Ron Pfaff

My recent role as a PDS contractor to ULA (United Launch Alliance) was both challenging and very rewarding. It was challenging because our PDS team was required to complete a large workload quickly with less precision than usual. This meant the team had to come up to speed quickly, deliver work at an increased pace, and adjust to a non-traditional approach. It was rewarding because not only did the team deliver, but I was able to transition into delivering products that are targeted to save the company several FTEs per year. 

I was hired by PDS in December 2024 to work with ULA.  This was my first experience working for a company that delivers rockets to launch space vehicles, so adding this experience to my technical background is one place I grew professionally.   This also was my first experience working as a contractor.  I learned about managing the additional fluidity associated with this type of position. For instance, the contract was paused several times, and, on the other hand, my contract was extended twice. 

This last experience working with ULA as a PDS contractor is one such moment. I loved being a team lead to such a great team. I found it incredible how much was accomplished in such a short time. I felt super supported by the PDS and ULA staff – everyone I worked with were such great team players and managers. 

My favorite way of staying updated is to talk with colleagues and investigate what interests me with AI tools like ChatGPT and Microsoft CoPilot, then follow those leads. My favorite way of enhancing my skill set is to look for then get on projects that broaden these. 

While what a fellow professional needs to do to achieve success depends on the situation, their aptitudes as well as their experience, I think the key elements to my most recent success at PDS were (1) doing what the customer wanted and (2) offering places where we could add value. Doing what the customer wanted took active listening, continually getting feedback, requesting help where ULA was willing, and reporting progress in terms ULA understood. Out of noting where value might be added came the transition to delivering the products that are targeted to save ULA several FTEs per year. 

I am not sure what qualities make a candidate a good fit for PDS because I have only worked on one short-term project for PDS, but again I think the key elements to my recent success at PDS were doing what the customer wanted and offering places where we could add value. 

Networking is invaluable. I attribute it to getting this last position with PDS so very easily.