General Dynamics Mission Systems: Innovation Leaders in National Security by Putting People First

The average tenure of General Dynamics Mission Systems employees is 12 years, due in no small part to industry-leading benefits, flexible work arrangements, plentiful training programs, and a workforce comprised of many voices committed to helping our customers keep our nation safe. Chris Hiltbrand, vice president of People, sat down with us to talk about why job seekers should make General Dynamics Mission Systems their first choice when searching for a new career opportunity.

Benefits at General Dynamics Mission Systems

Benefits are important to job seekers, but not all are created equal. “I’m especially proud of the benefits General Dynamics Mission Systems employees have access to,” said Hiltbrand. “Our health, well-being and financial benefits are exceptional, and we want our employees to continue to have workplace flexibility.”

The two newest General Dynamics Mission Systems benefits are the Employee Workplace Plan and the External Referral Program. Under the Employee Workplace Plan framework, many employees can choose from different work location options ranging from fully on-site, a hybrid work-from-home/work-on-site and fully remote model. The External Referral Program offers up to a $10,000 bonus to non-General Dynamics employees who submit referrals for qualified candidates who are hired into specific positions.

Company-provided training opportunities are another great benefit we offer to General Dynamics Mission Systems employees. “We know our employees want to stay at the top of their game and seek out educational and training programs, and we are here to help them,” said Connie Klein, director of Learning and Organizational Development. General Dynamics Mission Systems offers all employees access to a multi-layered online learning platform featuring hundreds of business, leadership, and technical training courses and assets. Additionally, our robust mentorship, job rotation and tuition reimbursement programs support employees in their career growth. For employees seeking leadership roles, the Mission Systems Leadership Program (MSLP), Systems Engineer Architect Leadership Program (SEAL), Engineering and Manufacturing Leadership Programs (ELP/ MLP) and Leadership Academy prepare General Dynamics employees to take the next forward step in their career journey.

Another benefit Hiltbrand is incredibly proud of is General Dynamics Mission Systems’ Parental Leave and Adoption and Surrogacy Assistance Programs. Offering six weeks of fully paid leave to new parents, including new employees who may not yet qualify for FMLA, the Parental Leave Program allows new parents to use the time all at once, or incrementally, over one year. The Adoption and Surrogacy Assistance Program provides financial assistance, up to $10,000 for adoption, and up to $20,000 for surrogacy, for employees.

Diversity Builds a Dynamic Culture at General Dynamics Mission Systems

Diversity is crucial to innovation. “A diverse workplace yields better ideas and outcomes, and we are committed to promoting diversity of thought, experience, perspectives and capabilities,” said Andrea Hall, senior manager, Diversity & Inclusion. To that end, the General Dynamics Mission Systems’ all volunteer Inclusion Council designs, develops, hosts and supports Diversity & Inclusion initiatives, learning sessions and celebrations. Additionally, six Employee Resource Groups (ERG) provide support and assistance for employees of similar shared interest, characteristic or experience to collaborate and engage with other employees.

Veterans are a force to be reckoned with. “As a veteran myself, I am inspired by General Dynamics’ support for our military through employment, community investment and employee engagement,” said Hiltbrand. With dedicated Veterans’ recruiters, participation in the Department of Defense SkillBridge Internship Program, a Veterans ERG, benefits and accommodations available to employees fulfilling military obligations, and a supportive environment for veterans needing accommodations, General Dynamics supports those not done with serving the mission.

“People join this great company and stay because of our dynamic culture,” said Hiltbrand. “What unites all General Dynamics employees is the five principles we’re built on – honesty, trust, humanity, alignment and value creation. What we say, we do. We keep our commitments to our employees and our customers.”