SMC and Edwards Align in Search for Top Talent

By Richard D. Lewis, Space and Missile Systems Center Public Affairs / Published February 21, 2020

Air Force Civilian Service SoCal Hiring Event

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Ms. Aine Nakai, director of talent management, Space and Missile Systems Center (SMC), Los Angeles Air Force Base, California, takes a break from interviews where over 100 candidates received on-the-spot employment offers to join SMC. The Air Force Civilian Service SoCal hosted the event at the Los Angeles Airport Marriot, Feb. 19, 2020. (U.S. Air Force photo by Richard Lewis)

LOS ANGELES AIR FORCE BASE, EL SEGUNDO, Calif. -- Hopeful applicants aiming for their shot at attractive Civil Service positions at the Space and Missile Systems Center (SMC) at Los Angeles Air Force Base and Edwards Air Force Base, California, took part in an Air Force Civilian Service SoCal hiring event, Feb. 19, 2020 at the Los Angeles Airport Marriott.

“We extended 103 job offers today,” said Aine Nakai, SMC’s director of talent management. “We met with amazing talent who want to serve their country. Our managers with direct hire authority were able to extend on-the-spot job offers – making the hiring process much faster than the traditional model. This was the Talent Management version of the Air Force’s Space Pitch Day.”

“The hiring event was a great opportunity to introduce talented individuals to our organizations and help them discover some exciting and rewarding career opportunities,” said Jesse Martinez, the Air Force Personnel Center’s chief of talent acquisition.

Engineers, IT specialists, aircraft mechanics, contracting professionals, financial managers, acquisition program managers, air traffic controllers, even a geospatial analyst were among the sought-after positions. Veterans and civilians were among the mix, including recent college grads and seasoned professionals from across the city’s diverse population.