Pantex Blog
People of Pantex: Scott Nelson
People of Pantex is a series that highlights what makes Pantexans unique when they are not at our plant, and how those activities help them contribute to the mission.
At just over 5,000 feet in the air, Scott Nelson radioed over the common traffic advisory frequency that he was circling back to land his plane at Tradewind Airport in Amarillo. It’s something he’s done hundreds of times as an adult, but his passion began its ascent decades earlier when he took his first flight at 5 years old.
“My uncle had flown his plane from Oklahoma to take us back to his house for the summer,” Nelson recalled. “My sister and I are walking out to meet him and I thought ‘my uncle must be a fighter pilot because look at this airplane he’s got.’ It turned out to be an old Cessna 206, but at the time he stepped out with the Tom Cruise sunglasses and — as kids — we thought he was a rock star.”
Nelson was instantly hooked. From that day on, he dedicated his life to flying and helping people. He began his career in law enforcement, became a deputy sheriff, a firefighter, and an EMT. All of that led him to Pantex where he’s worked for the past 26 years.
As the management self-assessment program manager, Nelson’s job at Pantex is similar to flying planes. Just like he does mandatory safety checks to make sure all systems are working properly before takeoff, at Pantex he oversees the program where managers and workers perform self-assessments to ensure proper readiness in the mission — so they can catch problems before they happen.
“When you’re flying there are all sorts of rules — including the laws of physics,” Nelson said. “You can’t cheat the laws of physics. If you don’t have enough air speed going over an airfoil, you’re going to crash. At Pantex, we have rules and procedures we follow, and if we don’t, something could happen.”
Nelson’s dad retired from the Navy and was also a pilot. He continued the legacy of patriotism his dad instilled in him at a young age sitting in the co-pilot seat. One way he did that was by shuttling veterans around the United States for their medical appointments. Nelson is proud to have helped people who served our country and said he enjoyed going to new places every day.
“My family got a contract with the Veterans Administration system supplying the VA with air ambulances for veterans. We flew them all over the United States for surgeries and things like that,” Nelson said. “Back then, each individual VA had a different specialty, so you would pick up veterans at that hospital and fly them to Cheyenne, Wyoming, New York, or wherever for the next surgery they needed. That had me flying on an everyday basis.”
One day Nelson and his dad decided to take their hobby a step further and purchase, restore, and fly old wartime aircraft.
“We said ‘we should get a WWII airplane and go play with that,’” Nelson said. “So, we went and found an old UC-45J. It’s a 1939 model from the Navy and it’s an old photo reconnaissance aircraft that flew throughout the Pacific theater. We restored it back to its original condition and ended up selling it to a museum up in Chicago.”
It didn’t stop there. Nelson and his father’s passion took off faster than the aircraft they were rebuilding.
“That kind of morphed into a ‘hey why don’t we become fighter pilots,’” Nelson said. “So, we started looking at how we could get into a fighter jet. We got into the MiG-15 and then a little later we got into the MiG-17. The MiG-15 was the Korean War era. The MiG-17 was Vietnam era.”
Even though flying is now just a hobby, Nelson continues to give back to others in the air.
“One of the exciting things we do is Uncle Scott’s Christmas Light flights,” Nelson said. “We take kids up in an airplane at night and fly about 1000 feet over Amarillo. We fly circles and let them see the Christmas lights from the sky and say ‘this is what Santa sees as he comes in to land on your roof.’ We’ve had everything from kids ages 3 to 18 looking out that window with their nose pressed against the glass of the airplane just going ‘oooh’ and ‘ahh.’ It’s very rewarding to give a kid their first chance to go flying.”
Nelson is still taking flight and inspiring the next generation of potential pilots or aircraft enthusiasts, just like when he took his first ride in the sky more than five decades prior. To hear more about Scott’s love of flying – and giving back – watch his People of Pantex video here.
There’s no place like home
Scott Kennedy stands in the upcoming High Explosive Science and Engineering Facility.
Scott Kennedy recently moved back to his hometown of Panhandle, Texas, when he joined PanTeXas Deterrence as the division director for Infrastructure and Modernization. Though he enjoyed his stints in Carlsbad, N.M., Portsmouth, Ohio, and Los Alamos, N.M., that took him away from the area for about 11 years, he was ready to be back at Pantex.
“It was a good chance to come home,” Kennedy notes. “My wife and I talked about it and thought it was a good way to finish out my career. Coming back to help accomplish the mission at Pantex that I was a part of from 1982 to 2012 was important to me.”
Shortly after finishing his civil engineering degree at Texas A&M University, Kennedy was offered a job in the oilfield that would require a move to Dallas. After a discussion with his wife, they decided they wanted to stay closer to home. He set up an interview with Mason and Hanger and was offered a job on the spot, but again, Kennedy asked for time to discuss the opportunity with his wife. They made the decision for him to accept that job — which led to his first 30 years at Pantex.
Growing up, Kennedy worked on farms and ranches, in restaurants, driving buses, and for oil companies, all the while peppering in construction jobs.
“I think that background helps in my position now,” Kennedy said. “My grandfather was a civil engineer and he did a lot of heavy earthwork construction. My dad also studied architecture, and even though he was a preacher he always had something he was building at every church, so I was immersed in that world growing up.”
Since his return to Pantex, Kennedy considers himself lucky to have an organization that shows great commitment to diligently and safely supporting the mission. Though he has seen lots of new faces upon his return, he considers himself fortunate to recognize many familiar faces as well.
“I am fortunate because I have known a lot of them for a long time,” Kennedy said. “Between Infrastructure’s Quality of Life initiatives and more line-item projects coming to Pantex, we will see more new faces to help contribute to making our great site even better. When those people get here, we want to develop them. Improving the maturity of the current staff and training our new staff is very important, and making sure they have the right coaching, mentorship, and exposure to experienced employees is key.”
Modernization is the goal for the future of Pantex, but the largest near-term undertaking for Kennedy’s organization is sustaining existing facilities to meet today’s mission. Looking forward, there are many new facility and infrastructure needs that are mission critical and necessary for successful future mission delivery.
“We have a lot of existing facilities that we have to sustain to support today’s mission so we continue to deliver,” Kennedy said. “My entire organization works toward that. Modernization plans for the site include resilient facilities that will optimize performance. We are getting started on this with the Advanced Fabrication Facility and the High Explosive Science and Engineering Facility.”
When Kennedy is not focused on improving the site or the people in his organization, he plays golf and fishes. Though he does not have a camper currently, he loves camping with his two daughters and their families — and there are plans to pick out a camper soon.
Came for the experience, stayed for the mission
Emmy Schniederjan, Octavio Almanza, and Isaac Kendrick are 2024 summer interns turned full-time Pantex employees.
It’s one thing to learn something and another to actually put it into practice. Internships help close the gap between knowledge and experience, which is especially important at Pantex where the work is specialized and unique to anywhere else.
“My internship experience helped me develop a keen eye for small details, and also exposed me to the collaboration process between cross-functional teams,” said Octavio Almanza, information system security officer. “I find myself using these skills for my current position on a daily basis.”
Pantex recently welcomed 35 students representing 18 different colleges across the nation to a 10-week summer internship experience at the site. The interns will spend time in concentrated training gaining real-world experience with their host organizations. Their experience will culminate in a final project they will present at the Intern Expo on Tuesday, July 22, from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. in the John C. Drummond Center cafeteria.
Summer Interns
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Almanza graduated from Texas A&M University and interned at Pantex through the NNSA Minority Serving Institutions Internship Program in summer 2024. That October, he made the transition from summer intern with the Cybersecurity Formal Authorization & Risk Management team to an employee with the same group.
“I personally found my internship experience to be very rewarding,” he said. “I felt very welcomed by my team and was able to learn so much from my mentor and other cybersecurity professionals here.”
From the 2024 summer intern group, 18 of 38 interns converted into full-time hires. Emmy Schniederjan, environmental science associate, graduated from Texas Tech University and interned with the Environmental Projects group before being hired in August 2024.
“My internship was a fantastic learning opportunity,” she said. “I was able to get a really great idea of what working at Pantex would be like.”
Schniederjan said the internship experience itself offered great experiences like plant tours, social activities, and professional development, but she especially loved how her internship project made her feel like an integral part of the greater Pantex mission.
“During my internship, and now as an employee, I have the privilege to work with wonderful people to better the health of the surrounding environment and protect the organisms that rely on it,” she said. “I love getting the opportunity to do my part in contributing to my team’s efforts.”
The incoming 2025 group includes seven returning interns back for more hands-on learning about the work at Pantex, highlighting the excellence of the internship program, the mission, and mentors who take the task of teaching the inexperienced. Isaac Kendrick, West Texas A&M graduate and structural design engineer, interned at Pantex for two summers before becoming an employee in 2025.
“My first summer, I was put to work with all three disciplines in my group (civil, structural, architectural),” Kendrick said. “My second summer I wanted to shift my focus on just structural engineering. I really like my department and everything about my job.”
Kendrick appreciated the chance to discover what discipline in Project Engineering he would be most interested in and said the most important skill he learned was to not be afraid to reach out for help.
“When I was interning and I wasn’t sure I knew how to do something, I would tell my mentor at the time and he would sit down with me and give me a lesson,” he said. “Even now that I am full-time, I still ask for help when I need it.”
With all the skills these three Pantexans learned through their time as interns and now full-time employees, they offer some wise advice for the 2025 intern group:
“You're going to be surrounded by professionals in your field who want to see you grow and succeed throughout your time here,” Almanza said. “Use this opportunity to ask lots of questions.”
“Take advantage of all of the amazing tours and professional developments the program has to offer, and reach out to your fellow interns,” Schniederjan said.
“Take time to get to know other departments and managers,” Kendrick added. “Don’t be idle and waste time. If you have nothing to do ask your manager or coworkers if there is anything that you can help with.”
Paramedics demonstrate skill, compassion with every call
Firefighter and Paramedic Jenny Winters cares for a patient during an Emergency Management exercise.
Brave, resilient, dedicated, and heroic are words that can be used to describe the firefighters, EMTs, and paramedics working at Pantex — including Firefighter and Paramedic Jenny Winters. Emergency Medical Services professionals like Winters are appreciated year-round, but honored the third week in May during National EMS Week. The celebration is a time to recognize the entire EMS workforce for its critical service to people needing medical attention at Pantex and in the surrounding communities. National EMS Week is also a time to acknowledge the lifesaving medical services they provide.
“Whether providing patient care or combating fires, we play a vital role in supporting Pantex's mission,” Winters said. “My desire to become a first responder was driven by a commitment to help those in need. When we receive a call, we are stepping into what may be the worst day of someone's life and making a positive impact in those moments is incredibly rewarding.”
While Pantex does not have a standalone EMS station or department, it runs a state-licensed EMS service. All firefighters are certified basic EMTs, advanced EMTs, or paramedics. Currently, Pantex employs 35 EMTs and 27 paramedics. Paramedics like Winters provide all the same services as EMTs, but have advanced education that allows them to provide additional care in ambulatory settings while enroute to the hospital.
“We are on call for immediate responses to fire alarms, smoke or gas odors, grass fires, and medical emergencies for employees facing unfortunate situations,” Winters said. “Our work is crucial for maintaining safety on-site, ensuring that production remains uninterrupted.”
Winters says mornings are crucial in emergency services. After a team meeting, they exchange keys and receive shift updates before heading to the truck bay to conduct daily inspections of fire apparatus and ambulances. The crew dedicates time to weekly cleanings, vehicle upkeep, and thorough detailing.
“It’s essential that everything is functional and prepared to respond to any emergency at a moment’s notice,” Winters said. “Throughout the week, we engage in ongoing education and training, continuously refining our skills and knowledge to provide the highest level of service possible.”
Mutual trust and friendship develop between the medical professionals working at the Pantex Fire Department because of the close-knit atmosphere in which they serve.
“One of my favorite activities is cooking breakfast and dinner together on weekends,” Winters said. “These gatherings foster a sense of family and camaraderie, encouraging meaningful conversations and enjoyable moments shared around the dinner table. No better way to end a day!”
Emergency responders are often the first on the scene, delivering critical care that can save lives. Winters and other first responders manage situations requiring immediate action, acting as the initial line of defense. Alongside partners, they work to earn the trust of individuals and their families through precise communication, ensuring swift and safe transport to hospitals.
“When dispatched, we often face the unknown — whether it’s a fire or a medical emergency — sparking adrenaline and excitement for the job ahead,” Winters said. “Overall, those of us in fire and EMS are all ‘fixers’ at heart, driven to assist people during their most challenging times. We share a common dedication to serve and protect, aligning our mission closely with that of Pantex.”
Pantex Proud: Terri Gutierrez
Thousands of dedicated Pantex citizens like Terri Gutierrez work every day to support the Pantex mission. Take three minutes to learn about who she is, what she does, and why she is proud to be a Pantexan.
Terri Gutierrez has been roller-skating for so long her skates used to have wooden wheels. They were handed down from her mom who used them as a teenager. Gutierrez has since upgraded the wheels to modern racing wheels, but she relishes the memories made wearing her mother’s vintage set at the rink growing up.
“Roller skating puts a smile on my face as it takes me back to when I was in junior high and how fun it was with my friends,” Gutierrez said. “I used to save all of my money from birthdays and holidays for wheels and to go roller-skating.”
Gutierrez is as natural on eight wheels at the roller rink as she is on two feet performing her job at Pantex. As the administrative senior support for Communications, she’s the go-to for all support functions.
She contributes to the mission by assisting Communications with daily tasks, scheduling requests, monitoring trainings, ordering supplies, and putting out neighbor notifications of activities occurring plant-wide.
“Helping others is my favorite aspect of my work environment,” Gutierrez said. “As a mother takes care of her children, I feel as if I am taking care of my coworkers. If I can help my coworkers complete their daily tasks, it makes their job more successful in completing the mission.”
Gutierrez stays busy with work and family life but still makes time to skate when she can. Her job requires time working at a computer, so she roller-skates to move her body and stay active.
“Skating is good exercise with my life now, and exercise is much needed,” Gutierrez said. “If I could skate every week, I would.”
Why are communications important for all Pantex employees?
Communication is key to knowledge. With such a large workforce, we must get the accurate information out to employees. Inaccurate information shared can break a task. We must ensure the most accurate information is shared.
What work advice would you offer someone who is new to Pantex?
Breathe — we have all been in your shoes. It can be an overwhelming environment. Don’t be afraid to ask questions.
What’s your favorite outside-of-work activity and why?
Since my kids are older, I haven’t been able to sneak to the roller rink as often, but I love to crochet, knit, and sew. Being creative and seeing something from start to finish makes the activity exciting. With a teenager and her activities, my current outside activity is school basketball.
Who in your life has inspired you the most and why?
My grandparents. They always said I could do anything if I really wanted to. They were hardworking people and I loved spending my school vacations at their house and working on the farm.
What advice do you offer someone who has made a mistake in his or her job? How should they be accountable for that issue?
Be honest! We ALL make mistakes. We are human.
What characteristics define a good leader to you?
A good leader is respectful to employees, upfront, and honest. Good leaders take the opportunity to get to know employees and listen to them.