Kyle Martin, originally from South Korea, studied electrical engineering which led him to a path to join NNSA’s workforce in Defense Programs.
National Nuclear Security Administration
June 8, 2023
minute read time
What is your role here at NNSA? How does it align to our mission?
I am a Federal Program Manager in the Production Modernization Office in Defense Programs. We are responsible for executing NNSA’s strategy to re-establish manufacturing processes to ensure the nation’s strategic defense.
What is your cultural background? How has your personal background/experience shaped your work?
I was adopted from South Korea at an early age and grew up in a quintessentially New England family. My parents are second generation Irish/English American and Mayflower society members – who shared with me their appreciation of the ocean and their love of fishing, sailing, and boating. So, I was born and then raised on two very different coasts, but the ocean has been a constant throughout my childhood.
I grew up in a multi-racial household in a racially homogenous community, where I alone was 1/5th of the entire Asian American community and learned to appreciate diversity and how to connect with other groups and develop inclusive communities. This strength is particularly important in my work, as it allows me to provide a different perspective when engaging with others and encouraging constructive discussions between parties with diverse ideas. It also helps me remain mindful that the Department of Energy makes decisions and implements programs with far reaching implications for our nation and the rest of the world. Finally, as an adoptee, I was provided every opportunity possible by my parents and the nation and dreamed of giving back. Fortunately, after college I was able to become a civil servant and live out my childhood dream.
What did you study in school and how did it impact you personally and professionally?
I studied electrical engineering for both undergraduate and graduate school. My engineering background has afforded me opportunities to travel across the nation and deepen my understanding of the national ethos by interacting with local communities. Also, it has allowed me to develop innovative solutions for both the Department of Defense and NNSA.
What led you to a career in nuclear security?
While looking for a new position in the national capital region, a former colleague who had recently joined DOE an urged me to look at opportunities at there and use my skills to maximize my efforts for the nation’s defense. After learning more about the issues facing the enterprise, I realized that coming to NNSA was a once in a lifetime chance to make a positive impact and ensure the safety and security of the nation for future generations of Americans.
What do you find most challenging and/or rewarding about your profession?
The most challenging part of my profession is to synthesize various ideas and information across multiple organizations and sometimes over months to make a clear, understandable, and actionable decision. The most rewarding thing in my current role is to enable and empower all team members to find cost effective solutions.
What is your proudest accomplishment while working at NNSA?
My proudest accomplishment was assisting an NNSA Graduate Fellowship Program fellow secure a position at their dream job with the Nuclear Emergency Support Team, NNSA’s multi-mission nuclear emergency response capability that leverages DOE’s world-class scientists and technical experts to contend with the nation’s most pressing radiological and nuclear challenges. Seeing a colleague flourish and succeed makes me incredibly proud and brings me a sense of great accomplishment.
Tell us a little about yourself.
Despite being rather uncoordinated, I like to swing dance and rock climb. I have incorporated my love of rock climbing with volunteering, by enabling physically disabled people to climb indoors.
Who is an Asian American that inspires you and why?
Growing up there were almost no Asian Americans in my local community. It was hard to find someone to look up to for inspiration. However, in the past decade the Asian American Pacific Islander community has been better represented in the news, entertainment, and government. I am currently inspired by Senator Tammy Duckworth, who is a tireless advocate for civil rights and veterans.
What advice would you have for anyone interested in a career in public service?
America’s challenges are diverse, complex, and have global impacts. I believe the civil service needs to pull from all parts of society, including Asian Americans, to develop smart and effective solutions. I would recommend to anyone interested in tackling some of the world’s most complex problems and to help make a positive change in the world, to focus on an area that is passionate to them, talk to a civil servant, attend career fairs, and visit USAJobs.gov.
Why do think diversity and inclusion is important to your profession?
Diversity and inclusion are important in my profession because tackling challenging problems requires everything this nation has to offer, most importantly its people and their talents and ideas. America’s diversity has always been one of our greatest strengths, and without it and our uniquely American ingenuity, I do not believe that we will be able to rise to the moment and tackle the issues ahead.