In 2019, Jason — a seasoned engineer who started his career developing software for the SBIRS ground system and now leads the NGP Ground Software team — crossed paths with then-intern Colin. Colin, who studied aerospace engineering at University of Colorado Boulder, was eager to contribute to software development for the NGP ground system. What started as informal guidance soon evolved into a knowledge-sharing relationship, a powerful example of how cross-generational mentorship shapes both careers and mission-critical programs.
“Jason’s mentorship was absolutely paramount; I learned almost everything I know about the data processing side of ground software from him,” said Colin, who joined Northrop Grumman full-time in 2020. “Jason gave me space to figure things out and helped me shape technical conversations depending on my audience. That coaching set me up to succeed.”
Jason’s leadership approach was influenced by guidance he received early in his SBIRS career, where he said he learned the technical fundamentals of software development, and how to think critically, collaborate across teams, and approach challenges with system-level awareness.
“When I was a new engineer, my mentor wouldn’t just show me how to do something — he’d ask pointed questions to help me figure it out myself,” Jason said. “That approach stuck with me, and it’s the same way I mentor engineers like Colin today.”
This mentorship has paid off, with Colin now taking on leadership roles himself, including helping to architect a full end-to-end ground solution for a six-spacecraft constellation. Thanks to the support he received from Jason, Colin sees mentorship as both a responsibility and a way to pay it forward.
“It’s important that new hires feel welcomed and challenged,” said Colin. “Mentorship helps them succeed, which ultimately helps our customers succeed.”
