At Amentum, we celebrate our people, our cultures, and we recognize the value of diversity and inclusion. For February, we’ll reflect on what Black History Month means to all of us while shining a light on one employee at a time. Amentum’s next spotlight is on, Darrin Jackson, HR Generalist Principal. Critical Missions
How did you come to join Amentum?
I come from the Legacy PAE acquisition. I joined PAE in 2018 after hearing about an opening from a friend.
What is your professional and personal background?
My HR career started in college after accepting an HR internship with the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM). I was hooked from Day 1; the building was filled with subject matter experts rattling off the latest and greatest in HR. Seven years later, I’m doing what I love to do and see myself on the forefront of solving HR challenges to come. Away from HR, I spend a lot of time with my family and friends, listening to music or playing a round of golf.
Describe the work you do and how you think it makes a positive impact.
A people problem solver, no matter what the task, big or small, my job is to diagnose the issue and provide my best recommendation on behalf of all parties involved. I’m blessed to work for a supportive manager who pushes me to think outside the box and a team I can depend on when things get tough. Each day is different from the one before. I enjoy having the ability to collaborate with some bright individuals to drive the company’s mission forward.
What are some of your accomplishments and/or what has been your proudest career moment?
One of my proudest career moments was assisting with the startup of our Health and Human Services contract in Albion Michigan under Legacy PAE. During the heart of the COVID pandemic, I was able to work with a selfless group of intelligent individuals who sacrificed week after week to make sure we met our staffing numbers, employee concerns were addressed, and the customer satisfied. It was an amazing display of teamwork and made me feel appreciative to do the work we do alongside people who care.
What do you enjoy about working for Amentum?
I enjoy having the ability to travel to different contract sites to interact with employees, customers, and the local community. I’ve been nicknamed the “Amentum Ambassador” as I strive to make a positive impact wherever I go, providing my story as proof you can accomplish anything you put your heart and mind to.
What are you passionate about?
My latest passion is golf, while my handicap might say otherwise, I spend a good amount of time on the golf courses of Northern Virginia unwinding after a long week of travel and Workday troubleshooting.
What’s your career advice?
Grow comfortable being uncomfortable; each big step I’ve taken in my career came from a period where I felt uncomfortable. That first orientation you do on your own will have you nervous at first, but the tenth one feels like a cake walk. Take that leap, go for that promotion, take charge of that project… don’t let the doubt keep you from going after what you want in life.
What does safety mean to you or do you have a favorite safety tip?
Safety has always played a huge role in my life. As a child, my grandfather would always remind me to keep a safety-first mindset from the time you step out the door. I appreciate Amentum’s strong stance on Safety.
What’s the best invention in the world and why?
Air Fryer – whoever invented this had people like me in mind.
Anything else you would like to share from a personal or professional perspective?
I believe what makes Amentum special is the fact that we have people from diverse backgrounds solving some of the world’s toughest problems. Big or small, we are on the forefront doing whatever it takes to get the job done. Diverse thinking will continue to help us conquer the problems of tomorrow.
Considering this monthly observance, tell us more about yourself.
What’s your favorite book?
I recently read a book called Happy Money by Ken Honda which makes you relook at the way we spend money.
Favorite film?
It’s a toss up between Life with Martin Lawrence and Eddie Murphy or Friday Night Lights.
