Brandon Nardo

Software Applications, Manager

When did you start working at MIL?
2014, MIL hired me at 18 years old.

Describe your career path:
In 2014, I began as an intern supporting the RDT&E network at Pax River, primarily handling system rebuilds and Layer 2 switch configurations. A few years later, I transitioned to the RDT&E Applications team, where I managed an anti-virus and host intrusion platform known as HBSS. After a contract transition, I advanced to a system administrator role, supporting the integration of the MQ-25 simulated air vehicle and ground control station. In 2023, I was selected to lead and manage a software team for an application called MBIR (Metadata-Based Ingest and Retrieval).

Did you further your education or obtain certifications while employed at MIL?
Yes, MIL hired me while I was a freshman in college, and thanks to their flexibility, I was able to work part-time as an intern while maintaining a full-time courseload. In 2018, I completed my bachelor’s degree in Cybersecurity Policy and Management. MIL has also supported my pursuit of various certifications. Since joining, I have earned CompTIA’s Security+ and CASP+ certifications, Cisco’s CCNA, as well as multiple certifications from the Project Management Institute, including the CAPM, PMP, PMI-ACP, and PMI-RMP.

What is one professional highlight that stands out during your career at MIL and why?
In September 2022, I received a letter of appreciation from PMA-268’s CAPT S.J. Messer for my contributions to the Unmanned Carrier Aviation (UCA) System Test & Integration Lab. This recognition highlighted my work connecting RDT&E systems at INMARSAT’s government facility in Lino Lakes, Minnesota. On very short notice, the Program Office requested that we ship and install the equipment as soon as possible. I promptly packaged and shipped the equipment, then flew to Lino Lakes to oversee the installation and configuration, all within the same week. My work enabled the program to advance its testing of the commercial wideband satellite communications path as a viable datalink between the MQ-25A Air Vehicle and the MD-5 Ground Control Station

What do you love about your current position, and/or overall career at MIL?
I’ve spent my entire professional career with MIL and confidently consider it the best company to work for. The support from my direct management, the flexibility, and the overall work environment have made the past 10 years an incredible experience. However, what I love most about working at MIL is my team. I collaborate with exceptionally talented individuals, each of whom plays a crucial role in the success of our application. They make coming to work both enjoyable and exciting. Because of this, I can’t imagine working anywhere else.