline, dedication, problem-solving, and a different mindset.

Whether it’s helping them get a degree, mentoring them through career transitions, or placing them in roles where they can grow, we’re committed to helping veterans succeed. I wish someone had told me earlier how important education is after service. Getting a degree is a game-changer, and Textron helps make that possible.

Veterans pursuing their education can take advantage of summer intern programs where you get exposure to different parts of the business. It helps you figure out what you don’t want to do, so you can find what you do want to do.

How has your career at Textron allowed you to work internationally?

I’ve been responsible for IT across a wide variety of operations and locations. I’ve had the opportunity to lead teams and functions both inside and outside the United States. I’ve had responsibilities supporting and leading IT teams in facilities from Singapore, to Canada, the United Kingdom, and I currently have a team in India.

One of the reasons I joined the military was to travel and get out of my small town. I thought that opportunity ended with my military service. But fortunately, I landed at Textron. Throughout my career, I’ve relocated four times, lived in different parts of the country, and traveled across the world to visit and support our operations.

In many ways, it feels like a continuation of my service. Traveling to understand teams, products, and how value can be brought to those areas is part of the job and something I enjoy. Textron gives you the flexibility to take your career in whichever direction you want.

What does career growth look like at Textron?

Career growth at Textron is what you make of it. No one tells you what path to take. You decide that for yourself. Whether you want to move into management or grow as a technical expert, it really depends on your goals and skill set. From what I have seen, there is no limit to how far you can go here.

Every bit of effort you put into developing yourself, whether it is technical, leadership, or management, Textron finds a way to build on it and help you move forward. You can stay in one business or explore others across the company. The opportunities are there. It is just a matter of how far you want to take them.

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Where will your military experience take you next?

At Textron, we’re proud to support veterans, service members, and their families. When you join us, you become part of a community that values the unique skills, perspectives, and leadership gained through military service.

Explore our Military & Veterans page to learn how your experience can shape innovation across our businesses.