MECH Spotlight: Sam Sanders

At MTSI, our people drive our mission forward, and the MTSI Early Career Hub (MECH) plays an important role in fostering connection and growth across our early-career community. Sam Sanders takes the MECH Spotlight, embodying MTSI’s mission to turn early-career engineers into trusted problem-solvers and active community builders.

1. Tell us a little about yourself – What’s your role at MTSI, and what team or project are you currently supporting?

I work as a Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) Engineer under our ACES group, where I primarily do missile modeling/simulation and performance analysis. Specifically, my team supports the AC group at MDA with our current focus being the Glide Phase Interceptor (GPI) program. We also help support smaller contracts, research initiatives, and IRAD efforts as needed.

2. What’s your favorite part of MTSI’s culture?

My favorite part of MTSI’s culture is how closely knit the entire company feels. I’d say it’s nearly impossible to walk the halls of our building without seeing a familiar, friendly face. Not only are the people here committed to fostering connection, they’re also devoted to excellence, striving to be the absolute best at their respective role. I think this combination is what allows MTSI to be so successful while retaining the family-like atmosphere.

3. How are you involved in MECH?

I am a co-lead of the Huntsville MECH group along with Emily Bryant. The Huntsville group was one of the pilot groups, so we’ve been going strong for a little over two years now. Specifically, I handle the planning and execution of social events while Emily focuses on professional development events. In addition to planning events, both Emily and I handle the “administrative” aspects of the group – connecting with new members, tracking funds spent throughout the year, brainstorming with the other MECH groups, etc.

4. How has MTSI supported your growth as an early-career professional?

I think the main way that MTSI has supported my growth as a young professional is by allowing me to grow into my role and find my place in the company. Specifically, MTSI fosters a culture of trust and responsibility, where individuals are encouraged to take control of their role and excel. Additionally, I believe that MTSI does a fantastic job of treating young professionals as equal members of the team. Because of this, I have gained crucial leadership, decision-making, and communication skills that I would not have gained otherwise.

5. What advice would you give to someone just starting their career at MTSI?

My advice to someone starting their career at MTSI would be to take advantage of every opportunity available here, whether that be career-, community-, or development-related. MTSI has a multitude of opportunities available (groups, events, etc.) that drive you to become a better version of yourself, both in your career and in your personal development. There is no shortage of ways to get involved at MTSI, and every one that I’ve pursued in my time here has developed me in some way. MTSI provides the environment to build a long-term, sustainable career while continuing to grow both personally and professionally.