Pantex Blog
Pantex Proud: Joe Papp
Thousands of dedicated Pantex citizens like Joe Papp work every day to support the Pantex mission. Take three minutes to learn about who he is, what he does, and why he is proud to be a Pantexan.
A self-described car guy and Porsche fanatic, Senior Director of Production Engineering Joe Papp once pictured a very different future for himself.
“I envisioned myself designing cars,” he said. “However, I ended up on the safety side of engineering doing safety analysis reports for both NASA and the NNSA.”
What is surely a loss to Porsche’s design team is Pantex’s gain. As senior director of Production Engineering, Papp oversees matters of great significance to the Pantex mission. Part of his role includes overseeing vital elements of design and testing procedures, and more.
“I have always been very proud to be an American,” he said.
The Pantex products Papp’s work supports gives the nation’s leaders and defenders the deterrent needed to keep us strong and free. Every Pantexan has a share in the mission, but it’s a weight to shoulder of which some, like Papp, are keenly aware.
“I oversee the process by which procedures get developed and provided to the line,” he explained. “Without procedures, we could not complete our mission.”
Papp knows both mission success and continued safety depend on full compliance with all procedures. That, in turn, requires accountability, which must start with the man in the mirror.
“At Pantex, you must follow the procedures,” he said. “Safety, security, and quality depend on it. We cannot hold others accountable if we do not hold ourselves accountable. If you make a mistake, stand up and be accountable for your actions. Your peers and managers will appreciate you more if you own your mistakes.”
More than that, though, personal accountability also enables teams to learn from mistakes to improve future performance.
“Without the person who made the mistake taking accountability, there is no way to fix the problem or keeping it from occurring again,” Papp said.
Engineers tackle some incredible challenges. In his Pantex role, Papp knows people working in tandem are the key to finding effective solutions.
“I do not think there is anything more important to being an engineer than your problem-solving skills,” he said. “It is OK to ask questions; no one knows everything.”
Holding one’s self accountable and being a strong contributor both grow out of emotional security. To that end, Papp draws on a personal experience with a former manager to make sure he, as a leader, inspires others to that level of comfort.
“When you would go to his office, you would be answering a question and, as soon as the phone rang, this manager would turn around and answer the phone — making you feel like you were not important. So, I always make sure I focus on the person.”
What advice has a team member given you that has helped you in your career at Pantex?
Under BWX Technologies, I read a management book titled “Fish!” which stated that you choose your attitude every day when you come to work. So, I have chosen to have a positive attitude every day.
What is your top bucket list item, and why?
I want to build a Porsche Spyder replica when I retire. I always wanted a real one, but will never be able to afford one, hence the replica.
What is one thing your coworkers would be surprised to know about you?
I have around 2,000 miniature Porsches I have been collecting since I was a young child.
Senior Director of Production Engineering Joe Papp dreamed of being an automotive designer, a career directly connected to his love of Porsche vehicles.
Two roles, one purpose
The 100 Club of the Texas Panhandle presents a check to the Palisades Fire Department for emergency equipment needs after the 2024 wildfires. Palisades Fire Department is one of more than 50 departments in the region to receive funds after the fires.
For Ryan Kuxhausen, service is not just a duty — it is a way of life. As the current board president of the 100 Club of the Texas Panhandle, he dedicates his time to supporting first responders and their families, a mission that aligns seamlessly with his work at Pantex.
“I feel like it would be a great opportunity to serve some incredible heroes from the community while also teaching my young boys what it means to serve others,” said Kuxhausen, Pantex project controls team lead. “I was blessed with the opportunity to join the board in early 2019.”
The 100 Club provides financial assistance to the families of fallen and critically injured first responders while also funding essential equipment and training needs for law enforcement, firefighters, and emergency personnel across the region. The organization’s mission resonates with Kuxhausen, who sees firsthand the importance of teamwork and service – both at Pantex and within the community.
“I get the opportunity to share the mission,” he said. “However, this is just a small bit of service I do. I think it’s very clear within the Pantex family that it takes a team to deliver our mission, and our communities are very much the same.”
Through his leadership, he continues to strengthen the 100 Club’s presence, ensuring first responders have the support they need. Even as he plays a key role in this effort, he remains humble about the impact of his work.
“I understand I’m just seeing one very small aspect of the overall picture,” he said.
His dedication to service — both at Pantex and within the 100 Club — reflects a commitment to protecting and uplifting those who dedicate their lives to keeping others safe. Through his work, Kuxhausen demonstrates what it takes to be a true Pantex citizen.
Listen to Kuxhausen’s episode of the Citizens of Pantex podcast here.
A-mazing training
Firefighters recently completed training using a large maze to solve complex challenges and reinforce problem-solving skills.
The task seems simple — to complete the training, firefighters must maneuver a ball through a maze without touching the ball. It’s like a life-sized game of labyrinth, but instead of knobs that move the board, the first responders manipulate a large table using various emergency response tools. Throughout the exercise, the height of the maze is adjusted and firefighters “crib” the table, or stabilize it, at the new height. Cribbing uses wooden or plastic blocks to create a solid support structure and is commonly used during rescue operations.
“This training better prepares members when it comes to lifting thousand-pound vehicles while ensuring safe operations,” Captain Joshua Brown said. “It reinforces the need to crib as you lift and sparks creativity in problem-solving. It’s more than just a maze, it is interactive training designed to reinforce and build upon essential firefighting principles in a practical and engaging manner.”
Groups of firefighters navigate complex paths in the maze to continuously improve on lifting techniques, stabilization skills, and the use of diverse tools. Firefighters communicate and coordinate with multiple team members to accomplish the mission.
“A core principle of this training approach is that learning is most effective when it is enjoyable and engaging,” Brown said. “The maze, with its challenging scenarios and timed competition, transforms routine drills into enjoyable experiences. This element of ‘fun’ in training is not merely a byproduct; it is intentional. When individuals are invested and find enjoyment from their training, retention of knowledge and skill development are significantly enhanced.”
The maze training encourages critical thinking and creative problem-solving among peers. Each team adopted a different approach and used various tools to complete the exercise. Some teams spent over an hour completing the maze due to trial and error, but with each passing minute, skills were sharpened, equipment proficiency gained, and obstacles overcome. The timed element of the training added a sense of urgency to adjust and persevere.
“This training underscores the value of recognizing and adapting effective training methodologies within the Pantex Fire Department,” Brown said. “PXFD exemplifies a culture where imagination is embraced and tailored to accomplish a specific need that directly addresses training objectives.”
Life isn’t a game, but the skills learned from this puzzle could save lives. Interactive, hands-on training like this fosters proactive skill building and encourages enhanced safety and effectiveness during emergency response.
Pantex Proud: Kela Boyett
Thousands of dedicated Pantex citizens like Kela Boyett 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.
When Kela Boyett was young, she told herself she’d never work at Pantex. With a father who worked at Pantex for more than 39 years, plus aunts, uncles, and cousins who were Pantexans, Kela Boyett considers herself a Pantex “legacy kid.”
While the temptation to rebel against the Pantex family heritage was real, ultimately, 15 years ago the opportunity came to apply for a job at Pantex, and she decided to take it.
“I thought I was going to go to law school and work in a law firm in Amarillo, but I began to think that Pantex could be a stepping stone to bigger and better opportunities,” Boyett said.
Boyett started out as an executive assistant, then moved to being a production planner before landing in Legal as an export compliance lead analyst.
“I quickly found that Pantex is more than what I thought — it is about protecting America,” she said.
“I’m proud to support the biggest mission there is. I also realized that Pantex is a little community where everyone knows each other and is proud to say, ‘I am a Pantexan.’”
As a production planner, Boyett learned the ins and outs of the plant and the importance of the nuclear security mission. When she joined Legal, she desired to play her own part in protecting America through safeguarding sensitive information from would-be adversaries.
As the export compliance office lead analyst, Boyett ensures both information or items leaving the site do not include anything that should not be shared externally or across borders.
“My job ties to Operations Security, Classification, Counter Intelligence and many other divisions when making decisions on export and Information Release Office determinations,” Boyett said. “This job has given me the opportunity to bring awareness to the plant population on what can and can’t be shared with others, how we have to dispose of materials and information, and what the implications are if we don’t follow laws and regulations.”
You could say Boyett is now converted to the Pantex cause.
“It’s truly a ‘family affair’ and I’m proud to say that carrying on my family’s legacy here at Pantex means the world to me,” she said. “I’ve always been known as Dennis Arney’s daughter, and that makes me very proud.”
What work advice would you offer someone who is new to Pantex?
Smile, make eye contact, say hello, and good morning. The people you interact with at work sometimes see you more than your family. Form good solid relationships with your co-workers and make sure that you are approachable. I think it’s always good to start with a smile in the hallways and say “good morning.”
What advice would you offer a newer employee about the importance of solving problems and asking questions?
Pantex as a whole is very overwhelming. There are so many acronyms, and some are used for multiple things which can get confusing. It takes time to learn and distinguish the difference. Ask questions when you’re unsure. Unfortunately, ignorance is not bliss at Pantex and can land you in a bit of trouble, so never ever feel afraid to ask for help. Most of the time you are met with a smile and a willing heart.
What’s your favorite outside-of-work activity?
My favorite activities are watching my son race his go-kart, seeing my daughter playing volleyball, and watching my husband drive his race car. Racing is in my blood. My dad raced stock cars and late models for years. I knew that when I had a son, I wanted him to carry on that legacy and he has not disappointed. I’m excited to spend my weekends watching them race.
Welding recognition brings greater awareness to Pantex mission
Pantexan Jason Trosen’s role with the American Welding Society demonstrates the welding knowledge and experience he shares with his colleagues.
In the 2008 blockbuster “Iron Man,” the titular character found himself in an Afghan cave with a chest full of shrapnel and surrounded by terrorists. He had limited options, but he possessed a keen intellect and no shortage of scrap metal.
That character, Tony Stark, had one additional skill that facilitated his freedom — he was a master welder.
Pantex, of course, is not Afghanistan. Employees leaving for the day aren’t dodging shrapnel as they head for BN5A, and the plant’s Protective Force stands ready to ensure any terrorist foolish enough to set foot on the site would have a very, very bad day.
But, Pantex does have an Iron Man of sorts, a welding expert who shares his knowledge with others and who has now garnered recognition and leadership among an industry standards group.
“Jason Trosen is a world-class welding engineer who could have his pick of jobs anywhere in the world,” explained his supervisor, Projects Engineering Manager Billy Baker. “He has helped bring on three additional welding engineers since joining the team. The current welding team is a group of young engineers who love what they do and are dedicated to making the welding program and the mission of Pantex successful. Jason is an integral part of that success.”
Just as Tony Stark was no loner-type action hero, Trosen credited others for his involvement with the American Welding Society (AWS).
“In 2023, Rich Campbell, who was a vice president and lead of the welding program at Bechtel, performed a parent-company audit of our welding program,” he explained. “Rich is very involved in various code committees and encouraged Pantex to get involved as well. He invited me to attend the next AWS D1 meeting that fall. I got involved with writing some code updates. Last fall, I was asked to serve as the vice chairman of the Materials Task Group.”
Trosen went on to explain the D1 Committee is responsible for establishing welding standards for structural integrity. It comprises numerous subcommittees, each with an assigned area of responsibility. The group Trosen helps lead includes engineers, scientists, metallurgists, manufacturers, and fabricators. His group is responsible for adding new materials to welding codes and recategorizing materials within existing code. While Trosen’s involvement is an undeniable feather in his cap, he continued to focus on those who’ve shared his career adventures and guided him along the way.
“My dad has always been a big encouragement to me in my career,” Trosen said. “He started his career as a welding engineer as well, so we have a lot in common.”
Trosen’s role with the AWS promotes awareness of Pantex, too.
“Jason’s involvement in the AWS D1 Committee brings national visibility to the mission of Pantex within the welding industry and provides him — and, subsequently, the plant — valuable insight into where the welding industry is going and how we can better prepare for changes that may come from developments in the code,” Baker said.
Trosen agreed.
“Involvement in code committees allows Pantex to have visibility of upcoming changes to the codes to which we work as well as a voice in those changes,” he said. “It also gives us great contacts to leaders in the industry. In one meeting I attended, we had recently been through a Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board audit where a code interpretation question had come up and I was able to talk with the chairman of the committee that wrote that code and get very valuable insight that helped address DNFSB’s concerns.”
In the end, what makes Trosen a Pantex Iron Man is not swooping in to save the day like Tony Stark; instead, it’s sharing what he’s learned so both he and his peers go home each night happy and healthy.
“We have six classes and computer-based trainings where we share knowledge about welding and welding program requirements,” he said. “We regularly work with groups all around the plant to help them understand welding requirements and ensure we meet welding code requirements that are in place to ensure our safety.”