For more than four decades, Tommy Cauthen, manager, Industrial Engineering, has been inspired by the important work we all do.
Cauthen first hired on in 1981 as an associate industrial engineer, working his way up through various positions before moving into his current role as an Industrial Engineering manager.
From the beginning, Cauthen said he was inspired by Ingalls’ mission to build our nation’s naval defense.
“I love having the opportunity to participate in the building of large, complex ships, ships that travel across the entire planet,” he said. “I am moved by the opportunity to build floating cities that house thousands of Sailors and Marines.”
Although his primary role now consists of leading Ingalls’ physical progress audit group, Cauthen still considers himself an industrial engineer at heart.
“I come to work every day with the thought that there are going to be new challenges that I will have to address. Some of them I know about now – like opportunities to drive reductions in energy cost, increase automation, consolidate processes, or simplify work – and others that I cannot see today because they are beyond the horizon,” said Cauthen.
Now, as an Ingalls leader, he finds great satisfaction in being able to inspire a new generation of shipbuilders. One of the pieces of advice he gives them is to never stop learning.
“After I started working at Ingalls, I learned that shipbuilding is a life-long learning process,” said Cauthen. “Whether it is the product, the shipbuilding process, or our interfaces with the government, you never stop learning.”
The drive for new information keeps Cauthen, who is also the manager of the Improvement Decisions for Efficiency and Savings (IDEAS) program, excited about the future of the shipyard.
“The primary function of the IDEAS program is to motivate shipbuilders to submit ideas, assist in the implementation of ideas, and to award and recognize people for their efforts to drive innovation within Ingalls,” said Cauthen.
Becoming involved with employee resource groups is another tool that’s invaluable to anyone trying to grow within the company.
“ERGs did not exist when I came to the company many years ago. The ability to network, learn and grow are tremendous through these forums,” he said. “I would recommend all employees avail themselves of this opportunity.”
With more than 500 job titles to choose from, you can build your own journey. The possibilities are limitless. Ask your supervisor or contact HR for job openings, trainings and growth opportunities, or click here to see the available openings: Ingalls Careers