Continuing our celebration of long-serving employees across Chemring, we meet Glenn. Glenn is a Software Engineer from Chemring Sensors & Electronic Systems in Charlotte, North Carolina. He has been with the business for almost 48 years and shares some of his experiences over that time.
What motivated you to join CSES, and what has kept you here for so long?
I joined the business in 1978, when it was owned by General Electric Armament Systems in Burlington, Vermont. I was initially drawn by the opportunity to pursue a fully funded graduate education while working in a small business environment. That combination was especially appealing to me as a recent college graduate. The variety, professional growth opportunities, and collaborative culture have kept me engaged and committed.
Can you share a memorable moment or achievement from your time here?
I’ve been fortunate to see many of our products successfully deployed in the field, supporting our armed forces in their challenging missions. One particularly memorable moment was being assigned to a warfighting ship, working below deck to analyse system operations while 25mm ammunition was fired at real-time targets. Experiencing our system in action, transitioning from a conceptual design to a fully operational tool that directly supports US soldiers, was incredibly rewarding. That moment captured the true impact of our work and reminded me why we do what we do.
How has CSES changed since you first started?
When I joined the business, CSES was developing chemical and biological detection technologies. Over time, the focus has shifted more exclusively toward biological detection systems. This evolution has resulted in a smaller, leaner organisation with a more defined and unified vision, allowing for greater specialisation and efficiency in our core mission.
What advice would you give to new employees just starting their careers here?
Take full advantage of opportunities for company-sponsored education - it’s a valuable resource for both personal and professional growth. Embrace every challenge that comes your way, and don’t be afraid to step outside your immediate area of expertise. Pushing your boundaries and taking on complex tasks within and beyond your core domain will accelerate your development and open new opportunities.
What are some of the biggest challenges you've faced, and how did you overcome them?
One of the biggest challenges has been keeping pace with the rapid evolution of technology. When I started, we used paper tape to load our products; now we leverage cloud-based systems. If there’s one constant in engineering, it’s that everything changes. Adapting to these changes and effectively applying new technologies to our products, services, and support processes is essential. I’ve found that staying current requires a commitment to continuous learning, which is critical in overcoming challenges and remaining effective in a dynamic field.
How do you stay motivated and passionate about your work after all these years?
I genuinely enjoy what I do and the people I work with every day. The company’s product portfolio continues to present new and exciting challenges, especially in the system and software domains, pushing the boundaries of technology through both design and verification. Staying current with evolving technologies keeps me motivated, and it’s a constant opportunity to learn new skills and prepare for the next challenge.
Can you describe a project or initiative that you are particularly proud of?
Throughout my career, I’ve had the opportunity to work on a wide range of technologies and learn from many outstanding mentors and colleagues. One project that stands out is the LAV-AD (Light Armoured Vehicle–Air Defence) system. I was involved from its initial concept all the way through to deployment, a process that spanned nearly a decade and multiple organisations. It was an incredibly complex effort that required tight coordination, cooperation, and trust among various technology partners and team members. Seeing it successfully fielded and knowing it supports the United States soldiers was a deeply rewarding experience and a proud highlight of my career.
What do you think sets our company apart from others in the industry?
What sets our company apart is its small size, which creates a unique environment where employees are encouraged, and often required, to take on multiple roles across various projects. This not only broadens individual experience but also fosters a deeper understanding of the technologies we work with. In an industry that’s both fast-paced and technically demanding, this level of hands-on involvement and cross-functional exposure is a rare and valuable opportunity.
What’s next for you?
Retirement is on the horizon, and I’m looking forward to enjoying the next chapter, hopefully on some of the most pristine golf courses across the country. While I’ve found great fulfilment in my career, I’m excited for the opportunity to increase my wood-working capabilities, explore new experiences, and enjoy the rewards of years of hard work.