I am Mission Success: Paige Miller
Take 5 minutes to learn about Paige Miller, material engineer. This article details Miller’s role at Pantex and reinforces the diverse workplace culture Pantex offers. All views and opinions are the employee’s own and do not necessarily reflect those of Pantex or PanTeXas Deterrence.
Ensuring the production line at Pantex has the materials needed in a safe and timely manner is integral to the success of providing the nuclear deterrent to the United States. What happens if a material has supply chain issues or a design flaw? It’s Paige Miller’s role as a Weapon Material Program (WMP) material engineer and site lead for at-risk materials to identify issues with items that touch a weapon.
“As site lead for at-risk materials, I lead a team at Pantex that collaborates with all Nuclear Security Enterprise sites to proactively identify materials at risk due to supply chain disruptions, geopolitical factors, legislative changes, and design issues,” Miller said. “We then assess potential impacts of risks on-site and facilitate mitigation strategies to ensure operational continuity.”
During the three years Miller has spent in the WMP, the academic and professional growth she has experienced has been a surprise to her.
“I completed my master’s in systems engineering with the support of my management team, and was encouraged to take the lead with at-risk materials when my passion for the work was vocalized,” Miller stated. “I have been provided with a sense of community at work and made lifelong friends, which is not something I expected.”
Miller described the community outreach aspect at Pantex being a favorite part of the job, and has chosen to give back to the community through Introduce a Girl to Engineering and Texas Alliance for Minorities in Engineering. The pride in the mission and support of the community is something that stands out to Miller.
“I have been told by others that have traveled to multiple other sites that their experience at Pantex is different due to the mission pride being seen and felt everywhere.”
Miller will soon be taking on a new role in the Environmental Compliance department.
“I hope to continue to support at-risk materials in the environmental regulatory arena in my new position,” Miller said. “I will also continue to advocate for WMP wherever I go and live their motto of ‘better every day.’”
Why are you mission success?
I am mission success because I work every day to ensure our mission is met with materials needed for production and future development.
Are you doing what you envisioned as a young adult? If so, describe how you got here.
I would say I am doing what I set out to do when I started my academic career, which is to solve problems in support of protecting people—which is what the mission is, my vision was just a little different. My undergraduate degree is in environmental engineering; I initially wanted to work in water resources or energy management, so water/waste water treatment or renewable energy. With my new role in environmental sustainability, I will be able to accomplish that.
What top strength do you bring to your organization and why?
I think a strength I bring is leadership through my determination to following through on a project or task even when new, unanticipated challenges show up. Also, interpersonal leadership though mentorship and guidance to the organization for newer members is a strength I possess.
Who in your life has inspired you the most and why?
I’m inspired everyday by all the women I have had or have the opportunity to work with in all the phases of my academic and professional career. They inspire me to have big dreams and keep moving forward.
How have your problem-solving skills grown as you’ve developed as an employee?
I have had a tremendous amount of growth in my problem-solving skills through tackling specific material issues and working on equipment implementation projects within WMP. Completing my master’s introduced a new perspective as well to tacking problems from a holistic view point. Taking on the at-risk materials lead position drove me to develop skills in collaborative efforts.
What advice would you offer a newer employee about the importance of solving problems and asking questions?
Never be afraid to ask questions. Also don’t focus on proving yourself, but improving. Sometimes when we are fresh in a new role, we feel like we have to prove our value or intelligence. Honestly after working with so many people and helping mentor almost a handful, asking questions makes you interested and engaged in the work.