Hipolito Rodriguez

Current position:
Senior Specialist, Program Management

I currently serve as program manager for the Ground-Based Midcourse Defense Weapons System (GWS) Sustainment Section. I provide strategic oversight and coordination to ensure the effective sustainment and readiness of real-world operational sites located across the globe. My focus is on maintaining system reliability, supporting mission-critical operations and ensuring that our teams deliver consistent excellence in support of the warfighter.

I enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1995 as an M1A2 Armor Crewman and proudly served for 30 years. Throughout my career, I progressed through every level of leadership, ultimately achieving the highest enlisted rank of command sergeant major. My leadership experience spans a wide range of critical positions including tank commander, drill instructor, platoon sergeant, abrams master gunner, first sergeant, sergeant major and command sergeant major – where I was entrusted with the welfare, training and operational readiness of over 3,000 Soldiers.

During my transition from active duty, I explored many programs and opportunities designed to support service members entering the civilian workforce. The DoD SkillBridge program stood out to me because it offers real-world, on-the-job training within organizations that share a commitment to supporting the warfighter. My decision to pursue an opportunity with L3Harris came naturally. Throughout multiple deployments, I relied on L3Harris radios and witnessed firsthand their reliability and performance in critical missions. Joining a company that continually gives back to the defense community with such high standards and dedication to excellence made the choice an easy one.

The SkillBridge Program provides an incredible opportunity for service members to make a smooth transition into the civilian world. When preparing for that next chapter, have options and make a plan. we, as military professionals, are trained planners — and that same discipline applies to your own transition.

My introduction to L3Harris began through SkillBridge as an intern with the Large Wideband Satellite Terminal (LWST) team. During this experience, I gained valuable insight into how integrated product teams interact with program ganagement and the shared accountability that drives mission success. Learning about Earned Value Management Systems, and the importance of data accuracy, provided a deeper appreciation for the precision and discipline required in program execution. The professionals I met within LWST, and across supporting teams, were instrumental in my development. Their willingness to share knowledge, genuine care for the mission and daily commitment to excellence left a lasting impression and solidified my desire to continue contributing to the L3Harris mission.

The SkillBridge internship was instrumental in easing my transition into civilian life and the corporate environment. It provided me with the opportunity to learn and adapt to L3Harris’s culture, philosophy and daily business operations in a hands-on setting. This experience allowed me to engage directly with professionals, ask questions and gain real-world insights — far more valuable than secondhand information or theoretical learning. The internship not only helped me understand how the company operates, but also reaffirmed my desire to continue contributing to an organization that supports the warfighter with the same dedication I carried throughout my military career.

Remember, you don’t have to do it alone. Lean on your family, friends, colleagues and those in the civilian workforce who can offer valuable perspectives. Most importantly, stay humble. Your rank and position in the military opened doors, but your work ethic, drive for excellence and no-fail mentality will sustain your success beyond the uniform.

YOUR MISSION CONTINUES

The L3Harris DoD SkillBridge program is designed to provide service members with valuable civilian work experience through industry specific training, certifications and on the job experience during their DoD SkillBridge internship to help them ready themselves for their next mission.

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