I am Mission Success: Brandon T.
Take 5 minutes to learn about Brandon T., Bay/Cell & Prod/Disposition project controls representative. This article details his role at Pantex and reinforces the diverse workplace culture CNS offers.
Staying on budget and on schedule—two high-priority tasks that Brandon T. ensures in his work supporting portfolio and project managers.
“I work with the Integrated Project team to develop solutions to challenges that arise on multimillion-dollar and multifaceted construction projects and enjoy the collaboration of working with so many Pantexans,” Brandon said. “It’s truly a team atmosphere.”
Being part of a team is something Brandon is used to. He has been at Pantex for 3 years and previously worked for the Department of Defense, plus served in the U. S. Navy for 10 years.
On a daily basis, Brandon manages a spreadsheet that tracks all costs for the entire bay/cell portfolio –– which includes the design, build, and testing of the high-pressure fire loop, the Flame Detection System, and the updates to the Radiation Alarm Monitoring System in production facilities.
“Continually updating that spreadsheet and tracking portfolio costs makes it a continually moving target that must be managed constantly to ensure the budget does not get overrun,” he said. “Managing that makes me feel like my role in portfolio works toward keeping a successful mission.”
Brandon enjoys discussing the bay/cell portfolio and project costs with managers. He is always ready to defend and explain the numbers of a project to ensure accurate reporting. Making a decision and sticking with it is one way he has dealt with problem-solving in his role.
“Everyone has their own ways of problem-solving, but when it comes to making a decision, people tend to become hesitant and question themselves on if they have made the best decision,” Brandon said. “There are many ways to handle an issue, but it cannot be resolved unless you or someone else makes the decision on how to do it and sticks with it.”
Whether he’s solving a problem, laboring over a spreadsheet, or crunching numbers, Brandon is proud to be a Pantexan.
“I love having this great opportunity to continue my service to our country,” he said. “I see so many people at Pantex who want to serve our nation and protect our national security, making America and Amarillo an even better place to live.”
What has surprised you the most since joining CNS?
Coming from the Department of Defense, I wasn’t surprised with much of the security measures or quality checks, but how far in advance projects are being planned and managed to forecast expected costs from contractor to CNS support surprised me.
What is one thing your coworkers be surprised to know about you?
I enjoy helping my wife make candles! Shoutout to her and her company Scenter Stage!
What’s your favorite outside-of-work activity and why?
I enjoy going shooting! I picked up the joys of shooting when I was in the Navy and it has stuck with me since. It is a skill that always must be practiced or will be lost and there are always new skills to be learned or improved.