Robert Pettis, Naval Surface Warfare Center, Philadelphia Division (NSWCPD) branch manager for the Machinery Technology Re- search & Development Branch, can now add Black Engineer of the Year Awards (BEYA) Modern-Day Technology Leader to his list of career awards.

According to the BEYA website, the Modern-Day Technology Leader Award is a part of the BEYA STEM Outstanding Achievement Award (OAA) Category. The OAAs are granted to individuals in the workforce. These nomination applications are reviewed and recommended for an award by a panel of leaders from industry, government, and academia.

Pettis, who has worked at NSWCPD for 22 years, prior to his current position was a technical lead for the SUB 073 Deputy Program Manager - Special Projects. His responsibilities include serving as the technical liaison between the SUB 073 Special Projects and the Submarine Stealth Integration Program Office in support of Advanced Signature Management (ASM) program area and the Systems Working Group Chair for the ASM Assistant Program Manager (APM).

The Hershey, Pa. native was surprised when he found out he won, but realizes the overarching meaning of the award.

“This award is a source of pride, but more importantly, it means a sense of responsibility to maintain and improve my performance, as well share my experience with the Command, my co-workers, sponsors, and the Navy,” Pettis said.

It is not surprising that the 13-year Army and Army National Guard veteran gleans his motivation from the service of military members.

“The Warfighter motivates me,” Pettis said. “I respect the women and men who defend us daily, and I like to think that in some way, if I do the best work, I am capable of, the work we do will keep them safe and allow them to win on the battlefield.”

“I was very proud of Mr. Pettis,” said Department head, SSTM Machinery Research, Logistics & Ship Integrity Department Dawn Ware, “I consider NSWCPD extremely lucky that Mr. Pettis has chosen NSWCPD as his employer. He is a strategic thinker and works to position our organization for success."

"Mr. Pettis is an extremely dedicated employee who consistently thinks outside the box to find the most innovative and technically rigorous solutions to be ready for tomorrow’s issues,” Ware added.

Pettis earned his Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Temple University in 2000 and joined NSWCPD shortly thereafter as a junior electrical engineer. He made a significant impact that advanced the state of the art in medium voltage electric plant technology, making it safer to perform engineering testing and studies. His subsequent accomplishments continuously led to greater responsibilities and sustained superior contributions.

According to his BEYA nomination form, some of Pettis’ numerous career achievements include:

• In 2017, Pettis developed and fielded novel electric power system architectures that embodied a holistic, systems approach that significantly enhanced system performance and reliability and that are being adapted for use on future U.S. Navy platforms and back-fitted on existing platforms.

• After attending a technology presentation, Pettis developed technology assessment strategies to support advanced electrical systems initiatives for future submarine platforms. He generated test matrices to identify fielded system interoperability and compatibility test and evaluation requirements and is currently collaborating with the technical community and Fleet to coordinate test events. Pettis’ strategies have and will continue to provide a more reliable, safer environment for submariners.