We are thrilled to introduce Josh Walter, AVIAN’s newly appointed Director of Business Development and Site Lead for Huntsville, Alabama. With over 20 years of experience in the defense industry, Josh brings a wealth of knowledge, a passion for innovation, and a proven track record of driving growth and fostering strong client relationships. In this spotlight, we delve into Josh’s journey, his vision for AVIAN in Huntsville, and the unique qualities that make him an invaluable addition to our team.
Stay tuned as we uncover Josh’s insights, experiences, and goals through a series of thoughtful questions designed to give you a closer look at the person behind the title. Whether you’re a client, a colleague, or someone interested in the defense and aerospace industries, we hope you find inspiration and valuable takeaways from Josh’s story.
1. Can you tell us a little about your background and how you got started in the defense industry?
I have always enjoyed solving difficult problems so after high school I pursued a degree in electrical engineering (EE). I began working in the defense industry as an intern while working on my EE degree. I enjoyed diving into the complexity of defense systems, particularly radar systems. I spent several years designing and developing defense components and realized my true passion was in system design and architecture development. I went back to school for a master’s degree in systems engineering.
I have always enjoyed applying my skills to serving customers. The defense industry allows me to serve amazing customers in national security with cutting-edge solutions. It's a dynamic and challenging field, and I'm proud to be part of a team that's dedicated to excellence and innovation.
2. What drew you to AVIAN, and what excited you most about your new role as Director of Business Development and Site Lead for Huntsville?
What drew me to AVIAN was its reputation for innovation, excellence, and a strong commitment to its employees and customers. AVIAN is a 49% employee-owned company, which builds unity around common goals within the organization. AVIAN's culture of caring for employees, along with its focus on delivering cutting-edge defense solutions, aligns perfectly with my values and aspirations.
3. With over 20 years of experience in the defense industry, what are some key lessons you’ve learned that you bring to AVIAN?
We are an organization of people. Caring for people, particularly customers and employees, will produce success. From a business perspective, we must stay focused on our mission. Distractions slow us down and eventually derail us from our mission. This focus applies to our relationships as well as our pursuits and assignments.
4. What are your primary goals and objectives for AVIAN in the Huntsville market?
My goal is to be an extension of AVIAN in Huntsville. I want to bring the existing AVIAN capabilities and culture to a new set of customers that have the same problems and needs of AVIAN’s current customers.
5. Can you share a bit about your approach to business development and how you plan to drive growth for AVIAN in Huntsville?
Even though technology and innovation have changed our world, business is still built on relationships. I have lived and worked in Huntsville my entire life and have many relationships that will help to connect AVIAN to the Huntsville market. AVIAN leaders also have relationships that will be the foundation for business development and growth. We will build upon this foundation with innovation, courage, humility, and boldness.
6. What do you consider to be the biggest challenges and opportunities in the Huntsville market, and how do you plan to address them?
Customers tend to do business with companies they know and trust. AVIAN will be a new name to many customers. We will need to find Huntsville customers that already trust AVIAN and simultaneously work hard to build trust with new customers.
7. What do you think sets AVIAN apart from other companies in the defense and aerospace industries?
AVIAN’s culture of collaboration and agility allows us to rapidly adapt to changing environments and emerging technologies, ensuring we stay ahead of the curve. We invest heavily in our people, fostering a work environment that encourages continuous learning, creativity, and professional growth. This focus on our team's development translates directly into the quality and innovation of the solutions we provide.
Additionally, AVIAN's dedication to integrity and ethical business practices builds strong, trust-based relationships with our clients and partners. We are not just a service provider; we are a trusted partner committed to achieving mission success and advancing national security.
8. Outside of work, you founded a nonprofit called Recentered. Can you tell us more about that and what inspired you to start it?
Recentered was founded to provide Hope, Encouragement, Assistance, and Leadership Training (HEAL) for young adults who have experienced an abusive or otherwise destructive past. The inspiration was my participation in a mentoring program at the courthouse in Huntsville. The young adults in the alternative sentencing program needed so much more than we could provide. Other organizations touched on certain aspects of these needs, yet none of the organizations attempted to holistically address all of the needs. Recentered is relationship based and our programs are designed to walk with these young people throughout transition “from crisis to calling”.
9. What do you enjoy doing in your free time, and how do you balance work with family life?
As a husband and father to five kids, this is very important to me. I try to keep my priorities in this order:
- Faith / God
- Family
- Friends/Co-Workers
- Self
- Tasks/Work
As long as I keep my priorities in the correct order, the balance works well. When the priorities get out of order, then I begin to have problems.
10. What advice would you give to someone looking to pursue a career in the defense and aerospace industries?
Pursuing a career in the defense and aerospace industries can be highly rewarding and challenging. Here are some key areas to help you navigate this path:
- Education - Focus on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) disciplines. Degrees in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, and physics are highly valued.
- Key Skills - Gain proficiency in CAD software, simulation tools, and programming languages (e.g., MATLAB, Python). Develop strong problem-solving, project management, and communication skills.
- Experience - Participate in internships or cooperative education programs to gain hands-on experience.
- Security Clearance - Many defense positions require security clearance. Be prepared to undergo background checks and maintain a clean record. Familiarize yourself with the security clearance process and its requirements.
- Understand the Industry - Stay informed about current trends and challenges in the defense and aerospace sectors, such as cybersecurity, unmanned systems, and space exploration.
- Mentorship - Seek mentorship from experienced professionals in the field to guide your career development and provide valuable insights.
We hope this spotlight on Josh Walter, our new Director of Business Development and Site Lead for Huntsville, Alabama, has given you valuable insight into his background, vision, and personal values. Josh’s extensive experience in the defense industry, coupled with his commitment to innovation and excellence, makes him a perfect fit for our team. His dedication to fostering relationships and driving growth reflects his passion for serving customers with cutting-edge solutions.
As Josh embarks on this new journey with AVIAN, we are excited to see how his leadership and strategic vision will enhance our presence in the Huntsville market. We are confident that Josh will play a pivotal role in expanding our footprint and strengthening our partnerships in the defense and aerospace sectors.
Stay tuned for more updates and stories as we continue to introduce the talented individuals who make AVIAN an exceptional place to work and grow. Welcome to the team, Josh!
