Pantex Proud: Tiffany Wiley
Tiffany Wiley. Photo by Adam Baker
Thousands of dedicated Pantex citizens like Tiffany Wiley 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.
Tiffany Wiley had what many college students want to secure before they graduate: a job. A geophysics major, Wiley moved from Colorado to the Texas Panhandle in the pursuit of continuing her education and to take a job in oil and gas. Unfortunately, it was not a good time for the industry, so her would–be employer rescinded the offer. Fortunately, business was booming at a little old bomb plant off Highway 60.
“When I moved to the area, I immediately heard about Pantex and how prestigious it was. I never thought I'd be able to work here but thought I'd apply anyway. And the mission sounded super cool! Some time later, I received an offer. The Systems Engineering group gave me a chance and I never looked back.”
Wiley learned coding in college and during her time in Engineering sharpened those skills, noticing along the way how much she enjoyed web development. Several college courses later, she decided to take her abilities to Mission Systems within Information Technology.
“It was exactly what I was looking for, and I have loved it ever since. The group that I work with has been so welcoming to a newcomer outside of IT. We're lucky to have some very smart and experienced people to learn from. Everyone works hard and will go above and beyond to make sure every task is completed and done the correct way. It also doesn't hurt that they all have a great sense of humor.”
Pantex has provided Wiley with a career, and as she immersed herself in the site's culture, she found a sense of accomplishment.
“Now I know why Pantex has such an incredible reputation. Everyone's job has purpose and meaning and I'm proud to do what I do alongside these people. My proudest moment was when I was asked to lead my own team. I only started in this position about 2 years ago. In that short time, I've been able to learn and grow so much with the amazing support of my peers and managers. Now they trust me to take on the next group and help them the same way.”
How do you and your team contribute to mission success?
Many of the apps that we rely on every day to complete the mission are applications Mission Systems either helped develop or currently support – whether it's the Emergency Management Information System or the Dose Records Information System. I'm proud to do what I do alongside the people I get to do it with.
Why is pride in the workplace and the work you do important?
Pride in the workplace is important because if what you're doing means lot to you, it turns work into a passion. For all of us Pantexans, that's incredibly important because what we do is imperative for our nation's safety and security.
Who in your life has inspired you the most? Why?
My husband, Garret. He has this incredible attitude – almost always positive, able to find that silver lining. For those rare moments when he's down, he's quick to snap out of it and come back, working even harder. He also has an amazing open mind and is always willing to listen to others and learn from them where he can. He's not so stubborn to see that maybe he was wrong or someone's ideas are better. He is so kind to his friends and family and always wants to help. He sees the good and just wants to lift up those around him.