Journeys Through Service

Taking STEM to the Stratosphere

Jon leads from the front, protecting space assets that keep our tech running.

Meet Jon

Engineering Officer

The Signal Guardian

As an engineering officer in the Space Force, First Lieutenant Jon Novak defends critical space infrastructure, like the satellites we rely on for GPS navigation, banking and using our mobile phones.

SIMILAR JOBS OUTSIDE THE MILITARY

Developmental Engineer, Data Scientist

BRANCH

Space Force

RANK

First Lieutenant

Jon’s Journey at a Glance

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Received an MIT education fully funded by the Space Force

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Champions space-focused engineering that protects our everyday lives

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Earned a seat at the table briefing bosses on important industry knowledge

What Led Jon to the Military

Jon grew up admiring those who served their communities. One saying stuck with him: “The greatest gift is using your gifts to help others.” 

The Spark

The Spark

Grew up watching his military veteran father better their community. It made him see service not as a career move but a way to build character.

The Drive

The Drive

Pictured the life he wanted and worked backward. Saw the Military as a path to unlock education and technical skills.

The Decision

The Decision

Applied to the U.S. Air Force Academy and received a fully funded education where he was immersed in a culture of service and leadership.

How Jon Has Made the Most of Service

A Stellar Education

Earned two degrees on the Military’s dime, with plans to pursue more in the future.
 

Education and Training

Confidence: Skyrocketed

As an officer, leads negotiations for important projects and briefs key decision-makers on high-stakes national missions. 

Individual Growth

Training With Industry Experts

Traveled the globe attending conferences to build invaluable professional relationships he could leverage back home.

Advanced Training

 

 

 

 

“I’ve had six years of advanced education valued at over $500,000 and still have more opportunities to pursue a Ph.D. or MBA — funded by the Tuition Assistance Program — all while still earning my full military salary.”

Military Pay Goes Further

You’ll receive money for housing and food on top of a competitive salary. 

Learn What You Could Earn

What Jon Does on the Job

Protects Everyday Services

Safeguards essential space-based infrastructure, preventing disruptions to communication and navigation.

Solves Real-Time Problems

Walks the halls troubleshooting engineering problems with intel officers, operations officers and contractors.

Dissects Data and Intel

Monitors industry news and presents the latest headlines to Space Force leaders to keep them up to speed.

 

 

 

 

“Space is a common domain; everybody benefits from it, but only if we’re responsible stewards so everyone can use it over the long term. Engineers are a huge part of that equation.”

Your Take

Engineers in the Space Force cover a lot of ground. What specialty interests you?

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Space Defender

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Multiple Degree Holder

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Team Leader

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Hands-On Volunteer

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Next up? Ph.D.

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Space Defender

grad icon

Multiple Degree Holder

group icon

Team Leader

heart hands icon

Hands-On Volunteer

diploma icon

Next up? Ph.D.

Off the Clock on Jon’s Terms

On some nights, you’ll catch Jon enjoying role-playing games with his Space Force friends. On others, he and his fiancee are planning the wedding of their dreams. On weekends, he spends time volunteering at his local food bank. 

“We hang out a lot outside of work. We will go to someone’s house, grab coffee or hit trivia nights together.”

Ready for the Road Ahead

Jon charted the path for his service to serve him. While he builds the tools to protect valuable assets in space, he’s also continually building a better version of himself — a confident, educated and skilled professional using his gifts to help others.

Future-Proofing

  • Operates at the intersection of tech, leadership and policy
  • Received a fully funded master’s degree in engineering
  • Plans to pursue an MBA or Ph.D., funded by the Military

Life-Shaping

  • Gained confidence working in a room of senior leaders
  • Is entrusted with the power to effect real change
  • Uses his strengths to serve others

“Joining the Military wasn’t about what I wanted to be, it was about who I wanted to be.”

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