REDSTONE ARSENAL, Ala. (Dec. 1, 2017) -- The U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Research, Development, and Engineering Center uses the Scientific, Technical, Engineering, or Mathematics Student Employment Program as a tool to select interns in STEM fields to fill available positions within the Center. As a Science and Technology Reinvention Laboratory, AMRDEC is eligible to participate in the program through authorization by the National Defense Authorization Act. The NDAA authorizes the Secretary of Defense to conduct personnel demonstration projects at DoD labs designed as STRLs.

The SSEP allows AMRDEC to compete with private industry for high-quality STEM students to fill scientific and engineering positions within the Center. AMRDEC Policy 17-02 does not have a time limit, meaning that managers can use the program as needed throughout the year to fill positions as they become available.

College students, age 18 or older, are able to apply for the SSEP through submission of their resume either through the AMRDEC website, a manager, or a human resources representative at a publically announced recruiting event, according to Amanda Compton, Center Support Directorate. "Qualified candidates attending recruiting events will provide a resume to the AMRDEC representative attending the event," said Compton. If an interested individual is unable to attend a recruiting event, they should submit their resume through the Center's website. Students can also email their resumes to usarmy.redstone.rdecom-amrdec.mbx.human-resources@mail.mil.

Kelsey Tamez works in the Center as an electrical engineer. She began her career through the SSEP 10 years ago. "It allowed me to get my foot in the door, and the rest was up to me," she said. She applied for the program as a junior at Sparkman High School and was chosen to participate in the program in the spring of that year. "That summer I participated in the design and development project to test the effects of a Soldier firing a rocket launcher from his/her shoulder. I assisted with making a human prototype using fiberglass material until required to return to school for my senior year," said Tamez. She completed her high school requirements in December 2007 and was able to start taking college courses in January 2008 before officially graduating from high school. Tamez credits the program for providing an opportunity to begin her career at an early age.

"I conduct radar signature analysis and develop predictive simulation input models with a focus on Unmanned Aerial Systems. I also provide radar signature expertise as needed within AMRDEC," Tamez said of her current position. She is currently working towards her Master's degree in electrical engineering at the University of Alabama in Huntsville and hopes to one day receive her PhD in the same field.

To be eligible for the program, individuals must maintain an overall GPA of 3.0. Further requirements of the program dictate that the total number of SSEP appointments "made in a calendar year may not exceed 10% of the total number of scientific and engineering positions within AMRDEC," said Compton. Interns may be hired on a temporary appointment and then converted to a flexible length appointment after completion of the trial period. Upon completion of the program, management can decide to convert the intern to a permanent appointment.

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U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Research, Development, and Engineering Center is operationally aligned to the U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, and administratively aligned to the U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command. This joint alignment established a closely woven research, development, acquisition, and sustainment team to provide increased responsiveness to the nation's Warfighters. AMRDEC has the mission to deliver collaborative and innovative aviation and missile capabilities for responsive and cost-effective research, development and life cycle engineering solutions.