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Brazilian airplane manufacturer Embraer (NYSE: ERJ) shook up the air travel industry this morning by announcing it has formed an independent company called Eve Urban Air Mobility Solutions. The company said Eve will develop electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft for use as air taxis, and that it's already found a buyer for 200 of them. 

On Tuesday, Embraer and Halo -- a provider of helicopter travel services in the United States and the United Kingdom -- agreed to form a partnership. Eve will produce the eVTOL air taxis, Halo will acquire and operate 200 of them, and the two companies will collaborate on continued development of Eve's Urban Air Traffic Management system as well as fleet operations.

Halo will thus become the first customer for Eve's new product, with deliveries expected to begin by 2026. Halo will operate 100 of the electric aircraft in the U.S., and another 100 in the U.K.

The companies added that Halo is the brand name of the service, a joint effort by Halo Aviation in Britain and Associated Aircraft Group in the U.S. According to data from S&P Global Market Intelligence, both helicopter-transportation companies are private, and both share privately owned OneSky Network as their parent company.

According to all companies involved, creation of this partnership will make Eve -- and by extension Embraer -- a global leader in eVTOL aircraft.

*This article was originally written by Rich Smith - The Motley Fool*

The company cut the ribbon on its Manufacturing Technology Center (MTC) in Fort Worth, Texas, Thursday afternoon, ahead of a formal grand opening later this year. The MTC is located in a 140,000-sq-ft building 15 minutes away from Bell’s main campus and was established to lower lead time, cost, and variability from components for Bell’s future vertical lift (FVL) aircraft, including the V-280 Valor and 360 Invictus.

The MTC “is the way we are reinventing our manufacturing process at Bell for all of our next-generation products,” said Glenn Isbell, Bell v-p of rapid prototyping and manufacturing innovation. It offers a digitally connected space for collaboration between Bell teams in an environment that promotes smart risk-taking, he said. New systems will be tested and vetted for production suitability before being introduced to Bell’s future factories.

Bell will use the MTC to “showcase how we will deliver the most affordable, capable, and reliable aircraft for the warfighter,” said Bell CEO and president Mitch Snyder.

Since starting operations, the facility already has born fruit toward significantly cutting lead times and costs of critical V-280 components, said Isbell, noting that the lead time for the aircraft’s rotor masts was shrunk from 18 months to 90 days and costs were reduced by 40 percent. “In the vertical lift space, the manufacturing process hasn’t changed that much in the last 30 years,” he said. “We developed a significant amount of manufacturing technology when we developed the V-22 [tiltrotor] 30 to 40 years agom but the industry hasn’t had a different shift in how aircraft are made.

“Our core philosophy is to simplify the manufacturing process by eliminating as many steps as we can, improve what is left, and use digital control capability to monitor how the parts are being built,” Isbell said. Besides cutting lead times and costs, digital controls eliminate variability and the possibility of an entire bad batch of parts being manufactured, he added. “Variation has caused struggles for low-volume aircraft production for a long time. This is a dedicated space to do step-function advances in manufacturing. We will be able to build things in such a different way. Most of the projects we are taking on have some pretty aggressive targets.”

Isbell said the MTC will develop manufacturing processes for both Bell factories and those of its suppliers, but added that Bell plans to keep the manufacture of critical components in-house to assure quality control. “We still plan to build most of our own core components—gearboxes, blades, those kinds of things. We believe having a vertically integrated approach controls the quality. We are not planning to deviate from that."

The MTC will be home to design and manufacturing engineers, programmers, materials specialists, and others, recruited from both inside and outside of Bell. Equipment will include digitally connected heat treating, additive-manufactured tooling, advanced composites manufacturing, bonding, high-speed machining, and robotics with an emphasis on critical vehicle components such as gears, gearboxes, main rotor blades, yokes, wings, and assembly-intensive components. “Giving people a space like this and the funding we have been able to give them for the last three to four years—to develop and try different things—we’ve been able to develop this capability offline while we have been flying the V-280,” Isbell said.  

Besides serving as a manufacturing laboratory, the MTC is also a demonstration center aimed at dissuading uninformed skeptics wary of industry claims of better, faster, cheaper. “Disbelief is sort of the natural tendency when we say we can cut lead times by 80 percent or cost by 40 percent,” said Isbell. “Part of the reason we developed this center is that we can show it and prove it. We want to be able to walk people through and show them how we are doing it.”

Isbell admits the task is ambitious. “This facility is the proving-ground where 80 to 100 of the best minds I know are able to go and create and let it fail, try it again and succeed, and then go to the next step and go forward. We’ve been able to have great success, but for every one of those, there are three to four things that I’m not talking about. We don’t bat a thousand and, if we do, it means we are picking the wrong things. It’s a fun project, but a challenging project.”

*This article was originally written by Mark Huber*

Much of the energy behind the growing momentum for hydrogen propulsion in aviation is now coming from start-up companies. Many of these have assembled small teams of well-educated, generally young engineers as they scramble to secure the investment they need to fuel their ambitious business plans. As their own cheerleaders, these companies generally are pre-disposed to emphasizing the positives around hydrogen, while portraying the potential negatives as solutions waiting to happen. So where does this leave the much larger and more established existing aircraft engine manufacturers, when it comes to offering aviation a path to carbon neutrality? In April, Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Baker challenged GE Aviation to accelerate the development of a completely new engine that would support industry targets of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

GE has indicated its plan calls for an incremental approach based on factors such as increased use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). The company also expects to be ready to demonstrate a new hybrid-electric propulsion system on a regional airliner by the mid-2020s.

Rolls-Royce is taking a similar approach, having made a significant investment in electric propulsion with the acquisition of Siemens’s eAircraft division. At the same time, it has continued efforts to make its existing turbofans burn less jet-A fuel, while also supporting the expansion of SAF usage.

Pratt & Whitney has been considering the case for hydrogen since the late 1950s when it was involved in Project Suntan with Lockheed Martin in trying to develop an alternative to the Blackbird SR71 military surveillance aircraft that needed to operate at altitudes of 100,000 feet. Michael Winter, the U.S. group’s senior fellow advanced technology, said that this experience made it all too conscious of the challenges the fuel posed, despite being a very effective propellant.

“Hydrogen is three times the energy density of kerosene but takes between three and four times the volume,” Winter explained to AIN. “When you store it, there is great pressure and also minus 253 centigrade temperatures. For commercial airliners, there is less room for passengers. To put it in a liquid state [for more convenient use] takes 15 percent of the energy stored in the fuel, so you want to recover that energy.” That could involve the use of a heat exchanger, which is what was done for Project Suntan, along with hundreds of miles of pipes.

“Pratt & Whitney sees potential in hydrogen, but there are plenty of technical challenges and limitations,” Winter said. “It’s just one path in an array of solutions to make aviation more energy-efficient and environmentally sustainable and [we] will be ready to support any of these with [our] technology.”

Other more immediate solutions include making existing gas turbine engines more efficient, and Pratt & Whitney claims to have achieved a 16 percent fuel burn reduction with its geared turbofan (GTF) technology, largely based on propulsive efficiency. It believes there are more improvements to come as, in collaboration with NASA, it has recently tested engine designs with up to an 18:1 bypass ratio (compared with the 12 to 13 bypass ratio of current GTF engines).

That apart, Pratt & Whitney is also working on ground-based applications for hydrogen, such as electricity generation. In Asia for example, the company has been developing dual-fuel approaches involving natural gas and hydrogen. It also is involved in a project with the U.S. Department of Energy’s ARPA-E program to explore ways to store hydrogen with ammonia.

The method for hydrogen production is a critical element in assessing the overall environmental sustainability of the fuel. Today, most hydrogen produced is designated as "brown" because it takes electricity to produce and so to produce so-called "green" hydrogen requires assured sources of ‘green’ electricity, produced through methods such as solar, tidal, or wind energy.

Nonetheless, Pratt & Whitney can see a path to directly burning hydrogen in existing engines with some changes to the fuel handling system, combustors, and injector nozzles. In the company’s view, this should be viewed as a longer-term transition for aviation, while further efficiencies are squeezed from existing propulsion technology through methods that could also include the more widespread use of SAFs.

For its part, Germany’s MTU Aero Engines wants to play a leading role in supporting the adoption of hydrogen. Last year it launched a partnership with the DLR Aerospace Research Center to convert a Dornier 228 regional airliner using fuel cells that they are jointly developing and validating. The partners, who have jointly deployed a team of around 80 experts, expect to be ready to start ground testing subsystems for the project before the end of June 2021 as they prepare for the first flight of a technology demonstrator in 2026.

The 19-seat aircraft will have one of its two Honeywell TPE331 turboprop engines replaced by a 500 kW electric motor, powered by electricity produced by hydrogen fuel cells and driving a propeller. DLR is managing the flight project, which involves providing and operating the research aircraft. It is also responsible for the integration and certification of the powertrain, which MTU is developing along with the hydrogen fuel cell that is powering the unit. The research institute is also providing its expertise in the fields of flight testing and aircraft dynamics and aeroelasticity. 

*This article was originally written by Charles Alcock*

Believe it or not, creating a stunning resumé is just as important as prepping for and nailing your job interview. After all, your resumé is your chance to make a strong first impression on the recruiter! But before you get too freaked out, know this: Building the perfect resumé is actually a lot simpler than it sounds. And once you’ve read these 12 tips, you’ll be ready to move forward into the job search with confidence.

1. Keep it one page.

Do you know how much time a recruiter spends looking at your resumé on the first go-around? 7.4 seconds.1 Whoa. So if they have to flip or scroll through pages of your accomplishments and past experience, this party could be over before it even starts. Keeping things simple, relevant and to-the-point will earn you some respect right off the bat. If things go well here, you’ll have the opportunity to answer the most common interview questions in person!

Try including a link to an online portfolio or professional website if you have one—that way you’ll be able to showcase more of your work without taking up space on your actual resumé.

2. Make sure your contact info is professional.

Nobody wants to get in touch with sk8rboi2007@hotmail.com. Don’t use your college email address either. Just a normal, boring email account with your first and last name will get the job done.

And I know I’m talking to adults here, but I just have to say it: Double-check all your social media accounts to make sure they’re recruiter-friendly, especially if you include any of your social media handles on your resumé. But even those should only be on your resumé if they’re relevant to the position you’re applying for. For most jobs, your LinkedIn account is the only one you need to include.

3. Skip the bio and (maybe) the photo.

It used to be trendy to put a paragraph about yourself at the top of your resumé, but let’s let that trend die—especially if you’re also submitting a cover letter with your application. You don’t need to put an elevator pitch or your life story under your name at the top of your resumé. Remember, we’re keeping this relevant and to-the-point!

When it comes to photos, be strategic about whether or not you put a thumbnail on your resumé. It could make sense to include one if you’re applying for a modeling, acting or other creative job, but accounting? Yeah, they probably don’t care what you look like or if your resumé is “fun.” And even though recruiters aim to stay as unbiased as possible during the interview process, a less-than-great photo could subconsciously affect their impression of you, even if they don’t mean for it to. So if you do decide to go with the thumbnail option, make sure it’s not pixelated, blurry or too small to see.

4. Keep the job listing in mind.

Recruiters post job descriptions for a reason—they want to be clear and specific about what qualities and skills they’re looking for. Look for those buzzwords and find ways to work them into your resumé. Be honest about your skill set and don’t get discouraged if you don’t have every skill on the list. It could actually be a good thing to be slightly underqualified—you want to be challenged in your new role! And many employers are willing to work with you and train you when you first step into the job.

I know it might sound like a lot of work to tailor your resumé to each job application, but that effort will really pay off. Recruiters will know that you took the time to read all the info and are seriously interested in their company, not just sending a cookie-cutter application to hundreds of different jobs.

5. Tell the truth.

Okay, this one is a no-brainer interview tip in general, but enough people have lied or “stretched the truth” on their job applications to make it worth mentioning. Don’t say you know someone at the company if you’ve never talked to them before. Don’t say you know how to use Excel and PowerPoint if you really don’t. It’ll just make you look shady when the recruiter asks you for more specifics (or worse, if you do get hired and then they have to show you how to make a spreadsheet.)

6. Make it easy to read.

When building your resumé, put yourself in the recruiter’s position. What would you be looking for? You’d probably want something that’s clear and easy on the eyes, right? Here are some things that can help with that:

• Use 10–12-point font.
• Use a professional text, like Helvetica, Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman, etc. (no Comic Sans unless you’re going for the community-center-bulletin-board look).
• Keep your headers simple, with concise bullet points below them.
• Don’t use too many variations in font size, color and style (bold, italics or underline).

Sure, there’s room for some creativity, but nothing too crazy—think streamlined and classic. Recruiters will love you for it, because you’ll make their job easier!

7. Use active words.

Recruiters are used to seeing words like “managed” or “led” on resumés, and there’s nothing wrong with those words. But what if the language was just a little more engaging? Here are a few active, interesting and not-too-fancy words to use where it makes sense:

• Produced
• Executed
• Engineered
• Initiated
• Developed
• Coordinated
• Simplified
• Partnered
• Coached
• Advised
• Delivered
• Maximized

You get the picture. Again, you want to make sure the words you use to describe what you did are truthful, but spend some time with a thesaurus to see if there’s a more descriptive way to say it.

8. Explain why you’re a good fit.

Remember when we talked about tailoring your resumé to each job you’re applying for? Your resumé should include a few words about why you want to work for this company. It’s one thing to know that someone wants to work for you, but if you see that they genuinely care about the company and its mission, wouldn’t you be way more likely to want them on your team? I know I would.

9. Give concrete examples.

When talking about your past experience, it’s a good idea to quantify it by using some kind of number or measure of success. That will give recruiters a clear picture of the kinds of results you deliver! Here are a few examples:

• Increased sales by 200% in one year.
• Structured, wrote and posted 4–5 articles per week.
• Served 20–30 clients per week and generated $10,000 in revenue per month.

Even if your past experience doesn’t involve sales or you never knew how much revenue you brought in, you can find some way to explain the work you did in terms of numbers.

10. Proofread.

Spelling and grammar are your friends, folks! Even just one case of using the wrong “their” can sway a recruiter’s opinion, so read over everything more than once. Proofreading is like making sure you don’t have a mustard stain on your interview outfit before you walk inside!

Ask a few other people you trust to give you some feedback too—not just on the tiny details, but on the clarity and appearance of your resumé as a whole.

11. Put your education last.

Ken, are you crazy? Education is the first thing you’re supposed to put on your resumé. Wrong! Always put the most important and relevant information first—and in most cases, that’s not your education. Most recruiters don’t care where you went to school, as long as you’re educated in your field.

And don’t forget to include any other training or educational courses that are relevant to the job you want!

12. Don’t be afraid to use a template.

There’s no shame in using a template to help you build your resumé—in fact, it will make your life a whole lot easier. I’ve included two different templates in my Resumé Guide that will help you get your resumé where it needs to be in no time.

*This article was originally written by Ken Coleman of Ramsey Solutions*

In the past, the idea of working as a permanent employee as opposed to a contractor, meant a foreseeable career path, a stable job and more security by knowing that a set salary is coming in every month.

However, times have changed and with the growing economic uncertainty, is there really such a thing as a secure permanent position anymore?

I was recently contacted my someone in my network who is thinking about making the move from permanent employee to contractor, so I shared some of my personal perspective and this gave me the idea for the article – I hope it can help others in making the right decision.

After 12 years in permanent employment, I found myself taking voluntary redundancy and feeling a little bewildered. I never imagined this would happen to me but with aid from the financial settlement I decided I was going to turn this career hiccup into an opportunity, so I set-up my own limited company and hurled myself into the world of HMRC, accounting, CV writing, job hunting and networking.

Not long after I started looking for a job I landed my first contract role and 5 years later I am loving everything about contracting – the lifestyle, the focus it allows me to offer, the variety of work and the flexibility. Here's why:

#1 No internal politics

One cannot work in large complex organisations without having to contend with internal politics. I’ve seen huge projects starting on the whim of a senior leader (when workloads were high anyway) or being halted when they leave the company with little regard for initial investment.

I’ve seen great initiatives being derailed by egos and wonderful ideas being blocked because of hierarchical reporting structures and the inability to cross silos, boundaries and barriers for fear of not upsetting “some people”.

I am not pretending that as a contractor I don’t need to navigate the sometimes treacherous waters of internal politics but I can do it without ego, without having to be competitive with my peers and with the best intentions in mind – and this makes for a much friendlier working environment. My concern is “how do I add the most value to my client” and do the job I was hired to do but also get on well with people and build good and lasting relationships. I let others worry about politics.

#2 Broad experience

As a full-time employee I was and still am a communications professional so over time I have honed my initial set of skills: internal, external, change and digital communications. As a contractor, aside from developing my transferable skills I have been exposed to work in different industries and functional areas: Global Communications, HR, Finance, IT both with a local and global remit.

The richness of this broad experience is appealing and I am always excited about applying my skills to a new area. To give one example, the ability to translate technical speak and complex concepts into layman terms for a large audience or using data to tell an engaging story. This skill can be applied in any organisation from IT roll-outs or web development projects, to end-to-end finance processes or HR issues with legal ramifications.

#3 Lifestyle freedom

Who would not want to be able to take 2 or 3 months off work and do nothing or do something completely different?

Contracting allowed me to travel for longer periods of time – hiking in Yellowstone National Park is one of my favourite things to do and 5 weeks in September is long enough to see the seasons change.

I was able to research topics close to my heart like sustainability – I stayed in a Thai resort where food was organically grown on their farm and interviewed the general manager and talked to staff about the day to day running of the place and current challenges.

At one time I was interested in studying the impact of social media on human behaviour, East vs West kind of differences so I travelled through Malaysia, Japan and Thailand and simply observed people, successful marketing techniques and social interactions.

I even took an online university course and studied community journalism (during a break) to develop my writing skills, to connect with different people that I would not normally meet in my sphere of work.

#4 Flexibility

I have been fortunate to find my next assignment fairly easily in the past but even if I had to wait a little longer I would not regret it. For me, job hunting is about finding the right job not just any job.

I interview them as much as they interview me – is this a company I want to work for, are they open to new ideas and change, will they appreciate an early adopter, someone who would rather try and fail than not try at all?

Working at Unilever has been a privilege, it really is that one company in a lifetime experience that gives you faith in humanity seeing a multi-billion pound industry that is focused on doing well by doing good in the world. They are innovative, agile, always pushing the boundaries, exploring new possibilities and sustainable growth permeates every layer in the organisation and is the business model. They really care about people’s wellbeing whether they are employees or contractors.

#5 Financial security

As a contractor I get paid a higher rate and I can get reimbursed for expenses. I don’t get paid sick days or holidays but with sensible planning I manage to live mortgage free and have some savings for my retirement. It’s not ostentatious living but it suits me and it’s given me a bit of a cushion should I need it.

*This article was originally written by Dana Poole*

It is that time of the year where you make new year resolutions that can bring more inner peace and overall well-being. Simply put, it is the change that you want to get into your lifestyle or habits to live a better life. But resolutions are abused like anything, if I may say so. We all have made new year resolutions in the past and failed to sustain them. But very few of us contemplate why we failed? It is no rocket science to understand why the human mind fails to achieve what it set out to achieve. The factors could be both external and internal. Therefore, it becomes essential to make resolutions that are realistic and specific. Often making resolutions without any introspection leads us to break them in the future.

2020 has been a year that we would never like to revisit. It's been traumatic and life-changing for all of us. The pandemic and all the changes that it brought kept us thinking and seeing life from a unique perspective. Workforce worldwide went remote, the economy was at an all-time low, and physical and mental well-being was at stake. It was a long year for all. And mostly, for the workforce worldwide that is still trying to stay afloat in this challenging time.

Keeping that aspect in mind, we bring you thoughtful new year resolution ideas for employees to help them build a more productive and healthy lifestyle.

30 New Year Resolution Ideas for Employees

1. Take the new normal more seriously

Accepting the new normal and making an organized routine for it is a must for all the employees. If you are waiting to create a more organized work station or maintain a strict schedule for your work, this is the best time. Making the best out of any situation is also a skill that we learn by incorporating healthy habits.

2. Learn a new skill

There is nothing like learning a new skill. If you are new to remote work, make sure you learn all the remote tools to make your work-life easier. Or even take the singing class you always wanted to take. We rewire our brain patterns when we decide to come out of our comfort zone to learn something new. So make sure you keep the learning spirit going.

3. Be kind to yourself

We tend to beat ourselves too much to stop acknowledging ourselves or even give the credit that we deserve. Be more kind to yourself. If something is not working out, give yourself the time and energy to think at ease.

4. Be professional

Value the time of others and yours by being more professional at your job. If you are the person who always enters the virtual meeting a few minutes late, this is the best time to break this habit.

5. Take up a physical activity

We all know the importance of the physical activity. It keeps our blood flowing and boosts our energy, and enhances our cellular activity. Resolving to do physical activity is a great resolution idea. Go for a running outside or shed your sweats on the treadmill, do whatever suits you but make sure you stick up to it.

6. Eat more whole foods

One of the best ways to improve overall health is by including whole foods in our diets. Whole food is unprocessed and unrefined plant foods like vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, and whole grains. They contain a plethora of nutrients that are essential for our body. If you are one of those who do not prefer to eat veggies or fruits, you make this healthy habit of eating whole foods at least in one meal.

7. Practice Mindfulness

Mindfulness is in being aware and present at the moment, to witness our surrounding moment by moment. Mindfulness gives us clarity of thought and helps us build resilience and positive energy. To be more mindful, you can meditate regularly, even if it's for 5 minutes, or simply sit and observe your thoughts and emotions without being judgmental about it.

8. Limit screen time

Digital screens are the worst energy suckers. Before you realize it, you end up wasting your important hours browsing or watching stupid cat videos. Monitor your screen time and make sure you don't end up wasting your time and energy. You may fix a timer or use an application to monitor your screen time. If your present screen time 5-6 hours a day, you may try to slowly bring it down to 2-3 hours by being mindful about it.

9. Cut down sugar and unhealthy beverages

You can do without your extra cheese on your pizza or sweetened beverages. The problem with processed and refined food is that it is unhealthy and addictive. I know they taste amazing, and why should you be so unfair to yourself? But the idea is to understand how much to binge on these unhealthy foods. Maintain moderation and check on the calories to maintain a healthy body and mind.

10. Get more sleep

Sleep deprivation adversely affects the brain and cognitive function. Getting good sleep is doing, like doing the right favor to your body. Make sure you wind up your work and go to bed early and at least get 7-8 hours of sleep.

11. Conserve your energy

Your life energy keeps you going. The more energy one has, the better they can function in their day-to-day activities. But here's a catch, we often do not know how to spend our energy. We tend to indulge in activities that do not yield better productivity leaving us drained. It is to be aware of how we spend our energy and conserve it for more important tasks.

12. Spend more on healthy groceries

If you notice, a weekend date with your friend or loved one can cost more than your grocery bill. We do not hesitate to go to the expensive restaurants but think twice while buying a little expensive groceries for the month. Keeping a resolution to eat healthy food and spending an extra on it is always a wiser choice.

13. Visit your Doctor Regularly

If you are the one who misses their dental appointments or any other health check-ups, it is time you take it seriously. As they say, prevention is always better than cure. Get your medical appointments regularly before it's too late. You can put reminders every quarter to get yourself checked.

14. Take enough rest

Resting is allowing your body and mind to be calm and be peaceful. Resting does not mean sleeping but consciously giving your voluntary actions some rest. A small evening nap or sitting quietly for a few minutes is a great technique to follow. The more rested you are, the better you would function at every cellular level. So take conscious breaks to rest.

15. Read books that you need to

Almost all of us decides to read more every year but fail. Some even plan to read one book every week. Let's be more kind and realistic here. We need not be all knowledgeable and smart in a year. Read the books that you actually need to. The books that will help you shape your goals and motivate you. If you are not an avid reader but want to pick up this healthy habit, then start with one book every month.

16. Use Productivity tools

There are millions of productivity apps that can help you bring more clarity to your thought process. The advice is to make the best out of it. Delete the self-gratifying apps and replace productivity tools. For example, listening to your audiobooks while doing your daily chores is much productive than regular music.

17. Stick to your cleaning schedule

We all have our chores to do. And it's a great task for all. Keeping our home tidy is both time and energy-consuming. A tidy workplace and homes give us clarity of thought, but we procrastinate to keep it clean until it's a mess. Maintaining a strict schedule to do it is a great habit that can save your energy and time. Don't you think so?

18. Quit smoking

Ditch the bud and give your lungs a better life. The harmful effects of smoking are known to all. This new year let's resolve to quit it.

19. Start Yoga

Yoga has immense health benefits. Suppose you are someone who is thinking to practice Yoga and could not start it. This is the best time to get motivated and practice it.

20. Stay hydrated

Buy your favorite sipper and keep yourself hydrated throughout the day. This habit might sound trivial, but the fact is that many of us do not stay hydrated enough. We skim through various articles on the health benefits of staying hydrated but tend to follow up. This is a better time to develop this healthy habit.

21. Do something for yourself

Do something just for yourself. It could be anything from catching up with your old friends or taking the table tennis class you always wanted to take. It is important to take care of our psychological needs and dedicate some time entirely for ourselves.

22. Build your professional network

Networking is so critical for personal and professional growth. Build a network and learn to collaborate to develop your skills and understanding of your craft. It is the people who run a business, and it's them where you can find all the knowledge from. Build a good relationship with people. Revive your social media handles and send requests to the right people.

23. Work on your communication skills

Communication skills are one of the most important skills to have. Right communication skills can take you places and also earn you the respect that you want. Therefore, work on these soft skills. Talk passionately, listen actively, and keep an empathic attitude.

24. Leave your comfort zone

Do something every day that can challenge you and give you new perspectives. Working in the best company, meeting regular people, going to the same restaurant every weekend is a part of your comfort zone. Indulge in activities that can change your beliefs even it doesn't seem easy. Growth stops when one is too comfortable, so keep challenging yourself.

25. Volunteer

Volunteer in activities selflessly to bring more inner peace. Either you sign up for community service or clearing the plastic trash from the beach will give a sense of satisfaction and make us humble.

26. Explore new hobbies

There is no wrong time to learn something new. If you are 40 and want to join the dance classes, go for it. It is better to be enthusiastic about new things than kill yourself out of boredom.

27. Try journaling

Journaling is not a little act you do, but it is a strategy that has helped brilliant, strong, and wise people get better at what they're doing. It is a great exercise to pick up for your mind.

28. Focus on one thing at a time

Multitasking is not always great. Focusing on a single task can yield more productivity. Make a to-do list and organize your work commitment and focus one at a time to bring more clarity of thought and better results.

29. The subjective morning routine

The right morning routine sets your day. The mainstream culture might believe that following an objective morning routine results in more productivity. Take your morning as your own and give it a subjective approach. For example, a morning routine for a writer and sportsperson would be completely opposite since their goals are different. Therefore make a morning routine that works for you.

30. Reinvent yourself

It could be time to change your life seriously if you're not very happy, no matter what you do. You should reinvent yourself and take yourself to places which you could never have dreamt of.

*This article was originally written by Braja Deepen Roy of Vintage Circle*

For years, license plate readers have been used by police to collect information on millions of people, whether it's for criminal investigations, racial profiling or illegal blackmailing. Now Rekor Systems wants to put that technology in your neighbors' hands.

On Thursday, the company launched Watchman, automatic license plate reader technology it says can be installed on any home security camera. Rekor's software, known as OpenALPR, then can analyze streaming video and find license plates captured in a recording. The product has been publicly available since 2015, but this is the first time Rekor is specifically marketing to individual homeowners rather than businesses.

To entice suburban residents, it's offering a steep price drop -- from the $50 a month it charges businesses and law enforcement agencies to $5 a month, less than the price of a newspaper subscription.

Watchman uses a whitelist/blacklist system, allowing customers to log plate numbers for cars that are approved to be near their homes or to warn them when a vehicle has been flagged as a potential threat is near.

Rekor Systems, which already works with police departments across the country, says the home version will work just as well as professional versions of the technology.

"It is as effective and accurate as our law enforcement version," Rekor CEO Robert Berman said. "This is the same product we use with our customers."

But with Rekor's product launch, privacy advocates now worry that these automatic license plate readers, otherwise known as ALPRs, could be installed in front of every home, creating a network for police to bolster their own surveillance technology, which often has to go through City Hall for approval.

"They essentially get a vast network of ALPRs that they get to use for whatever purpose they want -- and in return, citizens get no say in what tech their police use because technically it comes down to the consumer's choice to install it and grant access," said Matthew Guariglia, an Electronic Frontier Foundation policy analyst.

It's akin to the situation that's developed with Ring video doorbells. That company, owned by Amazon, has been working with hundreds of police departments around the US to promote the adoption of the cameras, which in turn can be used to supply video footage to the police.

ALPRs are a powerful technology. They're most commonly used by law enforcement agencies to identify and track cars moving across a city, though they're also used by repossession companies and landlords.

Think of it as facial recognition for license plates -- cameras trained to look for the alphanumeric codes on cars. When a car is spotted, the system logs the time and location, as well as other information associated with the vehicle. If linked together in a network, ALPRs could essentially track where a car has been throughout the day at any given moment.

US Immigration and Customs Enforcement has been using ALPR technology to track and locate immigrants in investigations. Its system has access to more than 5 billion points of location data collected by readers in parking lots, on roads and at toll booths.

Increasingly, ALPR technology has found its way into the hands of the average citizen. The Los Angeles Times reported that parts of the city, as well as communities in 30 states, pay up to $2,000 a camera to Flock Safety, a company that offers license plate readers to track every car that passes through a neighborhood.

Rekor has now made it cheap enough that any homeowner could buy it.

"We decided to put a product out there that was more affordable for the home," Berman said. "If you have a second home, you might want to know if people are on your property. It's not a bad thing to have."

Tracking your neighbors

Watchman customers log license plates in a list. The system sends notifications every time the car with that license plate is caught on their camera. In a promotional video for Watchman, Rekor said it could deter package thieves by flagging their cars.

Berman said the system isn't constantly monitoring cars that pass by. Only OpenALPR's premium customers, who pay $50 a month instead of $5, can flag every car not on a customer's list.

Even though the home edition doesn't log every car that drives by, Berman acknowledged that a dedicated person would be able to discover the license plates of all passing cars using Rekor's technology. That person would have to watch hours of footage, pause every time a car passed, write down the number and then log it into Watchman. Berman doesn't believe that scenario is likely.

"If someone wants to invest an effort to do it, I think anything's possible," he said. "I just don't think anybody's going to do that."

While Berman said Watchman's ALPR is just as effective as the law enforcement edition, he noted key differences between the two versions. Police have access to names, addresses and location history when they use license plate readers, but the average citizen won't, he said.

A private user will only be able to get the license plate number and an alert each time it's detected, Berman said. But even that would be enough for privacy concerns, said the EFF's Guariglia.

"Even with just one ALPR set up in front of your house, it is enough to be able to learn about people -- to see their patterns of movement, when they come down your street, at what time, what cars they drive -- which is information that can be used to infer incredibly personal things about a person," Guariglia said. "This especially poses a problem if your ALPR covers a road that leads to the parking lot of a law firm or a mental health facility."

A driver also has no say in being logged by someone's license plate reader, or even the knowledge that their vehicle was being tracked.

The explosion of internet-connected cameras in household products like Amazon's Ring and Google's Nest Cam, which are installed on doorsteps and gaze onto the world, made Watchman possible, Berman said.

Adding his company's license plate reading software to those devices seemed like a logical next step, Berman said. By pricing Watchman lower than a Netflix subscription, the company is aiming to get this technology in as many homes as possible.

"This is what we always feared with the proliferation of these private surveillance systems," said Albert Fox Cahn, executive director of the Surveillance Technology Oversight Project. "Once you install the hardware, it becomes so cheap and easy to add more and more invasive and dystopian technology on top of that."

One of the world’s best-known business jet manufacturers plans to move 150 to 200 jobs out of Dallas Love Field and into Fort Worth’s Alliance Airport.

Officials from Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. on Thursday announced the plans to build a large, regional service center at Alliance Airport. Ground is expected to break on the project later this year and be completed by late 2021.

“The life cycle of an airplane is 40 years, so over a period of time on an annual basis or every couple of years they’ll need to come in for inspection and maintenance,” Derek Zimmerman, Gulfstream president of customer support, said after the announcement inside an Alliance Airport hangar.

The new facility likely will become a routine stop for Gulfstream airplanes based all around North, Central and South America, he said. Zimmerman added that, while the company is happy with its maintenance space at Love Field, it needed room to grow at an airport that caters more to business jets, and less to fixed-route commercial air travel

“People here (working at Gulfstream) will be technical, primarily,” Zimmerman said. “There will be range of mechanical services and high-tech avionics. They’ll have a lot of craftsmanship skills for working on interior things like paint, cabinetry and finish and structure work.”

The company is not closing its Love Field service center but will downsize it, he said. In addition to bringing over 150 to 200 Dallas workers, Gulfstream also expects to hire roughly 50 additional new employees at Alliance Airport.

A plethora of North Texas dignitaries attended an announcement of Gulfstream’s plans on Thursday inside an Alliance Airport hangar.

The agreement to move to Fort Worth still must be approved by the board of directors for Gulfstream’s parent company, General Dynamics. Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. is based in Savannah, Ga.

The deal comes after nearly four years of negotiations with the city, Tarrant and Denton counties (since Alliance Airport straddles the county line) and Hillwood real estate development company, Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price said. Hillwood built Alliance Airport in the 1980s, and still manages thousands of acres of commercial and industrial property surrounding the air field.

Price said the city was thrilled that both airports under consideration by Gulfstream for the expansion project were in Fort Worth. She didn’t identify the city airport other than Alliance Airport that was involved in the negotiations.

No subsidies will be requested of local government, other than assistance training its work force in aviation-related trades, Zimmerman said.

“The story of Alliance airfield is the story of American aviation, and Hillwood and Gulfstream are a big part of that history,” Congresswoman Kay Granger, R-Fort Worth, told a crowd of about 200 people attending the announcement event.

The new Gulfstream facility will be about 160,000 square feet — a little smaller than a typical Walmart Supercenter — and will be built on 21 acres on the airport’s northeast end, officials said. The facility will include a wheel and brake shop, a tool crib, sheet metal and avionics work spaces and ample room for business offices.

Total cost of construction is expected to be about $35 million.

Also attending the event Thursday were representatives of Tarrant County College’s Erma C. Johnson Hadley Northwest Campus Center of Excellence for Aviation, Logistics and Transportation. The college operates a federally-approved maintenance program at Alliance Airport.

Rekor Systems, Inc. (REKR) ("Rekor"), a Nasdaq company focused on bringing smarter, faster, cost-competitive solutions to the worlds of public safety and customer experience, announced today it has been selected by Brite Computers ("Brite"), a leader in public safety systems integration, as their sole ALPR solution that they will offer to their extensive customer base comprised of law enforcement and state and local governments. Brite will be a premier reseller of Rekor's AI and deep machine learning technology. With hundreds of existi­­­­ng clients across the nation, Brite is an industry-leading organization that designs, installs, and services leading innovative technologies for law enforcement.

Brite conducted extensive research and re-evaluation of the ALPR market to understand the current state of technology and to ensure its customers have the most complete solution available. Brite previously partnered with Motorola Solutions for ALPR and has now selected Rekor's vehicle recognition solution to meet the current and future needs of its customers.

Trevor Smith, EVP of Sales and Marketing, Brite commented, "Rekor has developed the most innovative, flexible and accurate vehicle recognition software technology on the market. The software-based solution eliminates the constraint of proprietary, expensive ALPR camera systems by utilizing nearly any existing IP cameras. Utilizing IP cameras allows departments to expand ALPR deployments and better protect its community, all at the same cost. After being in the ALPR space for over a decade, Brite re-evaluated the market and explored new and innovative automatic license plate recognition technology. After a thorough evaluation of the technologies, we were impressed with the capabilities of the Rekor platform. We're incredibly excited to grow this partnership and bring a strong product to our customers."

"We are proud that Brite has chosen to adopt our vehicle recognition software as the best choice for their customers. Brite has a comprehensive client base that will be advantaged by our solutions - including our Watchman software that can turn any IP security camera into a robust vehicle recognition system," said Robert A. Berman, President and CEO, Rekor.

Rekor's software and cameras can be deployed to support any application without long installation delays. Rekor's solution can be used to collect license plate data and information such as the make, type, and color of a vehicle. This can represent substantial savings compared to traditional optical character recognition license plate reading technology.

Now that school bus stop-arm cameras have begun catching drivers illegally passing stopped busses this fall, a similar system aimed at recording motorists improperly passing stopped police vehicles could be next.

That’s because New York State lawmakers are considering a bill that would authorize law enforcement to install photo equipment on police cars to generate summonses that get mailed home to drivers who violate the law against not moving over or slowing down for stopped emergency vehicles. It’s essentially a red-light camera program for the Move Over Law.

“The only way to correct dangerous driving behavior is making people understand that there are consequences,” says Charlie Degliomini, executive vice president of government relations and corporate communications for Rekor Systems Inc., a company that makes the move-over cameras.

Rekor has been shopping the system around to police departments nationwide. Besides New York, Maryland is the only other state where such a proposal is under consideration, although the idea has been informally discussed elsewhere, Degliomini says.

As for the need, he cites a study that found 70 percent of drivers nationally were unaware of the move-over laws. New York State’s law went into effect in 2012 and was designed to protect officers from being fatally struck by cars while performing roadside traffic stops. When Rekor equipped two police cars with their devices in Suffolk County for two weeks in a study last winter, they found 2.3 violations per minute — significantly higher than the national average of one violation per minute, the company says.

“The findings pretty much confirmed what we’ve seen in many other studies,” says Rod Hillman, president and chief operating officer of Rekor.

Should move-over cameras pass in Albany after the state legislative session resumes in January, the measure would be an expansion of the photo-enforcement trend that includes red-light cameras, school zone speed cameras — repealed on Long Island, but still used in New York City — and bus lane cameras, also in use in the city. State lawmakers are also considering a bill that would authorize construction zone speed cameras.

Critics have called such traffic-enforcement cameras intrusive and a ploy for lawmakers to plug budget gaps in the name of public safety. Jason Starr, the former Nassau County chapter director of the New York Civil Liberties Union, has said that such traffic-enforcement cameras need safeguards to ensure there are no abuses of driver data in order to strike a balance between public safety and privacy rights.

“You can capture all types of data about someone that has nothing to do with public safety,” Starr has said of photo traffic-enforcement cameras. “They have to have some protections there for the data.”

Degliomini notes that without photo enforcement, there’s no way to enforce the move-over laws unless there’s a second police officer monitoring another’s traffic stop who can chase down violators, which isn’t always an option.

While red-light cameras, speed cameras, and bus camera laws are clear-cut, the move-over law has a little more ambiguity. The law requires that drivers change lanes to give space to emergency and service vehicles performing roadside operations, but if drivers are unable to safely change lanes due to traffic, they’re required to slow down. So the move-over camera takes video footage of both lanes of traffic to see if drivers followed the law, and also tracks their speed.

“If there’s a wide-open lane and you couldn’t move over, then it’s a violation,” says Hillman. “Any one of these violations has to be reviewed and ultimately signed off on by a sworn officer.”

Unlike the speeders and lawbreakers they’re trying to stop, Hillman and Degliomini aren’t in a rush to get the move-over camera laws passed.

“As we see with the school bus [stop-arm cameras], even though it took many years, we hope that it will be a much more prominent thing,” Hillman says.

Vehicle-recognition-as-a-service model eliminates need for expensive hardware and large upfront capital expenditures

COLUMBIA, MD / ACCESSWIRE / September 4, 2019 / Rekor Systems, Inc. (REKR) (“Rekor”), a Nasdaq company focused on bringing smarter, faster, cost-competitive solutions to the worlds of public safety and customer experience, announced today its new dynamic pricing model for its vehicle recognition solutions.

Through its unique vehicle-recognition-as-a-service model, Rekor is able to realize strong product margins by offering long-term payment options at affordable monthly prices, with seamless integration of its software to any existing traffic or surveillance camera, without sacrificing any of the functionality of the existing system or the need to purchase new, expensive hardware. This is a dynamic shift away from the industry’s traditional model of large, upfront expenses for hardware that often preclude budget-conscious entities from adopting such technologies.

“The biggest hurdle to the adoption of technology is always budget - especially within regional municipalities and law enforcement - but there shouldn’t be a choice between public safety and cost. That’s why today we’re proud to announce our new dynamic pricing model for our vehicle recognition solutions, and to democratize the industry by providing disruptive technology at equally disruptive pricing,” said Robert A. Berman, President and CEO, Rekor. “The current model of selling expensive hardware that requires large upfront payments pervasive to the industry isn’t beneficial to the customers and communities that need these solutions. Rekor technology is already democratizing vehicle recognition. Now our disruptive pricing that offers the flexibility of long-term payment structures, as opposed to upfront budget-busting expenditures, will allow anyone to implement our solutions quickly and affordably.”

Rekor’s Watchman software, which enables automatic license plate and vehicle recognition on any traffic or surveillance camera, is now available for as low as $40 per month (with a 60-month contract). The Rekor Edge “plug-and-play” vehicle recognition camera, which processes license plate and vehicle information in all weather conditions, up to 164 feet, is available for as low as $199 per month (with a 60-month contract). With this pricing model, a municipality, law enforcement agency, or business entity could activate dozens of cameras for the price of one from the traditional model. To learn more about Rekor’s pricing for its various vehicle recognition systems, please visit our website.

The IP Camera Market size is set to exceed USD 20 billion by 2025, according to a new research report by Global Market Insights, Inc. In 2018, the North America IP camera market accounted for around 35% of the industry share and with the rising digitization and industrialization is witnessing substantial growth. According to IHS Markit, there were 245 million professionally installed video surveillance cameras active and operational globally in 2014.

About Rekor Systems, Inc.

Rekor Systems, Inc. is a Nasdaq-listed (REKR) Delaware company. Our smarter, faster, cost-competitive solutions are disrupting major industries in over 60 countries across the globe, including security and surveillance, public safety, electronic toll collection, brand loyalty, parking operations, banking and insurance, logistics, and traffic management. We use the power of artificial intelligence to analyze video streams and transform them into actionable information for our clients. Our machine learning enabled software can turn most IP cameras into highly accurate and affordable vehicle recognition devices. Rekor provides advanced vehicle recognition systems, powered by its innovative OpenALPR software, which dramatically improves the accuracy of license plate reads and can also identify the make, model and color of vehicles. Rekor's solutions include mobile and fixed license plate readers, "Move Over" law enforcement, school bus stop-arm enforcement, and red light and speed enforcement, parking enforcement and citation management. Rekor’s solutions help to protect lives, increase brand loyalty, and manage complex supply chain logistics. Our systems can dramatically reduce the cost of collecting tolls on major highways or manage congestion in the bumper-to-bumper traffic of large cities, without the need to install expensive new infrastructure. We make what was once considered impossible, possible. To learn more please visit our website: rekorsystems.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes statements concerning Rekor Systems, Inc. and its future expectations, plans and prospects that constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, including statements regarding the impact of Rekor's core suite of AI-powered technology and the size of the market for global ALPR systems. Such forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. For this purpose, any statements that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terms such as "may," "should," "expects," "plans," "anticipates," "could," "intends," "target," "projects," "contemplates," "believes," "estimates," "predicts," "potential," or "continue," by the negative of these terms or by other similar expressions. You are cautioned that such statements are subject to many risks and uncertainties that could cause future circumstances, events, or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements, including the risks that actual circumstances, events or results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements, particularly as a result of various risks and other factors identified in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. All forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date on which they were made and are based on management's assumptions and estimates as of such date. We do not undertake any obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of the receipt of new information, the occurrence of future events, or otherwise.

Media Contact:

• Matthew Bretzius
• FischTank Marketing and PR
• matt@fischtankpr.com

Investor Contact:

• Charles Degliomini
• Rekor Systems, Inc.
• ir@rekorsystems.com

SOURCE: Rekor Systems, Inc.

National footprint for comprehensive law enforcement partnership expected to be reached in 2020

COLUMBIA, MD / ACCESSWIRE / August 21, 2019 / Rekor Systems, Inc. (REKR) ("Rekor"), a leading provider of public safety and vehicle recognition systems, today announced the launch of the Rekor Public Safety Network (“RPSN”). Any state or local law enforcement agency participating in the RPSN will be able to access real time data from any part of the network at no cost. The Company is initially launching the network by aggregating vehicle data from customers in over 30 states. With thousands of automatic license plate reading cameras currently in service that capture approximately 150 million plate reads per month, the network is expected to be live by the first quarter of 2020.

“This network exists to help law enforcement prevent and solve crimes through a shared resource. We don’t think our participants should be charged for accessing information from a network they contribute to, especially when it provides information that has proven its value in solving crimes and closing cases quickly,” said Robert A. Berman, President and CEO, Rekor. “Budget constraints and lack of resources are always an issue where the safety of any community is concerned. We are proud to be part of the solution.”

“The Rekor Public Safety Network provides real time license plate reading (“LPR”), make, model and color alerting for law enforcement use only. We do not implement any facial recognition algorithms and our industry leading technology assists law enforcement in finding specific vehicles, not individuals,” said Rekor Chief Science Officer Matt Hill. “Structured and hosted in an environment that is in conformance with CJIS Security Policy, the network will not accept any paid data from private sources such as those used for vehicle asset recovery. In 2020, the RPSN will be fully compliant with the federal 2019 NDAA law, which bans the use of certain foreign manufactured cameras used in critical infrastructure.”

Available to any existing Rekor customer that opts-in, the RSPN uses Rekor’s industry leading mobile and fixed mounted units for ultimate flexibility. Rekor’s software, powered by artificial intelligence (“AI”) and machine learning, can also be added to existing law enforcement security camera networks to search for law enforcement related hotlists as well as Amber Alerts and registered sex offender motor vehicles.

“As an early participant in the Rekor Network, the Westchester County New York Police Department’s Real Time Crime Center (“RTCC”) has 84 cameras deployed that are capturing 25 million reads per month, resulting in hundreds of hotlist “hits” per month,” said Westchester County Police Real Time Crime Unit head Lt. Brian Hess. “When a crime occurs, detectives in the RTTC use Rekor technology to assemble relevant information and share it with our officers in the field. Now, we will not only be sharing it with our officers, but with every law enforcement agency in the RPSN -- making this already powerful tool even more effective.”

To learn how to join the Rekor Public Safety Network, please visit our website.

About Rekor Systems, Inc.

Rekor Systems, Inc. is a Nasdaq-listed (REKR) Delaware company. Our smarter, faster, cost-competitive solutions are disrupting major industries in over 60 countries across the globe, including security and surveillance, public safety, electronic toll collection, brand loyalty, parking operations, banking and insurance, logistics, and traffic management. We use the power of artificial intelligence to analyze video streams and transform them into actionable information for our clients. Our machine learning enabled software can turn most IP cameras into highly accurate and affordable vehicle recognition devices. Rekor provides advanced vehicle recognition systems, powered by its innovative OpenALPR software, which dramatically improves the accuracy of license plate reads and can also identify the make, model and color of vehicles. Rekor's solutions include mobile and fixed license plate readers, "Move Over" law enforcement, school bus stop-arm enforcement, and red light and speed enforcement, parking enforcement and citation management. Rekor’s solutions help to protect lives, increase brand loyalty, and manage complex supply chain logistics. Our systems can dramatically reduce the cost of collecting tolls on major highways or manage congestion in the bumper-to-bumper traffic of large cities, without the need to install expensive new infrastructure. We make what was once considered impossible, possible. To learn more please visit our website: rekorsystems.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes statements concerning Rekor Systems, Inc. and its future expectations, plans and prospects that constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, including statements regarding the impact of Rekor's core suite of AI-powered technology and the size of the market for global ALPR systems. Such forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. For this purpose, any statements that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terms such as "may," "should," "expects," "plans," "anticipates," "could," "intends," "target," "projects," "contemplates," "believes," "estimates," "predicts," "potential," or "continue," by the negative of these terms or by other similar expressions. You are cautioned that such statements are subject to many risks and uncertainties that could cause future circumstances, events, or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements, including the risks that actual circumstances, events or results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements, particularly as a result of various risks and other factors identified in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. All forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date on which they were made and are based on management's assumptions and estimates as of such date. We do not undertake any obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of the receipt of new information, the occurrence of future events, or otherwise.

Media Contact:

• Matthew Bretzius
• FischTank Marketing and PR
• matt@fischtankpr.com

Investor Contact:

• Charles Degliomini
• Rekor Systems, Inc.
• ir@rekorsystems.com

SOURCE: Rekor Systems, Inc.

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OnGuard protective intelligence monitoring has the potential to identify otherwise unknown threats

Early warning and threat identification solutions for social media, school bus safety, school permit parking monitoring and management

COLUMBIA, MD / ACCESSWIRE / August 6, 2019 / Rekor Systems, Inc. (REKR) ("Rekor"), a leading provider of public safety and vehicle recognition systems powered by artificial intelligence (“AI”) and machine learning, announced today the nationwide launch of OnGuard, its comprehensive school safety program to enhance student safety. The first implementation of OnGuard will be at a school district in upstate New York.

OnGuard adds a protective layer of security to any school campus by identifying and assessing threats to school safety beyond school buildings. OnGuard can increase protection for schools without diverting school resources and funding from education. It has been designed to support school administration and staff, with smart automation and highly experienced resource support.

“School districts are being asked to do more and more each year to keep students safe. Metal detectors, armed security guards, and even arming teachers have all been suggested as solutions for school safety. But school employees aren’t professional threat assessors - their core mission is to educate students,” said Robert A. Berman, President and CEO, Rekor Systems. “We launched OnGuard to help school districts enhance security without stretching themselves thin. Every student deserves to feel safe in their school, and Rekor is committed to being an integral part of the solution.”

OnGuard will provide enhanced student safety through:

• Protective intelligence and advance warnings around school buses. Our industry leading vehicle recognition software, powered by AI and machine learning, is operating while the school bus is stationary or moving, and can identify potential dangers to children posed by any vehicle of concern that may be stalking the bus. When a vehicle that is on a watch list is flagged by Rekor’s on-board vehicle recognition technology, real time alerts are sent to law enforcement for rapid response to any potential behaviors of concern from sexual offenders. The same technology can look for vehicles associated with Amber Alerts and provide additional “eyes on the road” to assist law enforcement.


• School Bus Stop-Arm Enforcement. OnGuard provides an end-to-end solution for reducing school bus passing violations - illegal in all 50 states. Once a violation is captured, our IP360 violation processing suite offers a web-based application that provides a single interface for all citation management functions. The objective of photo enforcement is to help public safety agencies reduce incidences of dangerous and aggressive driving through voluntary compliance. Combining Rekor’s automated traffic safety enforcement solutions with a complete suite of program support services allows municipalities to easily manage all violations.


• Social Media Protective Intelligence Monitoring. OnGuard’s social media monitoring solution, FIRSTSight™, is the result of a partnership between Rekor and ZeroFox, a leader in digital risk protection. FIRSTSight uses machine learning combined with the expertise of former U.S. Secret Service special agents to proactively identify and analyze concerning posts on open-source social media platforms and provide guidance on recommended actions based upon the nature of the post and related content. The FIRSTSight approach reflects the threat assessment model defined by the Secret Service in its Enhancing School Safety Using A Threat Assessment Model. FIRSTSight combines AI with human understanding and intelligence, by drawing on the expertise of highly skilled intelligence analysts to support school safety and student well-being. Protective intelligence monitoring has the potential to identify otherwise unknown threats.
  
  60% of Americans believe that monitoring the content of students’ social media accounts will make schools safer.
  
  “The Town of Fallsburg is eager to work with Rekor and OnGuard to enhance both school and public safety throughout our town. Each day we are bombarded with new acts of senseless violence and irresponsible driving accidents. With each story, we scratch our heads and think of how they can be prevented. These programs are a good first step and we look forward to their implementation. It’s time to rethink our current procedures and models and think out-of-the-box to stop violent acts and needless accidents from harming our family, friends and neighbors,” said Steven Vegliante, Supervisor of the Town of Fallsburg in Upstate New York.


• Access Monitoring and Parking Management. OnGuard expands a school’s visitor management monitoring through the installation of automatic license plate reader (“ALPR”) cameras at school vehicle entrances and exits. The cameras are integrated into Rekor’s IP360 system and can be easily customized per school. The OnGuard system also provides access monitoring for school parking lots and online management for parking permits, easily tailored to approve or blacklist specific cars to be admitted to school grounds.
  
  Controlling access to school buildings during school hours is the number one safety and security measure used by public and private schools, with over 88% of schools having controlled access to their building during school hours.


• Affordability. For many schools, resources are limited and necessary investments in security may reduce funding to support education and learning. In a recent survey, more than half of K-12 principals said that adequate funding was their top concern. Without a solution that efficiently combines social media monitoring technology along with the human expertise to accurately evaluate potential threats, the resources necessary to identify, evaluate and respond to behaviors of concern are enormous. To address this and ensure school safety is affordable for all, OnGuard’s pricing can be a cost neutral model, drawing funding from the enforcement of school bus stop-arm violations.

To learn more about OnGuard and how to implement it at your school, please visit our website.

Read our Comprehensive OnGuard White paper: Protecting Student Safety by Enhancing School Security.

About Rekor Systems, Inc.

Rekor Systems, Inc. is a Nasdaq-listed (REKR) Delaware company. Our smarter, faster, cost-competitive solutions are disrupting major industries in over 60 countries across the globe, including security and surveillance, public safety, electronic toll collection, brand loyalty, parking operations, banking and insurance, logistics, and traffic management. We use the power of artificial intelligence to analyze video streams and transform them into actionable information for our clients. Our machine learning enabled software can turn most IP cameras into highly accurate and affordable vehicle recognition devices. Rekor provides advanced vehicle recognition systems, powered by its innovative OpenALPR software, which dramatically improves the accuracy of license plate reads and can also identify the make, model and color of vehicles. Rekor's solutions include mobile and fixed license plate readers, "Move Over" law enforcement, school bus stop-arm enforcement, and red light and speed enforcement, parking enforcement and citation management. Rekor’s solutions help to protect lives, increase brand loyalty, and manage complex supply chain logistics. Our systems can dramatically reduce the cost of collecting tolls on major highways or manage congestion in the bumper-to-bumper traffic of large cities, without the need to install expensive new infrastructure. We make what was once considered impossible, possible. To learn more please visit our website: rekorsystems.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes statements concerning Rekor Systems, Inc. and its future expectations, plans and prospects that constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, including statements regarding the impact of Rekor's core suite of AI-powered technology and the size of the market for global ALPR systems. Such forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. For this purpose, any statements that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terms such as "may," "should," "expects," "plans," "anticipates," "could," "intends," "target," "projects," "contemplates," "believes," "estimates," "predicts," "potential," or "continue," by the negative of these terms or by other similar expressions. You are cautioned that such statements are subject to many risks and uncertainties that could cause future circumstances, events, or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements, including the risks that actual circumstances, events or results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements, particularly as a result of various risks and other factors identified in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. All forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date on which they were made and are based on management's assumptions and estimates as of such date. We do not undertake any obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of the receipt of new information, the occurrence of future events, or otherwise.

Media Contact:

• Matthew Bretzius
• FischTank Marketing and PR
• matt@fischtankpr.com

Investor Contact:

• Charles Degliomini
• Rekor Systems, Inc.
• ir@rekorsystems.com

SOURCE: Rekor Systems, Inc.

Powered by Machine Learning and Built on Principles from the U.S. Secret Service, FIRSTSight™ Seeks to Identify Threats and Behaviors of Concern and Stop Them Before They Turn into Violent Acts

COLUMBIA, MD / ACCESSWIRE / August 1, 2019 / Rekor Systems, Inc. (REKR)("Rekor"), a leading provider of innovative public safety systems, announced today the public availability of FIRSTSight™, its innovative predictive intelligence analysis solution for early warning threat detection and identification within schools. FIRSTSight™ was used to monitor hundreds of schools in Florida, Montana and Michigan during the 2018-2019 school year and is available for just $3 per student per year.

FIRSTSight™ is more than just a monitoring solution. It incorporates 24/7 social media security monitoring powered by machine learning and a team of analysts backed by threat identification and prevention principles from the U.S. Secret Service. FIRSTSight™ includes the use of location-specific (geo-fence) monitoring around each school location, which increases our ability to identify concerning posts within each school’s environment. Through advanced, artificial intelligence (AI) technology, open-source, public social media data is scraped using contextual analysis of key words such as “gun” or “shoot” or “hate” to identify potential threats and behaviors of concern. When a key word or phrase is identified by the system, an alert is sent to our experienced intelligence analysts to evaluate the post and address the potential concern or threat with school staff, as needed. Another key benefit of FIRSTSight™ is the ability for schools to contact our intelligence analysts directly for targeted monitoring related to a subject of concern or a specific event for which monitoring might produce useful intelligence.

“Often after a violent act in a school, we ask ourselves ‘How could we have prevented this? How could we have known?’ The fact is, many times there are public warnings, like social media posts, that if found and reported, might have prevented a tragedy. That’s why we are pleased to launch FIRSTSight™ - to help identify these threats and behaviors of concern before they turn into violence,” said Riaz Latifullah, Executive Vice President, Rekor Systems. “Our solution is robust and secure, and based on protocols used by the foremost experts in threat identification and prevention in the world - the U.S. Secret Service. And at $3 per student per year - less than the cost of a notebook - it’s incredibly affordable and scalable as student populations grow or decrease.”

There have been more than 460 incidents of gunfire on school grounds since 2013, including 181 deaths. While much of the discussion focuses on gun control, schools continue to focus on hardening their environments by implementing metal detectors and armed security to handle a threat once it arrives in a school. Our FIRSTSight™ solution focuses instead on assessment of potential threats and behaviors of concern, with the goal of identifying and stopping the threat or addressing the behavior of concern, before it ever escalates to violence on school grounds.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, there are more than 45 million K-12 public school students and three million K-12 private school students in the United States.

To learn more about FIRSTSight™ and to find out how to implement at your school, please visit our website.

About Rekor Systems, Inc.

Rekor Systems, Inc. is a Nasdaq-listed (REKR) Delaware company. Our smarter, faster, cost-competitive solutions are disrupting major industries in over 60 countries across the globe, including security and surveillance, public safety, electronic toll collection, brand loyalty, parking operations, banking and insurance, logistics, and traffic management. We use the power of artificial intelligence to analyze video streams and transform them into actionable information for our clients. Our machine learning enabled software can turn most IP cameras into highly accurate and affordable vehicle recognition devices. Rekor provides advanced vehicle recognition systems, powered by its innovative OpenALPR software, which dramatically improves the accuracy of license plate reads and can also identify the make, model and color of vehicles. Rekor's solutions include mobile and fixed license plate readers, "Move Over" law enforcement, school bus stop-arm enforcement, and red light and speed enforcement, parking enforcement and citation management. Rekor’s solutions help to protect lives, increase brand loyalty, and manage complex supply chain logistics. Our systems can dramatically reduce the cost of collecting tolls on major highways or manage congestion in the bumper-to-bumper traffic of large cities, without the need to install expensive new infrastructure. We make what was once considered impossible, possible. To learn more please visit our website: rekorsystems.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes statements concerning Rekor Systems, Inc. and its future expectations, plans and prospects that constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, including statements regarding the impact of Rekor's core suite of AI-powered technology and the size of the market for global ALPR systems. Such forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. For this purpose, any statements that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terms such as "may," "should," "expects," "plans," "anticipates," "could," "intends," "target," "projects," "contemplates," "believes," "estimates," "predicts," "potential," or "continue," by the negative of these terms or by other similar expressions. You are cautioned that such statements are subject to many risks and uncertainties that could cause future circumstances, events, or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements, including the risks that actual circumstances, events or results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements, particularly as a result of various risks and other factors identified in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. All forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date on which they were made and are based on management's assumptions and estimates as of such date. We do not undertake any obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of the receipt of new information, the occurrence of future events, or otherwise.

Media Contact:

• Matthew Bretzius
• FischTank Marketing and PR
• matt@fischtankpr.com

Investor Contact:

• Charles Degliomini
• Rekor Systems, Inc.
• ir@rekorsystems.com

SOURCE: Rekor Systems, Inc.

Two recent mergers have made a big stir within the defense industry. Although they are hardly the first examples of consolidation within the sector, these mergers highlight some current trends. Moreover, they display differing attitudes to how shareholders, corporate executives, and the government view these mergers and acquisitions. The L3 Technologies and Harris Corp. merger has gone relatively smoothly, with all relevant interested parties on board with the purchase. In contrast, the Raytheon and United Technologies merger has been viewed with a healthy dose of skepticism.

Below, we review some of the technical details regarding these mergers, how they reshape the companies in question, how they impact investors and employees within the defense industry, and how they alter the industry itself.

Briefing on Mergers

Leading up to the merger, which was made official on June 29, both Harris Corp. and L3 Technologies showed strong performance on the stock market. The new symbol, LHX, entered the market with a bang. The combined stock reflects a 25-30% increase in value since the end of April. The resulting company is evaluated at $43 billion following the nearly 50-50 merger.

Meanwhile, the best news regarding the UTR merger is that both United Technologies and Raytheon have held steady so far this year. The announced merger has had no significant impact either way on the stock prospects, but the negative press so far gives us pause.

Adjusting the Corporate Structure

A significant difference between the two mergers is how the companies’ structures are affected by these changes. First, looking at how LHX is structuring, it reflects a near-perfect composite of Harris and L3’s specialties. This kind of blend highlights the benefits of such a merger, as the resulting company has several complementary divisions. LHX has arranged all its assets into four branches:

• Integrated Mission Systems

This branch focuses on intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance technologies.

• Space and Airborne Systems

Both in terms of locale and technologies, this division focuses on future realms of warfare. It covers such items as space payloads, cyber defense, avionics, and electronic warfare.

• Communication Systems

These systems include those used for tactical communications, broadband communications, and night vision.

• Aviation Systems

The Aviation division manages technologies used both in defense and commercial-oriented aviation. Further, it also covers technical knowledge, such as air traffic management and pilot training.

Ultimately, we can see how LHX combines two companies with minimal overlap. The result is a benefit both for the corporate structure and shareholders. On the other hand, the merger between United Technologies and Raytheon lacks such clarity. Specifically, the new company does not provide any unique benefits to United technologies that couldn’t have been gained through a simple acquisition. Given the overlap between the companies, Raytheon has gone from a potential competitor to a complicated asset, but little more can be said for a structural impact.

The Impact on Investor Relations

LHX has announced a clear plan to build on the successful merger. First, the company is increasing its dividend share by 10%. This increase, combined with a $4 billion share repurchase program, is sure to prompt additional positive movement for the stock. LHX aims to replace the old companies’ repurchase programs over the next year, as well. The resulting firm is a strong company, and based on the revenue, it is the 6th largest defense firm.

In contrast, several UT shareholders staged a rebellion of sorts, with Third Point LLC CEO Daniel Loeb leading the charge. Ultimately, shareholders are significantly concerned with the announced UTR merger due to the release of rather few details. Among other comments, insiders feel that Raytheon CEO Tom Kennedy sold the company at a functional bargain. Nevertheless, the UT board approved the merger based on vague terms about optimistic projections of future benefits and technologies.

What It Means for Defense Industry Employees

Given LHX’s relatively small overlap, most of the scientific and production capabilities of the two former companies will likely remain intact. It’s difficult to say what will happen to current administrative employees, but LHX will not act rashly. Bill Brown, a chief executive, explains that LHX’s renewed focus will be on technology innovation. Over 40% of its 48,000 employees are scientists and engineers, so management is carefully assessing the situation before making any significant changes. Ultimately, the company aims to establish greater control over supply chains and conduct more production in-house.

While the context clues are helpful to understand employee prospects at LHX, the UTR merger lacks a clear vision and similar details, creating considerable uncertainty for employees. Production and technological overlap areas are likely to be targeted due to redundancy, and the administrative support is similarly vulnerable. Ultimately, the UTR merger is far more likely to bring layoffs at some point. In such cases, TeamGlobal recognizes the value of industry experience and proudly assists laid-off employees in finding temporary or contract employment.

The Industry’s Changing Landscape

These mergers don’t exist in a vacuum. As part of the merger, Harris Corp. sold its night vision division to Israeli contractor Elbit Technologies for $350 million. LHX is touting its renewed focus on efficiency and cost-savings, as the company anticipates increasing demands on the industry. UTR similarly indicates that it is preparing for the future by enlarging its production capacities and technological investment.

Some experts worry that the spate of mergers signal the industry has reached a high-water mark. Thus, they have deep concerns about what the future holds. Recent mergers and acquisitions include TransDigm Group’s purchase of Esterline Technologies, and General Dynamics acquiring CSRA. It is possible that these mergers reflect the industry’s concern about new competition to America from China, North Korea, Iran, and Russia on the world stage.

Putting the Pieces Together

The industry is changing daily. The defense industry’s future is inextricably tied to electronic communications technology, with information transmission being the key to it all. Defense contractors who develop innovative ways to disrupt communications and prevent communication disruptions are likely to have a stable future for the coming decades.

As these mergers continue, it has become clear that economies of scale will play a more significant role in the future. The lesson from these two mergers is that there is a right way and a wrong way to conduct such a merger. The corporations involved must have a clear plan and articulated benefits to keep both investors and clients satisfied with the changes.

Boeing has recently become embroiled in near-daily stories and headlines. For a company that was renowned for its meticulous processes and attention to detail, it must be galling to see its planes’ hardware and software responsible for crashes that killed hundreds of people. These tragedies deserve a response, and the DOJ probe continues to turn up new information.

Below, we look at how outsourcing has negatively impacted Boeing and how companies can benefit from domestic labor.

How Did Things Go So Wrong?

Where Boeing previously kept its development processes in-house, the company has since changed its ways. Problems that would have been unthinkable in the past are now a hard reality. For example, the FAA’s recent discovery that faulty data processing in the jetliner’s computers can cause a perilous dive despite the intervention of human pilots.

Whenever a significant issue develops as it has with the Boeing 737-Max, the cause is often related to either the software or hardware. In the 737’s case, it appears that both are at times ineffective. When a company relinquishes control of sensitive systems like these to teams of people unfamiliar with the experience of the end-user, we begin to see such issues.

Boeing is outsourcing more of its design work to hardware manufacturers and more of its technology research and development to overseas development teams. This subcontracting creates situations of massive inefficiency and, as we have seen, a genuine risk to passenger safety around the world.

The Intention and Method Behind Boeing’s Outsourcing

HCL Technologies maintains that the recent crashes are unrelated to the work that it has done with Boeing. Boeing has also affirmed that it has not used either HCL or Cyient, Ltd., for the Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System (MCAS) responsible for the Lion Air and Ethiopian Airlines crashes. While this denial is evidently a move to save face, it is in point of fact deeply unsettling. Unfortunately, it strongly implies that there are more issues to be found.

However, Boeing was enticed by the promise of exclusive contracts with Indian airlines. We recognize that India’s 1.3+ billion population is a prime market for expanding air travel. Therefore, it’s unsurprising that Boeing should want to break into territory that formerly belonged almost exclusively to Airbus. Recent purchases by the Indian military and SpiceJet Ltd. proved attractive justifications for Boeing using Indian companies for its outsourced design work.

Now, Boeing’s in-house design teams must work with counterparts halfway across the world. As they attempt to fulfill production designs and management directives, the dream has begun to fade. These overseas communications bear with them a more profound cost than money, which we examine next.

The True Problems with Outsourcing

The reality of outsourcing is that it appears attractive at first. Outsourcing promises companies cheaper labor in other parts of the world. Allegedly, the work will be as good as anything found domestically, but this claim is frequently debunked by reality.

One of the major flaws is found in inefficient or otherwise unclear communication. Between translations, different timeframes, and the lack of a cohesive vision, outsourced design and technology research tend to take more time. This added time results in wasted money and opportunity, leading to results that are late, overpriced, and sloppy.

Another problem that stems from the cost-cutting mentality behind outsourcing is that managers experience tremendous pressure. Shareholders and executives have high expectations for the work that outsourced teams will accomplish. Managers feel this pressure and pass it along to the engineers and design teams. Unsurprisingly, the teams then produce rushed products and compromise on quality to meet impossible deadlines. When the quality of aircraft design and coding suffers, it’s only a matter of time before problems manifest during flights.

So much time and effort is wasted that it’s easy to imagine engineers becoming frustrated with the issues. Despite the notable cost, there are significant ways that companies can benefit by using in-house, domestic employees.

The Obvious (and Hidden) Benefits of Domestic Labor

After reviewing some of the recent issues that afflict Boeing’s approach towards outsourcing, some benefits of domestic labor may seem obvious. Engineers need not engage in a lengthy back-and-forth regarding designs with a team that is entirely unfamiliar with the product coding they are expected to perform. There is effectively no language barrier to work around. Any required revisions can be done individually and personally. Further, experienced employees tend to become familiar with the corporate culture and approach that each business takes towards its production.

When considering a $9/hour software engineer in India vs. a $35-40/hour domestic employee, the promise of a bottom-line reduction is admittedly seductive. However, the reality is that wasted time, errors, and the bad press that follows increase that cost. The real cost of a $9/hour outsourced design employee may land in the realm of hundreds per hour, considering the need to respond to disasters these choices can create. Thus, companies that employ domestic labor often realize significant savings over outsourcing when considering all factors.

The Future of Quality Labor

The increasing globalization of world economies continues to reveal interesting truths. More commonly, companies are finding that the backlash to outsourcing is more than merely a marketing issue. Boeing’s recent misfortunes highlight that there is a real cost to outsourcing that is far greater than seeking high-quality domestic labor.

TeamGlobal helps companies find the right employees with the necessary skills to perform any job. Our advice to Boeing is to return to its old approach of in-house design and troubleshooting. It’s not too late for them to go back, as history is sure to reveal that the future looks a lot like the past of skilled, professional labor. TeamGlobal incorporates the best of today’s technologies to connect good companies with trustworthy employees.

Engineering has traditionally been vital to the success and stability of any economic system. The prevalence of engineers in the United States proves their importance to the economy at large. As of 2016, there were over 1.6 million people employed as engineers or seeking jobs in engineering. The unemployment rate for engineers varies depending on specialty, but in general, it is half, or less, of the overall unemployment rate. Engineers also often benefit from a high average salary.

Because of these favorable conditions, many people aspire to engineering positions. Within the overall category, however, there are many variations. Recent developments in science and technology have had a significant impact on nearly every kind of engineer, from chemical to civil, and electrical to mechanical. After a brief review of engineers’ use of modern technologies, this analysis will explore financial engineering as an industry, the specific requirements of financial engineers, and the future of the industry.

Engineers in a Digital Setting

The digital revolution changed engineering no less than any other discipline. With the ubiquitous use of digital technologies to assist companies in solving their problems, engineers adapted to the new circumstances. In education, design, and construction, traditional engineers incorporated computers and software into training processes, machines, and mechanisms.

These changes also brought about several new types of engineers. Software engineers, network engineers, and hardware engineers work to maximize the effectiveness of computers and software. Engineers specializing in applied engineering took the developments in these fields and combined them with traditional mechanical engineering principles. Civil engineers revolutionized the way they gather and use demographic information for urban planning.

On a macro level, one new branch has received relatively little attention for the impact that it has on the economy: financial engineering. Examples of these engineers can be found working for Berkshire Hathaway, Banco Santander, and JPMorgan Chase. Due to the complexities of how financial engineering works, it’s vital to take an overview of one of the newest engineering types.

An Overview of Financial Engineers

In brief, financial engineers are responsible for developing and implementing ways of minimizing investment risk while maximizing profit. This responsibility is a natural outgrowth from the financial industry and incorporates an engineer’s philosophy of finding the most efficient solution to a problem. The main tools used for this task now are software-based.

While the details of jobs that financial engineers perform vary between positions and firms, these engineers frequently employ algorithms to aid them in speedy transactions. These algorithms may be used to package groups of mortgages or other financial assets together. Once assembled into packages, firms may insure or sell them in part or whole using credit default swaps (CDS) or other forms of financial speculation.

The industry’s practices were involved in the recession of 2008, but additional regulations and understanding have helped to mitigate the risks. Since the failures in 2008, financial engineers have continued a quantitative analysis to prevent the same problems from arising in the future. Naturally, the tremendous impact these agents have had on the financial industry and the economy at large justify the median financial engineer salary of $85,660 per year as of 2018.

Process and Prospects for Financial Recruiters and Staffing

Many financial engineers spend years studying how to use software instruments. It is not easy to understand these tools, so the first step to entering the industry or finding a new position is proving competency with financial software. Due to continued growth in the financial sector following the economic rebound of the 2010s, finding a financial engineering vacancy is easier than it once was.

Nevertheless, it is often difficult to find the position best suited to an individual’s skill set. Staffing agencies and job-seeking firms are indispensable in helping financial firms and prospective employees find each other. Several areas of the United States are benefitting from the recent bullish years, notably Dallas, TX. An increase in tech-oriented businesses, including both start-ups and financial firms, has fueled significant growth here.

Aside from the attendant growth in construction firms to handle businesses forming in or moving to Dallas, the finance industry already boasts a significantly higher-than-average number of jobs in the local economy. Due to the current size of the financial sector in Dallas and its anticipated growth, those who have completed the required education and training have a bright future.

Looking to the Future of Digital Engineering

Whether you have years of experience working in the financial industry or are seeking your first position, the outlook is good. The Bureau of Labor Statistics anticipates an 11% growth in the analytical finance sector over the next ten years. As more investment firms rely on financial engineering and the raw power of software-aided investment techniques, there will continue to be more opportunities for financial engineers.

We are excited about these continued opportunities. TeamGlobal has a history of successful staffing in other industries, and our analysis of the economy suggests continued growth here. As financial staffers, we will connect those who are looking for jobs to companies in growing economies like Dallas, TX. Those most successful on the job may not always have the tools needed to find the best-suited job. Each company has a different culture, approach, and set of expectations for new employees. Whether you are an engineer seeking a new position or a company aiming to fill a vacancy, contact us to get the help you need.

CHANTILLY, VA / ACCESSWIRE / June 11, 2019 / Rekor Systems, Inc. (REKR) ("Rekor"), a leading provider of innovative vehicle recognition systems, announced today that the Company has been selected by a Northern California law enforcement agency to deploy its Mobile LPR-2 vehicle recognition system.

Rekor's Mobile LPR-2 system captures critical vehicle information such as license plate, color, make, model, and body type from a video stream at high rates of speed, and at extreme angles of view with unmatched levels of accuracy. A wide-range field view enables high-speed, simultaneous recognition of multiple vehicles on roadways with up to five lanes of traffic or multi-row parking lots. Law enforcement authorities receive invaluable data to aid official investigations, with live alerts using hot lists of known offenders and monitors of motorists to increase public safety.

Utilizing Rekor's system, the Northern California law enforcement agency collected 8,900 license plate reads and received 11 accurate stolen vehicle alerts in just the first week. This represents a significant improvement over the legacy system, which was less accurate, and where false positives would force them to deploy resources on inaccurate information.

"Law enforcement agencies rely on fast and accurate information so they can make the best decisions possible to ensure public safety. Rekor's Mobile LPR-2 solution captures vehicle information at a rate of speed and accuracy unmatched in the industry - and that officers can depend on," said Rod Hillman, Chief Operating Officer, Rekor Systems. "In just one week our technology has outperformed the legacy system, empowering the department to work smarter and safer."

Rekor's Mobile LPR-2 unit is powered by the Company's OpenALPR software engine, which incorporates the results of deep machine learning using convolutional algorithms. The Company's unique "vehicle recognition as a service" $299 per month, 36-month contract differentiates it from competing systems by eliminating both significant upfront capital and future unplanned repair and maintenance expenses. Using Rekor's extensive and continuously growing global library of vehicle images, the software is automatically updated regularly to keep abreast of changes in license plates and vehicle design modifications, ensuring continuous accuracy. The Company also offers a 4-camera embedded system (Mobile LPR-4) at $399 per month with enhanced features that can be installed by its affiliate, Global Public Safety, in a matter of hours.

To learn more about Rekor Mobile LPR vehicle recognition systems, visit our website.

About Rekor Systems, Inc.

Rekor Systems, Inc., a Nasdaq-listed (REKR) Delaware company, is the parent of Maryland-based Rekor Recognition Systems, Inc. Our smarter, faster, cost-competitive solutions are disrupting major industries in over 60 countries across the globe, including security and surveillance, public safety, electronic toll collection, brand loyalty, parking operations, banking and insurance, logistics, and traffic management. We use the power of artificial intelligence to analyze video streams images and transform them into extract actionable information for our clients. Our machine learning enabled software can turn most IP cameras into highly accurate and affordable vehicle recognition devices. Rekor provides advanced vehicle recognition systems, powered by its innovative OpenALPR software, which dramatically improves the accuracy of license plate reads and can also identify the make, model and color of vehicles. Rekor's solutions include mobile and fixed license plate readers, "Move Over" law enforcement, school bus stop-arm enforcement, and red light and speed enforcement, parking enforcement and citation management. Rekor's solutions help to protect lives, increase brand loyalty, and manage complex supply chain logistics. Our systems can dramatically reduce the cost of collecting tolls on major highways or manage congestion in the bumper-to-bumper traffic of large cities, without the need to install expensive new infrastructure. We make what was once considered impossible, possible. To learn more please visit our website.

CHANTILLY, VA / ACCESSWIRE / June 3, 2019 / Rekor Systems, Inc. (REKR) ("Rekor"), a leading provider of innovative vehicle recognition systems, announced today that the Company has received an additional order for 30 of its recently released Mobile LPR-2 systems from SECURIX, LLC, a premier provider of instant, accurate, non-invasive insurance verification and compliance.

Rekor Systems' Chief Operating Officer, Rod Hillman, stated, "Our subscription-based, 36-month contract at $299 per month is a game-changing methodology of providing vehicle recognition as a service. The LPR-2's sophisticated machine learning enabled technology can scan and recognize thousands of plates per hour from multiple lanes of traffic or in parking lots, with accuracy rates exceeding 99 percent. The system also identifies the make, model, color and body type of vehicles in real time, a unique feature that is particularly useful for these markets. This additional order is a milestone marking Rekor's rapid entry into the Banking and Insurance market for vehicle recognition, adding to Rekor's base of recurring revenue through units recently deployed in the Law Enforcement and Parking Operations markets."

SECURIX's CEO, Jonathan Miller, commented, "We are pleased to have started deploying Rekor's industry leading vehicle recognition technology. The results are even better than anticipated. We have much experience with older, less-capable approaches and are already seeing a massive improvement with the LPR-2 for our law enforcement partners. This system is portable, highly efficient, exceptionally rugged and very affordable. In being able to identify uninsured vehicles and conduct other investigative operations, this is a true 'sea change' and nothing will ever be the same. There are approximately 36 million uninsured vehicles traversing our nation's roads every day. Tying our unparalleled uninsured motorist database with real-time status to the exceptionally accurate and real-time identification provided by the LPR-2 is a giant leap forward. Rekor's low cost subscription-based model enables us to deploy a far greater number of systems, expanding SECURIX's footprint, currently in four states, and growing quickly throughout the US. This enables us to handle expansion in a manner unavailable otherwise."

Rekor's Mobile LPR-2 unit is powered by the Company's OpenALPR software engine, which incorporates the results of deep machine learning using convolutional algorithms. The Company's unique "vehicle recognition as a service" $299 per month, 36-month contract differentiates it from competing systems by eliminating both significant upfront capital and future unplanned repair and maintenance expenses. Using Rekor's extensive and continuously growing global library of vehicle images, the software is automatically updated regularly to keep abreast of changes in license plates and vehicle design modifications, ensuring continuous accuracy. The Company also offers a 4-camera embedded system (Mobile LPR-4) at $399 per month with enhanced features that can be installed by its affiliate, Global Public Safety, in a matter of hours.

To learn more about Rekor Mobile LPR vehicle recognition systems, visit our website.

About Rekor Systems, Inc.

Rekor Systems, Inc., a Nasdaq-listed (REKR) Delaware company, is the parent of Maryland-based Rekor Recognition Systems, Inc. Our smarter, faster, cost-competitive solutions are disrupting major industries in over 60 countries across the globe, including security and surveillance, public safety, electronic toll collection, brand loyalty, parking operations, banking and insurance, logistics, and traffic management. We use the power of artificial intelligence to analyze video streams images and transform them into extract actionable information for our clients. Our machine learning enabled software can turn most IP cameras into highly accurate and affordable vehicle recognition devices. Rekor provides advanced vehicle recognition systems, powered by its innovative OpenALPR software, which dramatically improves the accuracy of license plate reads and can also identify the make, model and color of vehicles. Rekor's solutions include mobile and fixed license plate readers, "Move Over" law enforcement, school bus stop-arm enforcement, and red light and speed enforcement, parking enforcement and citation management. Rekor's solutions help to protect lives, increase brand loyalty, and manage complex supply chain logistics. Our systems can dramatically reduce the cost of collecting tolls on major highways or manage congestion in the bumper-to-bumper traffic of large cities, without the need to install expensive new infrastructure. We make what was once considered impossible, possible. To learn more please visit our website.

Both new start-ups and long-standing industry giants are pouring money and effort into developing new faster-than-the-speed-of-sound aircraft. They are banking on making commercial supersonic flight not only profitable but so attractive and available that someday supersonic aircraft will become the standard way to fly across continents and oceans. Team Global has long had the inside track on the plans to revitalize the production of commercial supersonic aircraft. Team Global is committed to putting the right people and the right companies together in order to make commercial supersonic flight not just a dream, but a reality and a profitable one at that.

www.teamglobal.com

Commercial supersonic flight up until now

The Concorde was the first supersonic commercial airliner and as most aviation sources agree, it was also the only true supersonic commercial airliner. True, the Soviets had the Tupolev-144, which began operations in 1969, four years before the Concorde began making its trans-continental and trans-ocean runs. The Tu-144, however, was more of a transport rather than a passenger aircraft, and flew only within the then Soviet Union and infrequently (and with lackluster results). The Concorde could sustain a cruising speed of Mach 2.04, but it was never a viable economic model. While its speed was definitely a draw, the asset was offset by extremely high operating costs which only became higher as jet fuel prices continued to soar. With its limited seating, the Concorde was soon priced out of the commercial market. In addition the supersonic boom created when the aircraft exceeded the sound barrier led to public unhappiness and protests and eventually to regulations by several governments to limit its operations. October 2003 marked the last commercial supersonic flight by the Concorde.

New supersonic flight companies hope to revive supersonic commercial flights

In the last few years, the challenge of building a passenger aircraft which can break the sound barrier yet also be a commercially viable airliner has been taken up by a number of companies. To these companies, the question is not if but when supersonic flights will become standard. They not only dream of providing supersonic flights from NY to LA and back again, but of making supersonic flight prices reasonable enough to attract customers yet profitable for the companies operating the commercial flights. These companies include:

• Boom Supersonic: This U.S. start-up is already taking pre-orders for its supersonic Overture aircraft. The Overture will have room for 55 passengers. Later this year, Boom will test its XB-1, a single-seat prototype of the Overture. The company has raised over $141 million, and expects to have its Mach 1.4 aircraft ready certified 2023.
• Lockheed Martin: The venerable aerospace giant is teaming up with NASA to develop the X59 QueSST which is being touted as a far quieter aircraft than the Concord. According to Lockheed-Martin's PR campaign, the QueSST will reduce the sonic boom of the Concorde to a mere “gentle thump.”
• Spike Aerospace: Boston-based Spike Aerospace hopes to have its Mach 1.6 capable S-512 commercial passenger airliner ready to go by 2020. This business-class sized version will carry between 12 and 18 passengers, and is being touted by Spike as “the fastest civilian aircraft ever made.”
• Aerion Supersonic: Backed by Boeing and with the participation of General Electric, Aerion Supersonic is developing a supersonic business passenger jet. It will only carry 12 passengers, but the companies are betting that even with high ticket costs, they will have no problem filling 12 expensive seats for business travelers, celebrities and government officials for whom time, not money, is of the essence.

Team Global has worked with and continues to work with these and other companies in the aerospace industry. Since 1989, Team Global has helped them find the engineers, technicians, mechanics and other highly skilled and motivated personnel they need and demand. Team Global is committed to helping these companies make commercial supersonic flight a viable and perhaps someday even a standard option.

www.teamglobal.com

When will supersonic flights become standard?

Pilots, aviation executives and aviation experts understand that in order to answer the question, “when will supersonic flights become standard?” several issues will need to be addressed. The first and most important is pricing. Except for high-level business travelers or the very rich, lower fares beat less time in the air, especially if that time is unpleasant (as supersonic aircraft so far have been much noisier than regular airliners). There is also the public relations problem of increasing environmental damage by supersonic flights operating in the thin upper atmosphere. Whether or not that is a serious scientific issue that needs to be addressed is as important commercially as is the supposition that it is causing such damage. “Sound pollution” is another problem to be solved before commercial aircraft will be allowed back into the airspace of many of the world's leading cities.

Finding solutions to those and other issues requires highly qualified, innovative, experienced and passionate professionals. Team Global has been putting such people and the companies that need them together since 1989. And it will continue to do so in order to help make the dream of commercial supersonic flight come true.

Read more like this at www.teamglobal.com/blog2019!

CHANTILLY, VA / ACCESSWIRE / May 28, 2019 / Rekor Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: REKR) ("Rekor") announced today it has been selected by the Department of Defense (DoD) to provide automatic license plate recognition (ALPR) solutions. The contract with the DoD is for the purchase of 200 licenses to use Rekor's machine learning-enabled vehicle recognition system, powered by our industry-leading OpenALPR software.

"We are pleased to be selected by the DoD to provide vehicle recognition systems. Our systems are easy to integrate and highly scalable, making them an ideal solution to enhance security and surveillance operations," said Robert A. Berman, President and CEO of Rekor. "Selection by the world's preeminent defense department is a great validation of our technology and one we are proud of. We look forward to working with the DoD to support their important work, and to further showcase the power of our solutions."

Rekor's OpenALPR software enables automatic license plate and vehicle recognition through virtually any IP camera. Its industry-leading artificial intelligence-based solutions can be hosted locally or in the cloud. Enabled by machine learning from its robust and growing database covering over 60 countries, OpenALPR software can identify in real time vehicle license plate data, color, make, model and body type.

Rather than buying expensive cameras that take weeks or months to ship and install, Rekor's OpenALPR software can be deployed to any existing IP camera immediately. This can represent a potential substantial savings per camera, as well as greater flexibility to expand or decrease usage as needed without large capital expenditures on hardware. It also eliminates the need for two separate cameras, one for LPR functionality and one for general surveillance recording. Rekor's solution can be used to collect license plate data and information such as the make, model, and color of a vehicle using the same camera that provides surveillance monitoring.

"The fact that Rekor's solution can be deployed to any existing IP camera is extremely attractive in the defense sector, particularly where cameras may already be set up for surveillance and the installation of new hardware might prove difficult due to time constraints or location in harsh or remote terrains," Berman continued. "The flexibility of our SaaS model also allows for the easy integration of additional cameras if they are needed in a hurry, rather than having to wait for hardware to be shipped and installed. It provides valuable new capabilities within the defense sector."

To learn more about Rekor's OpenALPR software, please visit our website.

About Us

Rekor Systems, Inc., a Nasdaq-listed (REKR) Delaware company, is the parent of Maryland-based Rekor Recognition Systems, Inc. Our smarter, faster, cost-competitive solutions are disrupting major industries in over 60 countries across the globe, including security and surveillance, public safety, electronic toll collection, brand loyalty, parking operations, banking and insurance, logistics, and traffic management. We use the power of artificial intelligence to analyze video streams and transform them into actionable information for our clients. Our machine learning software can turn most IP cameras into highly accurate and affordable vehicle recognition devices. Rekor's solutions help to protect lives, increase brand loyalty, and manage complex supply chain logistics. Our systems can dramatically reduce the cost of collecting tolls on major highways or manage congestion in the bumper-to-bumper traffic of large cities, without the need to install expensive new infrastructure. We make what was once considered impossible, possible. To learn more please visit our website: https://rekorsystems.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes statements concerning Rekor Systems, Inc. and its future expectations, plans and prospects that constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, including statements regarding the impact of Rekor's core suite of AI-powered technology and the size of the market for global ALPR systems. Such forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. For this purpose, any statements that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terms such as "may," "should," "expects," "plans," "anticipates," "could," "intends," "target," "projects," "contemplates," "believes," "estimates," "predicts," "potential," or "continue," by the negative of these terms or by other similar expressions. You are cautioned that such statements are subject to many risks and uncertainties that could cause future circumstances, events, or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements, including the risks that actual circumstances, events or results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements, particularly as a result of various risks and other factors identified in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. All forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date on which they were made and are based on management's assumptions and estimates as of such date. We do not undertake any obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of the receipt of new information, the occurrence of future events, or otherwise.

The aerospace industry has bounced back stronger than ever from the bleak years following the economic crash of a decade ago. It is expected to continue growing at a steady upward pace well into the 2020s. That continued growth means more job opportunities will be opening up for avionics technicians, aircraft mechanics, and others in the aviation maintenance and aerospace industries. TeamGlobal has over 30 years of experience in meeting the staffing needs of the aviation maintenance and modification industry and in placing aviation maintenance professionals in their dream job.

About TeamGlobal

Jobs outlook very promising, says Bureau of Labor Statistics

The latest figures released by the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics show that jobs in the industry have grown by five percent a year since 2016. The Bureau predicts that rate will stay steady or even increase above five percent a year through 2026. At present, there are nearly 150,000 aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians. A significant number of these professionals were placed in those jobs by TeamGlobal. As the aerospace industry grows, companies rely on TeamGlobal to find the right people for the right job. Qualified avionics techs and aircraft mechanics also come to TeamGlobal to find the right position at the right salary.

Increasing need for avionics techs and aircraft mechanics

Aircraft mechanics and avionics techs do more than just fix things that are broken; they diagnose problems and repair or replace defective and worn-out parts before they break. They also inspect and test equipment, assemble components and certify that all maintenance has met performance standards. Avionics techs also interpret flight data as well as test and install software. Most avionics techs and aircraft mechanics are generalists, in that they can work on a variety of aircraft, but many also specialize in a particular part of their field. The need for both generalists and specialists is growing, and TeamGlobal has the experience to help put companies and people together.

As demand rises, so do wages for avionics techs, aircraft mechanics and aeronautical engineers

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median pay for aircraft maintenance and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians is $63,000 and rising. The highest 10 percent of these professionals make as much as $94,000, while the lowest 10 percent earn about $36,000, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Those wages vary with the industries and particular fields in which these professionals work, including those employed in private industry and the federal government. The Bureau predicts that the industry will hire approximately 7,500 avionics technicians and aircraft mechanics this year, and every year until at least 2026. As the latest report by the Bureau adds, “job opportunities are expected to be good because there will be a need to replace those workers leaving the occupation” due to normal attrition and a rising number who have reached or are about to reach retirement age. Many companies are also offering early retirement packages to older workers, thus opening up positions for younger workers, notably those graduating from technical schools; also those qualified personnel who are leaving the military to enter the civilian job market.

The future looks bright for aircraft mechanics, avionics technicians and aeronautical engineers

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, “air traffic is expected to increase gradually over the coming decade, and will require additional aircraft maintenance, including that performed on new aircraft.” By 2026, for example, the Bureau expects there will be over 138,000 aircraft mechanics and service technicians, and over 18,000 avionics technicians. The Bureau concludes simply that “job opportunities are expected to be good” not only because of the growth in the industry, but also because “there will be a need to replace those workers leaving the profession.” As that need arises, TeamGlobal will be there both for the industry, and for the professionals who work in that industry.

Over the past few years, a new and disturbing arms race has developed. Despite numerous treaties and international agreements, nations have begun weaponizing satellites and other space vehicles. Many are also designing new weapons designed to destroy the very satellites upon which both commercial and military enterprises rely.

While some officials are calling for a separate “space force” to address these issues, others say such a space force in essence already exists within the existing military structure. In the United States, for example, the U.S. Air Force is primary responsible for space defense, and for assigning and directing defense assets to protect and counter threats to the peaceful use of space.

TeamGlobal's support of the spaceflight and defense fields

In part due to the renewed interest in spaceflight by both military and commercial organizations, the aerospace industry is not only growing, but also is expected to continue to do so and at a steady rate over the next decade. The number of job opportunities for aerospace engineers, technicians and other professionals in the aerospace industry is also rising, as are salaries. TeamGlobal has over 30 years of experience in meeting the staffing needs of the aerospace industry, and in placing aerospace professionals in their dream job.

Space defense assets

Every major power has its own set of space defense assets. The great majority of these are indeed just for defense (not offense) and include military spy and communication satellites, navigation and weather satellites and missile-tracking satellites. The United States Air Force operates a pair of X-37B robotic space planes.

Space weaponry

Some nations — India and Russia in particular — have tested anti-satellite weapons. The most recent test was conducted by India on March 27, when it tested a missile that was specifically designed to hit a satellite in orbit. (Dubbed “Mission Shakti,” the test created 24 new pieces of space debris, each of which is in itself a threat to satellites and other space vehicles).

Last December, Russia conducted the seventh test of its PL-19 Nudol anti-satellite system. In September 2018, a Russian MIG-31 jet fighter was photographed mounting a suspected air-launchable anti-satellite missile. Russia is also known to be working on the Burevestnik co-orbital anti-satellite system.

Spaceships in design

At present, almost all vehicles under construction for space flight are designed for peaceful purposes. Many independent companies are producing or in the process of designing and producing commercial vehicles to take passengers on a space flight, or to launch satellites into space. Commercial and military satellites are normally designed to be carried into space by a large rocket.

Satellites, however, also have been carried into space in the cargo holds of space shuttles. The U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is working with Boeing to develop a reusable space plane. Test firings of the AR-22 rocket engine developed for the space plane were conducted in the summer of 2018 at NASA's Stennis Space Center. Stratolaunch, Virgin Orbit, SpaceX and Blue Origin, among other independent companies, are also designing space vehicles. Many of the professionals working for those companies were recruited and placed by TeamGlobal.

Spaceflight Regulation

In the United States, regulations that govern private human space flight have been established by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The FAA has set rules designed to protect the safety of spaceflight crews and of any passengers on ships capable of space flight. These are not unlike those regulations established for commercial airliners and their crews, and include medical as well as professional training qualifications that must be met and verified. These regulations also apply stringent requirements regarding the safe construction and maintenance of vehicles intended for space flight, and for both the hardware and software involved in the operation of such vehicles in space.

The FAA has also set licensing and security requirements for companies involved in space flight, and requires that passengers and crew must be fully informed of the risks involved in space flight.

Team Global: Where the space flight and traditional aerospace industry turns for top talent

Many of the more than 70,000 engineers involved in the design and creation of America's space defense efforts — including the work on space force planes, rockets and other vehicles designed for space flight — were placed in those jobs by TeamGlobal. Many of the 4,200 engineers that the U.S. aerospace industry will need this year, either as new employees or as replacements for retiring engineers will be hired through TeamGlobal.

TeamGlobal specializes in recruiting and placing top aerospace professionals with leading government and commercial organizations who are involved in the design and production of vehicles for space flight as well as more traditional aerospace operations. Since 1989, TeamGlobal has provided intelligent solutions for corporate and government staffing needs and helped talented individuals find their dream job in the aerospace industry.

More than 350 passengers and crew died in two separate incidents when Boeing MAX 8 airliners went down last October and, more recently, in March. Since the second MAX 8 crash on March 10 in Indonesia, nations and airline companies have grounded the entire fleet of 300-plus Boeing MAX 8 airliners. These twin tragedies have rocked the aviation industry, shaking confidence in both Boeing and in the Federal Aviation Administration, each of which admit to have taken shortcuts — particularly when it came to training requirements for pilots who would be taking the Boeing MAX 8 airborne.

As the world's leader in recruiting and placing aerospace engineers and technicians, TeamGlobal understands the impact that the Boeing MAX 8 crashes are having on the aerospace industry, the people who work in that industry and the families and friends of the passengers and crew who lost their lives in the tragedies. We support the ongoing investigations into the Boeing MAX 8 crashes, and share the hopes and beliefs of the aerospace industry that such investigations will lead to action that will help prevent any further such tragedies.

What brought down the 737 MAX planes?

Although investigations into the two crashes are still ongoing, the initial reports indicate that the new automated maneuvering system installed in the Boeing MAX 8 is to blame. The MCAS (Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System) deployed aboard the Boeing MAX 8 appears to be at fault in both the October 29, 2018 crash of Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 and the March 10, 2019 incident that struck down Indonesian Lion Air Flight 610. Both planes crashed within minutes of takeoff, and in both crashes, there is evidence of a software malfunction in the MCAS — a malfunction that the pilots were unable to correct for, and which led to the fatal crashes.

Faulty sensors, malfunctioning software and incomplete manuals allegedly at fault

In both Boeing MAX 8 crashes, the MCAS erroneously reported that the engines were in danger of stalling, and in each case, tried to correct that by pointing the aircraft's nose down to help regain speed. Faulty sensors told the MCAS that the aircraft was pointing upward at a dangerous and unsafe angle, and automatically adjusted the stabilizers to compensate. Investigators at both crash sites report that the stabilizers were in an “unusual” position, apparently as a result of the automated system.

Recordings from the final minutes in both crashes show that the pilots struggled to find instructions in their manual to correct, override or even shut off the MCAS, but to no avail. United Airlines' pilots have confirmed that such information is lacking in the manuals. In an attempt to better prepare themselves to operate the Boeing MAX 8, United pilots put together a short, 13-page guidebook, but it did not include instructions on how to respond to the issues that allegedly caused the Boeing MAX 8 airliners to crash.

Pilots and engineers, reported the problem, but a warning light was made “optional”

There have been numerous reports by pilots who noticed there were problems with the autopilot system of their Boeing MAX 8 during the ascent after takeoff. These included the previous crew of the Lion Air plane who operated that aircraft the day before the crash. In many instances, these pilots reported that the plane would suddenly, inexplicably and incorrectly start to nose down after takeoff. Boeing engineers were aware of this issue. A cockpit warning light that the MAX 737 engineers developed to alert pilots if this “angle of attack” error occurred was produced, but was offered only as “optional” equipment, as installation of such a device added $80,000 to the cost of the aircraft.

Shortcuts by Boeing and the FAA may be to blame

When new aircraft or new systems are deployed, the manufacturer typically invests millions of additional dollars in simulators and training sessions to ensure that such aircraft and systems are safe and reliable. Feedback from pilots is solicited in these training sessions to help engineers correct shortcomings and to ensure that instruction manuals on how to correct or respond to problems are complete.

In the case of the Boeing MAX 8, and especially its MCAS, however, such training was rushed. The FAA, which routinely oversees and has strict guidelines and requirements concerning such training, apparently deferred to Boeing and delegated that authority to the manufacturer. The inspector general of the U.S. Department of Transportation is currently investigated this alleged failing on the part of FAA regulators, as well as allegations that there were many errors in the safety assessments and other reports Boeing supplied to the FAA when it was considering and issued the certification required for the Boeing MAX 8 to enter service.

What is the Boeing MAX 8, and which design features may have led to the MAX 8 crashes?

The Boeing 737 is one of the oldest, safest and most reliable passenger aircraft in service. First introduced in the 1960s, it has been upgraded many times. The three latest editions are the MAX 7, MAX 8 and MAX 9. The Boeing 737 MAX 7 is a smaller version of the aircraft. It is now undergoing testing and is scheduled for delivery later in 2019. The MAX 9 made its debut at the Paris Air Show in 2018. The Boeing MAX 8 is the most popular such upgrade. It is also, however, in many ways a much different aircraft from its predecessors and its siblings.

Boeing has been in a race with Airbus to hold its lead in providing aircraft for the domestic and intra-continental passenger plane market. The Boeing 737 MAX 8 was designed to compete with the Airbus 320 line (which includes the A318, A319, A320 and A321). Fuel efficiency is seen to be the deciding factor in this competition, and Boeing met that challenge by putting a bigger engine on its 737.

The Boeing 737 MAX 8 has larger engines than any previous 737. These engines, moreover, are positioned farther forward than those in other versions of the 737. While the larger engines were designed to increase fuel efficiency, the increased diameter and altered positioning altered the aerodynamics of the 737 design. As numerous pilots and engineers have reported, the Boeing 737 MAX 8 was essentially a different plane than its predecessors.

If that is indeed the case, as it appears to be, both the aircraft and its systems needed more testing, and the pilots that were to fly them should have received not only more training, but also better and more comprehensive manuals. In its rush to beat out Airbus, however, Boeing apparently cut corners and took shortcuts, and the FAA apparently failed to do its usual job in certifying the aircraft for service.

TeamGlobal: 30 Years of Partnership with the Aerospace Industry

Since 1989, TeamGlobal has been providing intelligent solutions for corporate and government staffing needs and helping talented individuals find their dream job in the aerospace industry. As such, it is concerned with the problems, issues and alleged failings which may have led to the twin tragedies involving the Boeing 737 MAX 8. For its part, TeamGlobal will continue with its mission of providing commercial aviation, corporate and government aerospace enterprises with the top aerospace engineers and other aerospace professionals they need.

The United States spends more money on defense than the next seven nations combined. The proposed budget of $750 billion for national security includes $718.3 billion for the Department of Defense — a 5 percent increase over the current military budget. A significant portion of this budget will go toward the purchase of new ships, planes and other military equipment, and to fund research on new technologies and weapons systems.

TeamGlobal has been and will continue to provide defense, aerospace and other industries with the highly skilled engineers, technicians and other professionals they need to get the job done. For over 30 years, TeamGlobal has matched the top people in their field with the employers who need, respect and value their talent — and we intend to keep putting great people in great jobs.

Strengths, weaknesses, threats and strategies

The United States and its allies are cognizant of the growth and modernization of the armed forces of both the People's Republic of China and the Russian Federation. Saber-rattling, military posturing and the projection of power into the South China Sea by the former and in the Middle East and Ukraine by the latter pose both threats and challenges to the interests of the United States and its allies.

The formulation of a military strategy to meet and hopefully forestall such threats is debated and explored daily in the military news outlets and by those who have made a career for themselves in defense talk. Such strategies influence and drive decisions and requests for military acquisitions and spur research in defense tech, which increases the demand for the kind of talent that TeamGlobal has been supplying for the last 30 years.

$15 billion a year and rising just to replace aging military aircraft

As the military archives of the last century will attest, air power has proven to be and is expected to remain the deciding factor in military operations. The United States Air Force is second to none, and is committed to retaining that primacy. The Congressional Budget Office estimates that the United States will spend $15 billion a year during the coming decade just to replace aging military aircraft. That number will rise to $23 billion a year in the 2030s. This includes not only the current F-35 or “fifth generation” fighter project, but other advanced aircraft as well.

The requirements and opportunities presented by such new military acquisitions is expected to give a solid boost to the defense aerospace and defense tech industries, which will also increase the demand for talented aerospace and other military engineers — a demand that TeamGlobal is ready to help satisfy.

Half a trillion dollars for U.S. nuclear forces

As modernization and replacement programs continue to gain momentum, the Department of Defense expects to spend nearly half a trillion dollars over the next 10 years to maintain and modernize the United States' nuclear arsenal. In competing to satisfy defense purchases in this field, companies need to recruit the top military engineers and leading experts in military engineering services. TeamGlobal has a reputation for finding the right people and putting them in the right jobs.

$26+ billion a year for repairing, reactivating, replacing and building new warships

Control of the seas has been a key to national military strategy since the Athenians put their legendary triremes in the water over 2500 years ago. The United States has long maintained the tradition of a two-ocean navy, and the need to do so is as great and as pressing as ever.

To achieve its planned goal of building a battle force of 355 warships, the United States Navy plans on spending on average $26.6 billion a year for the next 30 years. That represents an increase of 60 percent over what the Navy spent over the previous 30 years. Upgrading decommissioned vessels could shift or slightly reduce money allocated to new construction, but this approach still presents defense contractors with significant opportunities.

No matter what kind of defense acquisition systems the United States or its allies require to carry out their military strategy on land, on the sea, in the air — or even in space — TeamGlobal will be there. As the leader in direct hire in the defense and aerospace industries, TeamGlobal is committed to putting great engineers and technicians in great jobs.

CHANTILLY, VA – Novume Solutions, Inc. (NASDAQ: NVMM) announced today that its Board of Directors approved changing the company’s name to Rekor Systems, Inc. The planned name change is a result of the company’s recent acquisition of assets of OpenALPR Technology, Inc. and increased focus on technology products and services. The company recently renamed its subsidiary from Brekford Traffic Safety, Inc. to Rekor Recognition Systems, Inc. The line of hardware and software products and services offered by Rekor Recognition Systems, Inc. is powered by OpenALPR software, which uses artificial intelligence to improve the performance of automated license plate readers. The line was designed to assist law enforcement agencies in improving public safety and has commercial uses in automated parking management, electronic tolling, traffic flow management, supply chain logistics and customer loyalty. To complement the planned name change to Rekor Systems, Inc., Novume has applied to the Nasdaq Capital Market to change its trading symbol to “REKR.”

Beginning with the first quarter of 2019, the company also plans to change its operating and reportable segments from one segment to two segments. The two segments are expected to reflect that company’s focus on both technology products and services and professional services.

Announcements from Boeing, Boom Supersonic and other companies regarding their investment in hundreds of millions of dollars in new supersonic aircraft are solid proof that reports of the death of the supersonic aircraft industry were not only greatly exaggerated — they were downright wrong.

TeamGlobal has long had the inside track on plans to revitalize the production of supersonic aircraft and is committed to continuing to help the aerospace industry and those who work in it help return supersonic aircraft to the important role they deserve.

Boom Supersonic raises $141 million and counting for a new supersonic airliner

In January, Boom Supersonic announced that it has raised over $141 million toward its new project to produce the next generation supersonic airliner. The new design has been designated the “Overture,” and will have three engines and be capable of carrying 55 passengers plus crew at Mach 2.2.

Boom's CEO and founder Blake Scholl told Forbes magazine in January that the Overture will be the first in a series of new aircraft that Scholl predicts will “make supersonic travel mainstream.” Scholl expects the first plane in this new fleet to take to the skies in 2023. The predicted list price for each Overture is $200 million.

A scaled-down version using GE J85-15 engines is scheduled to begin test flights before the end of this year. The aircraft, the XB-1, will reach speeds of up to 2.2 Mach — more than twice the speed of sound — according to Boom. The aircraft has already been called “Son of Concorde” by the press. Virgin Atlantic and its Spaceship Company subsidiary are also backing the project, as is Japan Airlines, according to Forbes.

The supersonic race is on

The Boston-based Spike Aerospace says it has a competing model, its S-512, in development. Backed by Siemens and in cooperation with Greenpoint Technologies, Spike says the S-512 will be “the fastest civilian aircraft” ever made. It will be capable of carrying up to 18 people, and will cut flying time over long distances, such as from New York to Dubai, in half.

Jumping over hurdles to supersonic flight

While the need for speed pushed military aerospace companies to produce fighter planes that could fly faster than the speed of sound, commercial airlines have long backed that same technology as a way to reduce time in the air for trans-oceanic and trans-continental airliners. The famed Concorde was the first and most famous commercial supersonic airliner. High fuel costs and laws limiting the airports and flight paths that these aircraft could take forced airlines to scale back plans to put more supersonic planes in the air. New technology that will dampen the sonic booms that led to the imposition of such limitations is in the works.

Boeing and GE back in the supersonic game

General Electric is developing a new variation of the famed CFM56 airline engine to provide Aerion with just such a new supersonic engine with less “boom.” While there has not been a new supersonic engine since the one developed for the Concorde over half a century ago, Boom, Spike and Aerion also are considering modifying supersonic combat plane engines with larger fans.

Boeing, meanwhile, is partnering with Aerion to develop a 12-seater business jet that can carry passengers at the speed of sound and beyond. Boeing is working with Aerion to upgrade that company's AS2 jet with technology that would dampen sonic booms when the plane flies at supersonic speed. Boeing announced in February that it has a “significant investment” in the Aerion project, and that the first plane in that line is scheduled to fly in 2023. Boeing is also working on a hypersonic aircraft — one that would travel at Mach 5, or five times the speed of sound.

Supersonic flight history in the making

Legendary test pilot Chuck Yaeger flew the first aircraft to break the sound barrier — the venerable Bell X-1 — in 1947. Over the next 20 years, numerous generations of combat aircraft capable of hitting speeds of up to 2.5 times the speed of sound took to the skies, but it was not until 1969 that anyone built a commercial airliner capable of flying at a supersonic speed. That airliner was the Soviet Tu-144 transport.

An Anglo-French company did the Russians one better in 1973 when they produced the Concorde, which was capable of a sustained cruising speed of Mach 2.04. Both British Airways and Air France flew Concordes for 30 years. High fuel costs, limited seating and, especially, opposition to sonic booms, led to the retirement of the aging Concorde. Although no one is quite yet ready to promise a “new Concorde,” the race is on once again to produce passenger aircraft that can fly at supersonic speed — and, someday, even hypersonic speed.

At TeamGlobal, we know a lot about supersonic flight — we have to, because we help the engineers, technicians and other professionals who design, build and service supersonic military and passenger aircraft connect with the right companies in the aerospace industry. Those companies come looking to us to find them the talented, experienced and qualified personnel they need to meet the needs of their customers for supersonic aircraft.

TeamGlobal – putting engineers and technicians in great jobs since 1989.

Thinking about working for the U.S. government? You’re not alone!

Many people don’t know this, but the Department of Defense is the United States’ largest overall employer. When you total up the amount of people who work for the DoD in one area or another — including active military personnel, reservists and civilians — you get a total workforce of almost 3.4 million people who spend their day working to keep our country safe both at home and abroad. This workforce spans 163 countries all over the world and includes such diverse fields as educators, combat specialists, accountants, construction and just about anything else you can think of. In short, no matter your skills or training, there’s a DoD job for you.

Getting the job, on the other hand, can be difficult. Like any job, the application and interview process can be tricky, and it’s always good to know what to expect. With that in mind, here are some things you can do or expect when preparing for a DoD interview.

Read the Job Posting

Of course, the interview is going to focus on the job you’re applying for. The job notice will have listed such things as requirements and duties — the things you’ll be expected to do after being hired. Expect that they will ask you many questions about these duties, such as:

• Can you perform these duties well?
• Do you have experience with success in this area?
• Can you share past success stories?
• Are there any duties or expectations listed that you might struggle with, and why?

Know Your Own Resume

You’d be surprised at how many people submit a resume without really knowing what’s on it. Then, they are surprised when questions are asked about their past. These questions can include:

• Why did you choose the school you went to?
• Why did you quit your last job?
• How do you think your previous education and training has prepared you for this new position?

Be Ready With Your Own Questions

Many interviewers give the applicant a chance to ask questions. While this is a great chance for you to speak up, most applicants simply shake their head and say they have none, not realizing the opportunity they’ve missed out on. Asking good, thoughtful questions at this time is one of the surest ways to separate yourself from the rest of the pack. It shows the interviewer that you have taken the time to think about the position and your role in it. This is a great way to demonstrate your commitment to your new job even before you have it!

If you’d like to know more about us or how we can help secure a DoD interview for you today.

If you trained as an engineer, you may find yourself well-qualified for work in the government sector regardless of your field of expertise. Working for the U.S. federal government can pay well, offer excellent benefits and provide better job security than work in the private sector. Federal government jobs also create unique opportunities to serve your country, even if you have no plans to serve in the military.

The difficulty for most engineers, however, is finding available positions that fit their skills, training and experience. To that end, we’ve put together a how-to guide on securing a government job for yourself, as well as how to pursue that job you know is perfect for you. Let’s take a look.

Considerations Before Starting Your Search

Landing a government job isn’t that much different from pursuing a position in the civilian job market. You still need the right experience expressed with the right keywords on your application and resume. Every applicant still needs to highlight their academic, career and individual achievements. Focus on whatever quantifiable (measurable) achievements you have in your resume/experience. Those are what will resonate most with federal government hiring authorities.

How Federal Government Salaries Work

Nearly all federal agencies are required to use the General Schedule pay system. The short version is this: grades 5-11 are entry level, grades 12-13 are mid-level, and 14-15 are senior level. When you’re trying to figure you where your experience matches up with the General Schedule, keep in mind that specialized experience counts often carries more weight.

The Human Resources (HR) department where you apply will determine what grade requirements you meet for salary although there is some room for negotiation. One caveat to that: When there are many qualified candidates, HR may be less than amenable to hearing your salary counter-offer.

The Federal Hiring Process for Competitive Service Jobs

There are steps to follow when pursuing a federal government job in the competitive service. The greatest need for highly qualified candidates in engineering and similar fields of expertise falls into this category, so it is best to limit your job search to Competitive Service Jobs.

1. Create a USAJOBS.com account
• This is the sole point of access for job announcements and vacancies, so you need an account to search, browse and save potential positions currently available. You also need to upload your resume to your account, though it is recommended you generate a USAJOBS resume via the onsite resume builder to make certain you have everything you need before submitting your resume for a position.
2. Review Potential Jobs/Vacancies Carefully
• Federal hiring authorities are serious about your ability to meet the qualifications for every position, so you don’t want to waste their time or yours applying for a spot you know you don’t have the expertise or qualifications to fill. Do not apply for any position if you do not have the required degree or education.
3. When You Find The Right Job, Agency or Location, Subscribe to Updates
• You can get customized alerts for jobs in specific locations and agencies or that meet your specific criteria. Once you figure out what will work best for you, go ahead and subscribe to updates. Postings occur on a daily basis, and you want to stay on top of any changes or new postings as best you can. Subscribing to email updates is the next logical step in your job hunt process.
4. Apply for Your Desired Position Right Away, but Choose Carefully
• Follow all application directions to the letter and submit all requested paperwork promptly. Don’t waste your time or the hiring party’s time by applying to job announcements when you know you don’t have all the requisite experience and qualifications.
5. Check Back for “Referred” Status
• After job announcements close, hiring agencies review all applications received. These applications get categorized as qualified, highly qualified or best qualified. Generally your application will just say “reviewed” once your application has been seen by the hiring authority, at which point it can go one of two ways: “referred” or “not referred.” Referred means you go on to the next step.
6. Interviews Are Scheduled
• “Referred” status candidates get called in for a job interview. What form the interview takes depends on the agency, organization or government entity. Some use panel interviews, while others prefer in-person interviews, video interviews or phone interviews. Interviews must follow a specific structure, and all interviewees are asked the same questions in the same order.
7. The Offer
• If the organization in question decides you are a good fit, they will make you an offer. Human Resources will contact you regarding salary and grade. No offer is final until you pass any requisite background or security clearance checks.

The Takeaway: Getting That Government Job

Like any job hunt, securing government work is a process, and it is generally more time consuming than traditional job hunts. Here are the most important things to keep in mind:

• Be careful: Triple-check every application before submitting.
• Be prompt: Submit all paperwork honestly and promptly.
• Be patient: Processing your application for a job announcement or vacancy can take more time than civilian job application processes.
• Be prepared: Practice and study up for your interview once they get your appointment scheduled. You can’t over-prepare, and you want to put your best foot forward.

Ultimately, the additional effort and rigor of this process are worth it, but you need to be prepared to navigate the process and bureaucracy. Do your homework, and you’ll be more likely to land that coveted government job.

During the recent government shutdown — the longest ever in American history — special attention was paid to the fact that thousands of government contractors went without pay. Unlike the salaried federal workers who would be reimbursed for their missing paychecks, contractors were unable to recoup their lost income.

With the threat of another shutdown looming, it’s easy to wonder if being a government contractor is still worthwhile. However, considering the salary expectations and outlook for these positions overall, it still pays to work for the federal government, even if the job may have its ups and downs.

Today we want to take a closer look at the various contractor positions that work within the government to examine contractor market salary expectations now and in the near future.

Federal Government Contractors

The fact is that the government needs people to work in all kinds of fields. While we’ll break down a few of the most high-paying markets below, we want to take a look at the averages for federal contractors in general.

Some of the top employing agencies include:

• Veterans Health Administration (over 1,800 employees)
• Federal Acquisition Services (more than 900 workers)
• Public Buildings Service (more than 600 workers)
• Department of Energy (600 employees)

Average salaries for these agencies and positions can range from just about $80,000 (Veterans Health) to over $108,000 (Department of Energy). Overall, most government contractors working in one of these and other agencies can expect to make between $80,000-$100,000 per year.

Some of the positions hired by these agencies include government IT jobs, engineering and Program Managers. Management positions are typically the highest paid on average.

Outlook: Positive

Historically speaking, the government has been much more willing to spend money on independent contractors rather than maintaining salaried employees. There are several reasons for this, but part of the reason is because many of these workers are hired for “temporary” work, and thus don’t need to be on the payroll permanently. Also, it’s much easier to fire contractors than salaried employees.

Over the last few years, the trend of hiring government contractors has been on the rise and shows no sign of slowing down The recent shutdown shed light on just how many contractors the government employs, although the financial pain of the shutdown doesn’t seem to be affecting that number at all.

Aerospace and Defense Contractors

One area in which the United States has plenty of money to burn is with military contracts. The U.S. outspends more on the armed forces than almost any other country in the world, so contractors in this field can expect to make quite a bit of money. Again, directors and managers typically take a more substantial portion, with average salaries regularly reaching into six digits. However, engineers and mechanics in either aerospace or defense positions can usually take home between $50,000 and $75,000.

Some of the more common jobs in these departments include:

• Soldier Contractor ($2000/month)
• Consultant ($68K-$73K/year)
• Law Enforcement Contractor ($48K-$52K/year)
• Avionics Technician ($59K-$64K/year)
• Human Resources Director ($71K-$77K/year)

Outlook: Positive

Military spending has always been a massive cornerstone of the American budget since World War 2, and the current administration has only increased spending on various aerospace and defense projects. Even when a new administration takes over, it will be hard to stifle this industry, particularly because it employs so many people across the nation.

Engineering Contractors

When most people think of engineers, they imagine people working on complex machinery. While electrical and mechanical engineering is undoubtedly a large portion of the industry as a whole, engineers come in all shapes and sizes, including civil engineering (infrastructure), bioengineering (food production) and computer engineering.

Fortunately, as we become more and more dependent on technology, engineers will only become more vital to the success of modern society, meaning that demand for these jobs is going to increase in the coming years. Average salaries for engineers can be close to $100,000. Here are some highlights.

• Aerospace Engineers - $102,000
• Scientific Research - $105,000
• Architectural Engineering - $95,700
• Federal Executive Branch - $115,000

The last two categories also employ the most people, with more than 15,000 architectural engineers and 28,000 federal executive engineers currently being employed by the government. Overall, agricultural engineers lag behind the rest of the pack, but with an average salary of over $73,000, it’s still a lucrative position. Also, as food scarcity becomes more common, these positions will probably command higher wages as the government depends on these engineers to figure out how to feed a growing population with fewer resources.

Outlook: Positive

Engineers make the world go round, and that isn’t going to change anytime soon. The U.S. needs to update its infrastructure, build new machinery and find creative solutions to our most pressing problems. Each of these situations will require skilled engineers to get the job done, so both salaried workers and contractors will benefit from this increased demand.

The aerospace and aeronautics field is a highly competitive one in which only the best rise to the top. To ensure that you’re considered among the best, it’s important to be highly qualified with the most up-to-date training and to show that you have received this training by earning and updating various certifications.

There are many different aerospace and engineering certifications available, depending on which area you would like to pursue. There are so many certifications, in fact, that it’s impossible to list and describe all of them here.

However, we’re here to provide you with a short list of certifications that are available in this crucial area.

Certified Quality Auditor (CQA)

The Certified Quality Auditor is concerned with examining and evaluating various systems to analyze a system’s overall performance. The CQA is able to review the elements of various related systems and determine whether or not they are operating at maximum efficiency, and where and why there might be any deficiencies in those systems. The CQA also decides whether the system in question meets all technical criteria.

Certified Quality Engineer (CQE)

While the CQA analyzes and evaluates systems that are already in place, the CQE’s main focus is to develop and implement those systems in the first place. Designing, building, testing and inspecting these systems all fall under the purview of the CQE, as does being able to use metrology and other methods to find and fix problems that may occur as the systems are put to work.

Certified Manufacturing Technologist (CMfgT)

This is an entry-level certification designed specifically for those in the field of manufacturing. Whether you’re just getting started in the manufacturing or already have some experience under your belt, this certification can help demonstrate your competency and knowledge.

Certified Manufacturing Engineering Certification (CMfgE)

For those who already have advanced manufacturing experience, the CMfgE can help take your career to the next level. If you have at least eight years of experience in manufacturing and are interested in taking on a leadership role, the CMfgE can help. If you hold a CMfgT certification as a manufacturing technologist, then this is the next logical step in your engineering verification.

This is just the beginning when it comes to the types of certifications available for those in the aerospace and engineering field. Depending on your overall goals, there are many different certification paths you can explore, each of which can help you maintain and ensure engineering excellence in your chosen field.

Get in touch with a TeamGlobal^TM representative today and let us help your career take flight.

Attention engineers!

Are you looking for a new, more challenging, more financially rewarding or more exciting job, especially in aerospace and related fields? TeamGlobal is the premier aerospace staffing agency and has been for more than a quarter of a century.

If you know exactly where you want your career path to lead you, we can help you find the position that will help take you there. Or, if you're in more of an exploratory mode, we can help you figure out how best to make use of your engineering talents and expertise. No matter what field you excel in — from design and operations to maintenance and modification — TeamGlobal can match you with employers who are committed to helping you add to your repertoire of skills.

TeamGlobal has a long, distinguished history of matching up professional engineers and technicians with engineering, aerospace, and tech firms. That success has helped us earn the respect of companies around the globe. In fact, TeamGlobal is the first agency that major airlines, defense contractors, aircraft and spacecraft manufacturers, and other leading tech firms contact to meet their staffing needs.

To help you make yourself the most attractive possible candidate for top companies looking to hire top engineering talent, it may be worth taking a refresher course on some key engineering vocabulary. Some of these terms cover key concepts, while others are ones you're likely to encounter while browsing job descriptions and current openings.

1. Angle of Attack

In aeronautics, the angle formed by the wing chord line and the relative wind.

2. Aspect Ratio

In aeronautics, the relationship between the length and width of a wing.

3. Assembler

An assembler has three primary responsibilities. They study blueprint specifications and assembly instructions, gather the parts, materials, tools and sub-assemblies required, and then position them.

4. Boundary Layer

This aviation-specific term refers to the thin layer of air next to the surface of an airfoil which, due to the air's viscosity, causes a reduction in speed.

5. Control Systems

Control systems engineers design tools for the automated regulation of dynamic processes. Most control systems employ sensors and other electrical (or computerized) components that measure outputs, creating data that can be fed back into the system to optimize performance.

6. Database Administrator

A database administrator is responsible for the security, integrity, development and performance of databases. Moreover, individuals who fill these roles guarantee that users have access not only to the information contained in the database but that they also have access to it in a manner that is useful to them.

7. Dihedral

This term describes a method of mounting the wings of an aircraft so that the wing-root is lower than the wingtips.

8. Electro-mechanical Engineer

A professional who brings together the principles of mechanical engineering and electrical engineering to conceptualize, build and modify devices, machines and other equipment that makes use of such technologies is known as an electro-mechanical engineer.

9. Empennage

Empennage refers to the elevators, rudders, vertical and horizontal stabilizers and other components which make up an aircraft's tail assembly.

10. Heuristic Method

By making approximations and testing them in real-world scenarios, engineers seek to arrive at solutions to specific problems. Sometimes known as "trial and error," the heuristic method can be extremely useful when attempting to achieve a desirable rather than an ideal outcome.

11. High Hypersonic

An airspeed that falls anywhere between Mach 10 and Mach 25 is known as high hypersonic speed.

12. Manufacturing Engineer

A manufacturing engineer is an engineer who designs, develops and conducts programs to evaluate manufacturing processes.

13. Network Engineer

A network engineer is an engineer who sets up, develops, troubleshoots and maintains computer networks within or among organizations as well as for other users of those networks.

14. Reynolds Number

The Reynolds number is the ratio of inertial forces to viscous forces.

15. Signal-To-Noise Ratio (SNR)

The strength of an information-carrying signal, electrical or otherwise, relative to interference is known as the signal-to-noise ratio, often abbreviated SNR. Traditionally expressed in decibels, SNR applies to any system in which engineers must ensure that what is meaningful is readily distinguishable from what is irrelevant or extraneous.

In addition to these 15 terms, check out this great list of "20 Useful Vocabulary Words for an Engineering Resume" created by the Converse International School of Languages in California.

Of course, these are just a few (and a very few at that) of the engineering terms with which you should be familiar as you look for your next job in the field. The engineering job market is as competitive as it has ever been. Give yourself an advantage by working with a staffing service that has extensive experience matching engineering firms’ needs with the highly skilled individuals who can meet those needs. Let TeamGlobal help you find and get that dream job you have always wanted — and deserve. Start your search today.

Wondering what to do with your engineering degree?

Not sure where all of those years of study and hard work can take you? Let TeamGlobal help you understand your options and broaden your horizons. For more than a quarter of a century, TeamGlobal has helped engineers optimize their skill sets by matching them with the career opportunities of their dreams.

As the world's premier engineering staffing agency, TeamGlobal is on the leading edge of developments in the field. We know which companies both around the corner and around the world are looking to hire, and we understand which specializations and credentials are most marketable. Because we're among the first to know when desirable engineering vacancies open up, we're not only able to quickly place top talent, but also to help our job-seekers negotiate the lucrative engineering yearly salaries they merit.

Let TeamGlobal walk you through the steps you need to take to land the engineering job you've always wanted and that you've spent your career preparing to move into. Engineering is a broad field, and engineers work with a diverse array of materials, processes, and technologies. From aerospace and aeronautics to software, your engineering degree qualifies you for any number of exciting opportunities across multiple industries. And, at TeamGlobal, our clients are looking to fill many types of vacancies and technical service job openings.

Here are just a few of these engineering examples.

• Avionics Engineer. Vital personnel in any aeronautics or aerospace organization, avionics engineers design, develop and test the crucial electronic instruments that are fitted to aircraft and spacecraft.
• Cost Schedule Analysts.
• Database Administrator.
• Design Engineer. These specialists develop and design new products or components, as well as the systems necessary for their production. Design engineers often also review existing products and components, identifying opportunities for more efficient production and enhanced performance.
• Electrical Engineer. Everything from telecommunications systems to power grids to automobiles relies upon electrical devices and systems. Electrical engineers design these devices and develop these systems, regularly testing them to prevent their failure.
• Electro-Mechanical Engineer. Any product or system that incorporates both electrical components, such as integrated circuits, and mechanical functionality, such as a motor, requires the expertise of an electro-mechanical engineer.
• Flight Test Engineer. If you have experience or a keen interest in prototyping and benchmarking, you might be ideally suited to a position in flight test engineering.
• Graphic Designer/Illustrator.
• Information Technology (IT) Engineer. If you have a strong interest in computers, computational systems, cybersecurity, and/or computer networks, you may be ideally suited to a position in IT engineering. These individuals also work to integrate hardware and software to ensure the smooth functioning of computerized systems.
• Integration Analyst.
• Logistics Specialist.
• Manufacturing Engineer. These individuals apply the principles of the engineering sciences to manufacturing processes, operations, and protocols. Manufacturing engineers thus influence everything from supply chain management to quality control.
• Manager.
• Network Engineer. A further specialization within the IT engineering field, network engineering focuses on the connections between computer equipment that enable efficient communications, whether they be textual, verbal (voice), visual (video) or algorithmic (data-based) in nature.
• Quality Engineer. Individuals in this role create the processes and instruments necessary to assure desired outcomes. In manufacturing, that could entail making sure that products meet standardized measures of appearance as well as performance. In other industries, quality engineers may be tasked with managing human resources.
• Simulation Engineer. Simulations engineers design and develop computer simulation solutions in which the functionality, durability, and safety of vital components can be modeled and experimented with in a virtual environment.
• Stress Engineer. Focusing on the materials used in aeronautics and aerospace applications, stress engineers are responsible for making sure those materials can withstand the extreme conditions (speeds, temperatures, etc.) to which they will be subjected in everyday, real-world scenarios.
• Subsystems Engineer. Systems can be complex. They are often hierarchical and full of both interoperable and dependent subsystems. Individuals who work in this role design, develop and perform quality assurance on these subsystems.
• Technical Writer.
• Tool Design Engineer. Tool design engineers make the things that are necessary for making. Much like design engineers, they must be experts in efficiency, ergonomics and universal (or industry-wide) standards.
• Wire Harness Engineer. Behind every functioning electrical system is a system of wires or cables. These physical components must also be designed, developed, implemented and integrated with other systems. This is especially true in the aerospace field. Wire harness engineers have this expertise.

As you can see, no matter what type of engineer you are, or the engineering types that interest you, TeamGlobal can help find a rewarding job in the field. Our comprehensive approach also means we can help professionals who also value flexibility and work-life balance. Are you looking for a direct hire or a temporary position that may lead to a full-time job? Would you rather find a temporary assignment that allows you to feel your way around an industry or a company? Are you most interested in exploring the engineering zones and the different kinds of engineering work you might want to build a career around? Whatever your goals and aspirations, TeamGlobal can show you the steps you need to take to reach. Moreover, we'll be with you every step of the way, identifying the job openings, helping you craft the perfect resume, preparing you for the interview process and, finally, strategizing with you when the time comes to negotiate a salary.

Whether your degree is in chemical, computer, electrical or mechanical engineering, if you’re looking to advance in your career, contact a TeamGlobal recruiter today!

CHANTILLY, VA / ACCESSWIRE / November 15, 2018 / Novume Solutions, Inc. (NASDAQ:NVMM), a holding company of leading specialty professional services and technology firms, announced today that it has executed a definitive agreement to acquire OpenALPR Technology, Inc. (OpenALPR). As part of the agreement and upon closing, OpenALPR founder and Chief Executive Officer, Matt Hill, will join Novume as Chief Science Officer.

The anticipated acquisition comes during a period of tremendous growth for OpenALPR, an internationally recognized leading provider of license place reader (LPR) software used by both law enforcement and commercial clients. OpenALPR's proprietary AI-powered LPR solution is currently running on over 3,000 cameras, capturing millions of license plates per day, that are operated by more than 400 clients, including several Fortune 100 companies. Novume currently provides support to OpenALPR through a management services agreement.

"We are excited to take the next step toward completing our acquisition of OpenALPR," said Robert A. Berman, Novume's CEO. "Matt Hill has created a powerful tool that has remarkable potential on its own. Novume has already built an exciting line of products around OpenALPR and we look forward to expanding its use into other areas of the company. As Chief Science Officer, Matt will be at the center of this innovation. OpenALPR has provided a disruptive and cost-effective software solution to the typical capital-intensive need of replacing hardware. It saves money, it saves time, and with an accuracy rate of 99%, it outperforms humans. OpenALPR is truly a game-changer."

Rather than buying expensive special-use cameras that take weeks or months to ship and install, OpenALPR provides software that can be used immediately with any existing IP camera. It can bring customers not just savings of thousands of dollars per camera, but flexibility to expand or decrease usage as needed without large additional capital expenditures. It also can be used to significantly enhance surveillance activity, collecting data such as make, model, and color of a vehicle with the same camera that's being used for general surveillance recording.

"This is an exciting time for OpenALPR, as we join with Novume in disrupting the vehicle recognition market," said Hill. "We see an incredible opportunity to grow our customer-base through Novume's existing relationships in the federal and law enforcement sectors, as well as to support other technologies they bring to market."

OpenALPR's technology is also a natural fit for Novume's line of automatic traffic safety enforcement cameras, which are currently in use or being tested by law enforcement agencies and cities across the U.S. and Canada, including a current pilot program in Cleveland, Ohio.

About Novume Solutions, Inc

Novume provides products and services to both government and private sector clients, with an emphasis on public safety, risk management and workforce solutions. We are a holding company that integrates technology and human capital to solve complex client challenges in today's world. We provide Solutions for a New Generation. For more information, please visit novume.com, or connect with us on Twitter, LinkedIn, or Facebook.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes statements concerning Novume Solutions, Inc. and its future expectations, plans and prospects that constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Such forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. For this purpose, any statements that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terms such as "may," "should," "expects," "plans," "anticipates," "could," "intends," "target," "projects," "contemplates," "believes," "estimates," "predicts," "potential," or "continue," by the negative of these terms or by other similar expressions. You are cautioned that such statements are subject to many risks and uncertainties that could cause future circumstances, events, or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements, including the risks that actual circumstances, events or results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements, particularly as a result of various risks and other factors identified in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. All forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date on which they were made and are based on management's assumptions and estimates as of such date. We do not undertake any obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of the receipt of new information, the occurrence of future events, or otherwise.

Media Contact:
Matthew Bretzius
FischTank Marketing and PR
matt@fischtankpr.com

Investor Contact:
Robert A Berman
Novume Solutions
ir@novume.com

Source: Novume Solutions, Inc.

Chantilly, VA – November 13, 2018 - Novume Solutions, Inc. (NASDAQ: NVMM), a holding company of leading specialty professional services and technology firms, announced today financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2018.

“2018 is the first year in which we have been able to release consolidated results for all the companies currently in the Novume group. We are encouraged by the continued quarter-over-quarter increases in our top-line revenue and reductions in our net loss, and are particularly pleased with the progress Brekford has made in expanding its product lines and areas of business,” said Robert A. Berman, President and Chief Executive Officer.

Operating Results Highlights

• Third consecutive quarter of increasing revenue.
• Third consecutive quarter of decreasing net loss.
• Management has determined that the substantial doubt regarding Novume’s ability to continue as a growing concern, as reported in the Company’s Form 10-Q for the second quarter of 2018, has been alleviated.

The Company’s financial results are more fully described in its quarterly report on Form 10-Q, which will be filed with the SEC today. Total revenue for the quarter ended September 30, 2018 increased to $13.1 million compared to $4.4 million for the same period in 2017. While the increase from 2017 is primarily due to the acquisition of several subsidiaries, this increase represents the third consecutive quarter of consolidated revenue growth.

Net loss for the quarter ended September 30, 2018 decreased from $0.8 million to $0.5 million for the same period in 2017, and represents a decrease in net loss margin from 17.9% to 3.8% for the comparable period. The decrease in net loss compared to the prior year period was attributable primarily to the accretive gross profit of acquisitions as well as reduced selling, general and administrative expenses due to fewer corporate initiatives offset somewhat by increased interest costs. The decrease in net loss for the third quarter of 2018 represents the third consecutive quarter-overquarter of reducing net loss.

Management has determined that the substantial doubt regarding Novume’s ability to continue as a growing concern, as reported in the Company’s Form 10-Q for the second quarter of 2018, has been alleviated as a result of improved operations, the extended maturity dates on notes payable and the proceeds of its November stock issuance.

“We are also pleased with progress we have made in positioning the Company for future growth,” Berman continued. “In addition to signing a management services agreement with OpenALPR and our announced plan to acquire that company, our existing subsidiaries have been working to improve efficiency and expand their areas of operations. Since the end of the third quarter, Brekford has completed a number of products in the Argos line including: 1) the Argos Guardian, which supports compliance with “move over” laws; 2) the Argos Finder, which is a fully functional portable ALPR unit; and 3) the Argos Edge, an adapter which allows integration for any fixed IP camera to work with OpenALPR software. Field testing for Argos Guardian has been completed and the first Argos Finder orders have been filled. In addition, Brekford has signed a contract with ParkSmart, Inc. for licensing Brekford’s IP360 system as a software solution for the parking enforcement industry in Canada. This is an exciting expansion of the application of the software and reaffirms our belief in Brekford’s potential.”

About Novume Solutions, Inc

Novume provides products and services to both government and private sector clients, with an emphasis on public safety, risk management and workforce solutions. We are a holding company that integrates technology and human capital to solve complex client challenges in today's world. We provide Solutions for a New Generation. For more information, please visit novume.com, or connect with us on Twitter, LinkedIn, or Facebook.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes statements concerning Novume Solutions, Inc. and its future expectations, plans and prospects that constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Such forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. For this purpose, any statements that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terms such as ”may,” ”should,” ”expects,” ”plans,” ”anticipates,” ”could,” ”intends,” ”target,” ”projects,” ”contemplates,” ”believes,” ”estimates,” ”predicts,” ”potential,” or ”continue,” by the negative of these terms or by other similar expressions. You are cautioned that such statements are subject to many risks and uncertainties that could cause future circumstances, events, or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements, including the risks that actual circumstances, events or results may differ materially from those projected in the forwardlooking statements, particularly as a result of various risks and other factors identified in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. All forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date on which they were made and are based on management’s assumptions and estimates as of such date. We do not undertake any obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of the receipt of new information, the occurrence of future events, or otherwise.

Media Contact:
Matthew Bretzius
FischTank Marketing and PR
matt@fischtankpr.com

Investor Contact:
Robert A Berman
Novume Solutions
ir@novume.com

Are you still searching for your dream job in your engineering discipline? Here at TeamGlobal, our staffing experts can help. For more than 30 years, we have met the staffing needs of some of the biggest and most important companies in the aviation and aerospace industries. TeamGlobal can match you up with the perfect job, but we don't stop there. We don't just help you get that key interview. We help you prepare for it.

The interview is where the deal is sealed. Yet so many engineers who impress on paper fumble and falter when they get to the interview. Why? Because they aren't prepared. When you design or build a program or a product, you start by doing research. You need to know what the deliverable is intended to do and what the company, client or end-user wants from the experience of using it.

An interview is no different — only you are the product. You need to know the precise nature of the job for which you are applying, but you also need to consider what the employer expects from their new hires. Those expectations will shape the questions you will be asked.

You are going to have to answer many questions in your engineering job interview. Some of them will be tough and cannot be answered adequately with a "just winging it" approach. Here's how to set yourself up for success.

Never go into an interview cold

Whether they are talking to potential engineering technician hires, software engineers or candidates for positions in engineering management, interviewers are going to ask a lot of questions to determine why they should — or should not — recommend you to the next decision-maker or tender the job offer themselves. To help you prepare for that interview, we at TeamGlobal have put together a list of some of the questions most frequently asked of engineers by interviewers. Only you can provide the answers. Just don't try to improvise or bluff your way through them. Know what you are going to say ahead of time. Have your answers ready, practice them and go into your interview with the kind of confidence that only comes from being prepared.

"What got you into engineering in the first place? And this engineering discipline in particular?"

Companies want employees who are dedicated, committed and passionate about what they do. For most engineers — at least the most successful ones — theirs is not a job or even a career. It is a calling. Many engineers entered their field because they felt compelled to create something or improve an existing device. Others have come to the profession because they have a lifelong fascination with designing, coding, building or improving upon something. Only you know why you are an engineer. Be ready to tell that story.

"What, in your opinion, makes for a good engineer (and specifically in your discipline)?"

Here, the interviewer is actually asking you to give some indication of your core values — your character. Think of someone who was a role model (e.g., an exemplary supervisor, teacher or co-worker), how they inspired you, and how you have tried to emulate them.

"Do you have any special skills or accomplishments that would make you right for this job?"

The intent here is to uncover whether you have been keeping up with current developments and advancements in technology and procedures. Be enthusiastic and don't worry about coming off as arrogant. Jump in and tell the interviewer what you have done, how you have proven yourself, and how you continue to invest in your education and professional development, both formally (e.g., through classes) and informally. Expand both on your skills and your willingness to learn and to improve on those skills.

"What are your strengths? What are your weaknesses?"

The interviewer has read your resume. What he or she is looking for is some self-awareness. They also want to get a sense of how committed you are to becoming a better engineer — and a better employee overall. This is not a podium or confessional, so do not praise yourself to the high heavens or berate yourself for your perceived failures. Everyone has room for improvement in some area. Communicate to the interviewer that you are someone who only looks backward to see how they can better move forward.

"What are your outside interests?"

Interviewers like well-rounded candidates. They prefer candidates who have a life outside of work, especially if they contribute to the community or are passionate about something besides work. This is not, however, an invitation to go on a long tangent about your hobbies or other interests. Answer the question, but do not dwell on it. After all, you are looking for a job, not a new best friend.

"Where do you see yourself five or ten years from now?"

Here, the interviewer is trying to determine is if you have ambition, are willing to take on more responsibility and are willing to make a commitment. Only you can answer this, but the interview chair is not the place to figure that out. Put some thought into this long before you go in for the interview, and, above all, be honest and positive.

"Why did you leave (or why are you looking to leave) your current job?"

This question can be construed as a kind of trap. If you start bad-mouthing your current (or previous) employer or seem desperate for a job, then the interview is likely to be over before it even begins. Have an upbeat, forward-looking answer prepared. Speak to your desire to be challenged, to learn and grow and be a part of something. Be honest, but above all be positive.

"What kinds of problems do you or did you have to solve in your last (or current) job?"

The interviewer is trying to gauge how you respond under pressure. Depending upon the nature of the job itself, they may also need to assess how inventive or creative you are — how you handle and solve problems. They also want evidence of your being a team player. Discuss the challenges you have met and overcome, and give credit where credit is due. Focus on outcomes and what worked; don't get bogged down in process.

"Have you ever had any difficulties working with or for someone, or with a client? How did you handle that situation?"

Interviewers want people who can work under pressure, cope with adversity and overcome obstacles to getting the job done. They prefer to hire people who work well with others — or who at least listen to others. Engineering projects are incredibly complex affairs. Tracking down the source of an issue or finding efficiencies without diluting the quality of the final product requires employees with strong problem-solving skills. Recount your experience in this arena, keeping it high-level. If you cannot think of a specific example or don't have one that fits the bill for the job itself, be prepared to discuss how you would approach such a situation.

"What can you do for us — and what are you looking to get from us?"

This is where you have to have done your research. You need to know what the company does, why they do it, what their future planning encompasses and whether or not they face any specific issues or challenges to achieving their goals. You know your history, your skills and your accomplishments. Where possible, point out what you can bring to the table to meet their needs — and if you have met similar needs for a current or previous employer, expound upon that.

As for the second part of this question, the interviewer knows that any job is a two-way street. If they haven't given you the opportunity already, talk about how you want to learn, grow and be a part of something special. If they think you are there just for a bigger paycheck, chances are you will never see it.

One last thing: ATTITUDE

When you go in for your interview, be pleasant, polite and positive. Also, be honest. Don't pretend you know something if you don't, as a practiced interviewer can spot a phony, a liar or a blowhard right away. Don't put on airs, play a role or embellish your resume.

Finally, be willing to ask your own questions. Interviewers tend to respond positively to candidates who take an active interest in their company, its products, services, history and culture. Show them upfront that you are already thinking about how you can do the job for which you are applying — that you are ready to hit the ground running and to make a valuable contribution.

Whether you are interviewing for an engineering technician job, a position in engineering software, or work in an engineering-related field, chances are you face some stiff competition from other highly skilled candidates. Give yourself an advantage on the engineering and aerospace job markets by working with a staffing service that has extensive experience matching engineering firms’ needs with the right hires. At TeamGlobal, we’ve been doing just that for 30 years. So let us help you apply and successfully interview for your dream engineering job. Contact a TeamGlobal recruiter today.

For nearly 30 years, TeamGlobal has provided expert staffing services to many of the top engineering firms in the world. We have a long and successful record of putting the right people in the right job — and of finding the right job for the right people. At TeamGlobal, we understand that before you can seal the deal with that job interview, you first have to craft the kind of resume that will get you that interview, or at least put you on the path to being interviewed.

The key term here is "craft," and that entails making sure that your resume follows industry standards and best practices. Read on to learn more about what that means for you and your engineering job search.

What is an engineering resume designed to accomplish?

Anyone in any of the engineering disciplines knows that if they are asked to design or build something, they first need to know what that something is supposed to do. A resume, like a machine or a piece of equipment that helps make that machine work, is no different.

A resume is a marketing tool — an advertisement — not a recipe for a cake or a technical manual on how to build a device. It is a glimpse, a movie trailer, a teaser meant to spark someone's interest. A resume is not meant to get you a job. It isn't even necessarily meant to get you an interview (although it might if your resume identifies you as a strong fit for the kind of employee a company is looking for).

Rather, a resume is meant to spark an employer's interest in you, so that they will come back to you seeking more information, and then call you in for that all-important interview.

Short, sweet, to the point

No matter what kind of job or position in the engineering field you're applying for, your resume should not be longer than a single page. But that doesn't mean you should or have to cram everything about yourself and your work experience onto that single page. On the contrary, your resume should be easy to read at a glance. Why? Because a glance might be all it gets.

All about you in (at most) a 30 second-read

Most people who read resumes have to work through large stacks of these documents. They can rarely devote more than 30 seconds to each resume presented to them. That means scanning, not reading.

If your resume does not grab an employer's attention right away, they might not even give your resume the full 30 seconds, putting you out of the running before you've even had a chance to show off your talents, skills and abilities.

For that reason, your resume should focus on and draw attention to your strong suits. Think of these as headlines, much like the ones familiar from news stories.

• Your education
• Your relevant work experience
• Your unique accomplishments

If you can grab attention before the skimmer moves on to the next resume, you can then convince them that they need to keep reading.

Things to put into an engineering resume

Whichever of the engineering disciplines or engineering fields you work in, what makes a worthy candidate from an employer's perspective comes down to a few key attributes.

First, an employer needs to know where you went to school, what kind of an engineering program you were enrolled in and what kind of an engineering degree you earned.

Secondly, an employer needs to know which engineering companies you've worked for (and what kind of engineering firms they are, if not evident in the name).

Finally, an employer needs to know what you contributed to the companies where you've worked. If you were recognized for your accomplishments or achieved something noteworthy, this is the place to highlight that. Don’t worry about describing your responsibilities in the finest possible detail. Instead, let the prospective employer know that, as detail-oriented as you are, you also understand the big picture and appreciate how your work creates (and adds) value.

Academic history, work experience and technical skills

Your resume also needs to be functional. That means you need to include key components and configure them correctly, all with an eye to how they interact.

At the very top of your resume, list your complete contact information: your name, street address, telephone number and email address. As for the body of the resume, start with your academic background. This should include all your awarded degrees and certifications, listed in reverse chronological order, i.e., most recent — often also your highest degree earned — first. If you have an advanced degree, graduated with honors or have some other worthy academic accomplishments to note, include themas well.

Next, list your unique skills, e.g., equipment with which you are familiar, programming languages you have mastered, etc. If you took any courses which are relevant to the position you are applying for, or worked on or completed any projects that mark you as particularly qualified, state as much here.

Finally, elaborate on work experience, starting with your current or most recent job and working backward from there. After that, you can list any volunteer work you do or professional activities, in which you participate, or other interests or accomplishments which reflect well upon your character. After all, engineers are people, too, and employers like to know what kind of person they might soon be calling a colleague.

Write like you are talking to an engineer: keywords are the key

People who hire engineers are usually engineers themselves. They know the jargon. They speak your language, and you should let them know you speak theirs. They don't want a lot of flowery prose – they want things clean, clear and to the point, and expressed using the vocabulary they understand.

Look for keywords about the job or the company, and incorporate those same keywords in your resume. If the employer is looking for someone with a background in engineering mechanics, for example, describe your qualifications in engineering mechanics. The same goes for engineering project management, engineering principles, engineering quality control, engineering quality assurance, engineering optimization and engineering management. Many large companies receive so many resumes that they first use a computer algorithm to scan them. Resumes including the right keywords move to the next stage. Those without them are passed over.

Customize the resume for the position

More than anyone else, engineers know that one size does not fit all. When you write a resume for a particular job, you need to retool your resume to address that particular job. That means you have to know as much as possible about the company, their mission and their culture — why they do what they do and what they need you to be able to do to make a valuable contribution to the company. That means doing your homework. Just as you would research a task at hand before working at it, so should you do your due diligence on the position for which you are applying. Start at the company's website, then dip into LinkedIn to learn more about the company's leadership.

Keep it positive

An engineering resume has to be positive. It has to present you in your very best light. A resume is not the place to talk about how things went wrong at your last job, or why you left or are seeking to leave your current position. Above all never, ever bad-mouth a previous employer. Employers want upbeat, purpose-driven, accomplished “can-do” workers. That goes for engineering administrators and engineering managers as well as hands-on engineers.

Presentation can make a huge difference

While some companies still want resumes on paper and delivered by mail, more and more expect to receive them electronically. If you are sending a resume through the mail, use high-quality paper, preferably good stationary complete with letterhead. Seal your resume in a large envelope so it comes out nice and clean and flat – not creased.

Remember, however, that while you want to catch an employer's eye, you do not want to give them eyestrain. Keep your resume clean, clear and easy to read. That means keeping the italics, bold type, fancy fonts and all-caps to a minimum. Use color selectively, say, to highlight key pieces of information. Finally, print out your resume so you can see how it looks both on screen and on paper.

Proof. Proof. Proof.

Proofread your resume – and not just once. Even better, have someone else proof it as well. A single typo or mistake in grammar can doom a resume. An employer may determine that, if you aren't capable of crafting a proper, problem-free resume, your attention to detail may be lacking. And engineers need to be meticulous.

The engineering job market is as competitive as it has ever been. Give yourself an advantage by working with a staffing service that has extensive experience matching engineering firms’ needs with the highly skilled individuals who can meet those needs. At TeamGlobal, we’ve been doing just that for three decades and counting. We also know that finding your dream job in engineering is a process that starts with your resume. Don't go at it alone — begin your engineering job search with TeamGlobal today.

No matter the field or industry, a first impression is often the only impression anyone looking for a job gets to make with a prospective employer. Luckily, a good cover letter can make an equally good impression. (A poor one can make either a bad impression or no impression at all, neither of which is likely to land you an interview.) As a premier contract and direct hire staffing service for the aerospace industry, TeamGlobalknows what engineering firms are looking for in this all-important document. With our help, you, too, can ace your engineering career cover letter.

Engineers looking to move up in the world and find their dream job need more than just a good education and impressive work experience. They need to know how to present themselves on paper. The cover letter to their resume is the first (and too often only) look a prospective employer will take. That means those engineers who craft a highly professional and engaging cover letter are the ones most likely to get the interview, not to mention the job. Because TeamGlobal has been helping engineering firms meet their staffing needs for over a quarter of a century, we know what applicants like you need both to include and to avoid when presenting yourself in a cover letter. Here are just a few tips we like to share with the talent we place.

Keep it short and to the point

People who have to work their way through a pile of resumes are like shoppers. You need to grab their attention and give them just enough information to make them want to ask you for more. An engineering cover letter should never be longer than a single page. If you can’t pique a decision-maker’s interest in 250 words, chances are you won’t be able to do so in 500. Most HR staff facing the prospect of reviewing hundreds of resumes will only glance at or skim read the first page of a cover letter anyway. If they have to turn the page, they'll usually just turn to the next applicant's letter — and forget yours.

Follow this Tried and True Schematic

An engineering cover letter needs to be short and concise, but it also needs to hit three key points. Engineers know how to construct and follow a schematic drawing, and what to look for when doing so. The people who read cover letters for positions in the engineering fields are the same. They want to read one that follows a well-articulated, legible schematic and often will ignore one that does not. There are three things they are looking for, which means that a solid cover letter for a job in the engineering field should contain these key elements:

1. Why you want this position.
2. Why you are qualified for this position.
3. Why the company should interview you.

Research the company as well as the job

Before you can tell a prospective employer why you want a position with their company, you need to know more about what that company does, how it operates and what they are expecting from their hires. Visit their website, of course, but then go beyond. Look for information on the company at Glassdoor and in trade publications covering both the business and engineering sectors.

Your goal is to gain more insight into how your prospective employer deals with its customers, clients, employees and the general public. Take note of how the company presents itself to the world. Look for clues and take your cue from their corporate culture. When you do express your interest in the position, demonstrate that you have an appreciation for the company’s mission, vision and values. Just be brief about it — a single, well-phrased sentence that gets straight to the point is all you need or want.

Show you’re the right person for the job

When you find out what an engineering firm is looking for in a new or replacement hire, show them you are not only qualified to do the job but are also the perfect fit for it. Craft a short, simple, straightforward list of your work experience and match it as closely as possible to their published job description. Show them how you can fulfill their needs. Doing so means summarizing your professional background (summarize being the key word here), then briefly describing what you accomplished in your previous positions. Finally, list your skills. Don’t limit yourself to the technical here. Sharing any relevant soft skills can help differentiate you from applicants who are only able to tick the job description’s boxes. Plus, if you want to earn an engineer manager salary, you’ll need to offer evidence that you’ve already proven yourself as an engineer manager.

Bring it home — and make them want to bring you back

After you have sold yourself by demonstrating that you are the best candidate for the job, bring it home — again, briefly. Reiterate your interest in and excitement about the possibility of working for this employer, note that your resume is attached and indicate that you are available to provide any additional information or answer any questions they may have. Finally, thank them for considering your application.

Revise, rewrite, and then get a second opinion (or third) opinion on your cover letter

When you’ve completed your engineering cover letter and are happy with it, set it aside. Don't look at it for an hour or two, or even sleep on it. Only then, reread it — then rewrite it. Find a better way to say what you have said. Once you’re convinced that you’ve composed the perfect letter, show it to a colleague you trust (whether or not they’re an engineer themselves). Ask them if they would ask you in for an interview based on the letter, or if they have any ideas on how to punch it up or shorten it. Listen, then make changes where needed. Here at TeamGlobal, our experts dedicate a good deal of their time to going over cover letters and identifying both their strong and weak points.

Consider asking a professional for help

The aerospace and engineering job markets are highly competitive. Give yourself an advantage by working with a staffing service that has extensive experience matching engineering firms’ needs with the highly skilled individuals who can meet those needs. At TeamGlobal, we’ve been doing just that for over 25 years. Let us help you find your dream job in engineering. Don't go it alone — start your engineering job search with TeamGlobal today.

The aerospace industry is growing once again and is expected to continue to do so in solid, steady fashion over the next decade. The number of job opportunities for aerospace engineers and aircraft maintenance and modification personnel in the aerospace industry is also rising — as are pay rates. Luckily, TeamGlobal has over a quarter of a century of experience in meeting the staffing needs of both the ambitious startups and the established corporations active in the aerospace industry.

Top Jobs in Aerospace

The aerospace industry has not only recovered from the slump that followed the financial collapse of 2008, but it also continues to grow at a very healthy rate. The industry needs aerospace engineers, aeronautical engineers and other workers to design, build and repair military aircraft, commercial aircraft, missiles, anti-missile defense systems and even vessels that can stand up to the rigors of space travel. That last category includes not only satellites and space stations (as well as the rockets to launch them), but also vehicles capable of carrying cargo and passengers into low-earth orbit and beyond.

Across the board, the industry needs highly skilled employees. TeamGlobal is just the organization to help aerospace engineers and other aircraft maintenance professionals find the right fit, with the right company, and at the right pay rate. For many, working in the aerospace industry itself is a dream come true, and TeamGlobal can help aerospace professionals find their dream job.

The Big Picture in Aerospace: More Jobs

The Bureau of Labor Statistics recently revised upwards its moderately bleak 2014 prediction that aerospace jobs would decline by 2.3 percent over the decade ending in 2024. It now predicts a 6 percent growth rate in aerospace employment between now and 2026. Currently, there are approximately 70,000 aerospace engineers working in the United States alone. Many of these individuals are baby boomers who are fast approaching retirement age. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that not only will the aerospace industry fill jobs left vacant by retirees, but also will add about 4,200 new aerospace engineering jobs over the next eight years.

In a recent article in Aviation Week & Space Technology (Sept 3 – 16, 2018), the need for aviation maintenance technicians is on the rise. Over the next 20 years, the need for NEW aircraft maintenance and modification technicians to provide maintenance to commercial, business aviation and helicopter fleets in the United States alone is estimated to be 189,000 technicians.

Aerospace Engineering Wages Are on the Rise

While wages for most workers have been and are expected to remain stagnant or even fall in relation to inflation and the cost of living, those of workers in the aerospace industry have continued to trend into positive territory. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2014 median annual pay for aerospace engineers was $107,000. Today it is over $113,000. Hourly wages for aerospace engineers topped $54 in 2016, and are continuing to rise.

Major Players in Aerospace Predict More Growth, More Jobs

One reason wages have risen is that the major players in the aerospace industry are expanding, and expect to continue to expand over the next decade. In 2017, for example, Airbus delivered a record 718 aircraft to 85 customers and took orders for over 1,100 new aircraft. Lockheed Martin reports a similar rise in military aircraft demand, notably in Generation 4.5 fighter aircraft. Many other major aircraft manufacturers report similar levels of growth, especially as customers who delayed replacing aging planes in the years immediately following the Great Recession are now placing orders to do so.

That means more positions that need to be filled, which leads to companies competing with each other to hire newly minted aerospace engineers and maintenance technicians, retain their own aerospace engineers and maintenance technicians, and hire away the best talent from their competitors. Those competitors, moreover, are no longer just the traditional big names in the aerospace industry or governments, but also new players on the field — the privately funded spaceflight companies.

Privately Funded Space Flight Companies

The government and the big aerospace corporations are no longer the only players in the field. Space X, Blue Origin and other privately funded spaceflight and satellite companies need aerospace engineers. As more such companies enter the field, this will increase the demand for aerospace professionals in all fields, from aerospace design and manufacturing to aerospace technicians. These companies need experts to work on the design, production, launching and management of satellites and other space vehicles, and they are willing to pay premium salaries to lure experienced people in the aerospace industry to work for them.

A Bright Future for Aerospace Engineers

Industry analysts predict that the aerospace industry will continue to grow over the next decade. The Teal Group, for example, expects deliveries will be 9 percent higher in 2018 than in 2017. Low interest rates, increasing demand and positive airline traffic growth are helping to drive and maintain momentum. These factors are also helping to make up for the relatively flat rate of growth in the business jets and military transport sectors. Growth is also high in the satellite and other space vehicle fields.

TeamGlobal: Over 25Years of Providing Premier Contract and Direct Hire Staffing in the Aerospace Industry

All of this is welcome news to both experienced and budding aerospace engineers, but also means that there are so many opportunities that might go unnoticed, such as in the trades of maintenance, avionics, sheetmetal,painting, cabinetry and upholstery. That’s where TeamGlobal can help. TeamGlobal specializes in recruiting and placing aerospace and aviation maintenance and completion professionals, and in providing commercial aviation, corporate and government aerospace enterprises with the top aerospace engineers and other aerospace professionals they need. Since 1989, TeamGlobal has been providing intelligent solutions for corporate and government staffing needs — and helping talented individuals find their dream job in the aerospace industry.

Whether you’re an aircraft planner, assembly technician, electrical technician, avionics technician, mechanical engineer, licensed aircraft inspector or CNC machinist, if you’re looking to advance in your aerospace career, contact a TeamGlobal recruiter today.

Disruptive Artificial Intelligence-based Software Application Enables Automated License Plate Reading Using Nearly Any IP Camera System

CHANTILLY, VA / ACCESSWIRE / September 20, 2018 / Novume Solutions, Inc. (NASDAQ: NVMM) a holding company that integrates technology and human capital to solve complex client challenges in today's world, announced today that effective September 17, 2018, it entered into a binding letter of intent with OpenALPR Technology, Inc. (OpenALPR). The letter of intent sets forth the parties' intent for Novume to acquire the assets of OpenALPR. OpenALPR is a privately-held Boston, Massachusetts-based company that is internationally recognized as a leading provider of automated license plate reader (LPR) technology used by both law enforcement and commercial clients.

Brekford Traffic Safety, Inc. (Brekford), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Novume, has been working with OpenALPR since February 2018 to incorporate OpenALPR's technology into Brekford's products and services. Brekford is a leading public safety service provider.

OpenALPR's software is currently running on over 2,000 cameras, capturing millions of license plates per day, that are operated by more than 400 clients in over 20 countries. Recent OpenALPR assignments include incorporating its software with approximately 1,000 fixed cameras as part of a city-wide surveillance project in one of Mexico's largest urban areas. OpenALPR's software is also being piloted for use by one of the world's largest fast food companies to enhance their customers' drive-thru experience. A Fortune 20 company is also evaluating the software to streamline logistics by matching tractor and trailer license plates as shipments move between the client's distribution centers.

This transaction is subject to closing conditions, including satisfactory completion of due diligence, entry into definitive agreements, approval of the transaction by Novume's board of directors and consummation of a financing transaction.

"OpenALPR is a game changer within the LPR industry, providing unparalleled accuracy of reads not only for license plates, but also instantaneous identification of vehicle make, model and color. More importantly, it can be deployed to work with existing camera technology infrastructures in both law enforcement and commercial channels," said Robert Berman, Novume's CEO.

Matt Hill, OpenALPR's CEO, said "We're enthusiastic to join forces with Novume in expanding their law enforcement and government support capabilities. OpenALPR delivers best-in-class solutions for LPR, by leveraging dramatic advancements in artificial intelligence-based software development. We are also excited about LPR growth potential in commercial channels such as private security, logistics, and retail, where we have recently made some significant inroads." Rod Hillman, Brekford's President, said "OpenALPR has proven to be the perfect fit for our Argos Guardian Move Over Camera™ and has important applications for our installed base of automated speed and red-light camera systems in the US and Canada."

The acquisition is also expected to provide applications for other Novume subsidiaries. "Equally exciting is the potential for the existing business development units within our subsidiaries to offer OpenALPR's technology and solutions to a wide variety of government, private industry and education clients and to take advantage of OpenALPR's proven capabilities in the area of artificial intelligence. We are thrilled to integrate the OpenALPR team within the Novume family of companies," said Berman.

Additional information regarding the transaction is available in our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on September 20, 2018, which is available on the SEC Filings page of the Novume website. About OpenALPR Technology, Inc.

OpenALPR builds software that enables automatic license plate and vehicle recognition through virtually any IP camera. Its industry-leading artificial intelligence-based solutions can be hosted locally or in the cloud. Combined with its robust and growing license plate database covering 60 countries, OpenALPR's software can identify in real time vehicle license plate data, color, make, model and body type.

About Novume Solutions, Inc.

Novume™ provides products and services to government and private sector clients, with an emphasis on public safety, risk management and workforce solutions. We are a holding company that integrates technology and human capital to solve complex client challenges in today's world. We provide Solutions for a New Generation™.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes statements concerning Novume Solutions, Inc. and its future expectations, plans and prospects that constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Such forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. For this purpose, any statements that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terms such as "may," "should," "expects," "plans," "anticipates," "could," "intends," "target," "projects," "contemplates," "believes," "estimates," "predicts," "potential," or "continue," by the negative of these terms or by other similar expressions. You are cautioned that such statements are subject to many risks and uncertainties that could cause future circumstances, events, or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements, including the risks that actual circumstances, events or results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements, particularly as a result of various risks and other factors identified in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. All forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date on which they were made and are based on management's assumptions and estimates as of such date. We do not undertake any obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of the receipt of new information, the occurrence of future events, or otherwise.

This is an exciting time for Global and our valued clients. This event will bring more coverage, finance, and a wider spectrum for Global in the coming months and years. It is also exciting for our clients as it opens the door with major defense, aerospace, and technology companies that the Novume group and its affiliates have relationships with currently. So in effect, clients can grow and Global (GTS and GCP) can support the needs that arise. It will also provide the capital to grow and support those increasingly key needs our clients have. To view our new family members, click here.

Global will be the same service minded and solution based people serving our clients as we have for over 28 years now. This merger will give Global the ability to expand internally as well as geographically in the near future which translates into even better service for our clients. Thus, we perform better daily and our clients reap the rewards of that fact.

We look forward to many years ahead and to build our relationships better than ever while using our resources to assist our wonderful clients in acquiring even more business via synergized business relationships, staffing critical needs and superior service. Based in Fort Worth, TX Global will continue to be a great resource for manpower that is needed both contract and permanent hire support. We also offer a drug test program management portion to support our client’s needs in that capacity as well. Our DoD TOP SECRET facility clearance allows us to supply personnel for those contracts that demand it as well.

At Global we look forward to growth and many more prosperous years together as we go into the future stronger and stronger. Thanks for your business and trust in Global (GTS & GCP) to assist in accomplishing your business goals. We appreciate your business relationship very much.

Kenny Boner, Global’s President, said, “This is an exciting time for us. We are eager to become part of Novume ‘s vision of providing a full spectrum of human capital solutions for the nation’s leading businesses. With Novume’s leadership and Team Global’s 28 years of staffing presence, we believe we will have many opportunities to expand our footprint rapidly.”

Staffing leaders may have high hopes for 2017, but that doesn’t mean they think it’ll be an easy year. A number of disruptions and challenges stand in the way of firms looking to improve revenue and profitability. The firms that are best able to anticipate and rise above these challenges stand the best chance of meeting lofty expectations for the year.

Mentioned earlier, the talent shortage is the most cited obstacle for 2017. More than 60 percent of all respondents rank it as a top three challenge, followed by pricing pressures (53 percent) and economic uncertainty (37 percent).

Do staffing firms see the Trump Administration as an obstacle or an opportunity? The jury’s still out; respondents were divided on the implications of Trump’s presidency for their firm’s success. Thirty-eight percent believe their firm will be better off in 2017 under President Trump’s administration, compared to 21 percent who believe their firm will be worse off. Roughly one out of five respondents listed Trump’s presidency as a top macroeconomic concern for 2017.

Technology related-concerns round out the list of the top challenges staffing firms face in 2017. More than 20 percent of respondents cited leveraging technology to improve business operations and expanding their VMS model as a top challenge.

Each year, Earth Day—April 22—marks the anniversary of the birth of the modern environmental movement in 1970.

The height of counterculture in the United States, 1970 brought the death of Jimi Hendrix, the last Beatles album, and Simon & Garfunkel’s “Bridge Over Troubled Water.” War raged in Vietnam and students nationwide overwhelmingly opposed it.

At the time, Americans were slurping leaded gas through massive V8 sedans. Industry belched out smoke and sludge with little fear of legal consequences or bad press. Air pollution was commonly accepted as the smell of prosperity. “Environment” was a word that appeared more often in spelling bees than on the evening news.

Although mainstream America largely remained oblivious to environmental concerns, the stage had been set for change by the publication of Rachel Carson’s New York Times bestseller Silent Spring in 1962. The book represented a watershed moment, selling more than 500,000 copies in 24 countries, and beginning to raise public awareness and concern for living organisms, the environment and links between pollution and public health.

Earth Day 1970 gave voice to that emerging consciousness, channeling the energy of the anti-war protest movement and putting environmental concerns on the front page.

Earth Day Today

As the millennium approached, Hayes agreed to spearhead another campaign, this time focused on global warming and a push for clean energy. With 5,000 environmental groups in a record 184 countries reaching out to hundreds of millions of people, Earth Day 2000 combined the big-picture feistiness of the first Earth Day with the international grassroots activism of Earth Day 1990. Earth Day 2000 used the power of the Internet to organize activists, but also featured a drum chain that traveled from village to village in Gabon, Africa. Hundreds of thousands of people gathered on the National Mall in Washington, DC for a First Amendment Rally. Earth Day 2000 sent world leaders the loud and clear message that citizens around the world wanted quick and decisive action on global warming and clean energy.

Much like 1970, Earth Day 2010 came at a time of great challenge for the environmental community. Climate change deniers, well-funded oil lobbyists, reticent politicians, a disinterested public, and a divided environmental community all contributed to the narrative—cynicism versus activism. Despite these challenges, Earth Day prevailed and Earth Day Network reestablished Earth Day as a relevant, powerful focal point. Earth Day Network brought 250,000 people to the National Mall for a Climate Rally, launched the world’s largest environmental service project—A Billion Acts of Green®–introduced a global tree planting initiative that has since grown into The Canopy Project, and engaged 22,000 partners in 192 countries in observing Earth Day.

Earth Day had reached into its current status as the largest secular observance in the world, celebrated by more than a billion people every year, and a day of action that changes human behavior and provokes policy changes.

Today, the fight for a clean environment continues with increasing urgency, as the ravages of climate change become more manifest every day. We invite you to be a part of Earth Day and help write many more chapters—struggles and victories—into the Earth Day book.

In our business everything – and nothing has changed. The ability to source good people still determines if your job is completed right, on time and within budget. The companies that are willing to analyze, think strategically, and implement better ways of doing the same old thing are the companies that are surviving and competing in the marketplace.

These practices should carry over into every aspect of business, even the area of human resources and benefits. These departments should be leveraging resources and utilizing industry connections just like all other business groups. They should be developing and executing a tactical plan for getting the right people in place for the work that needs to be done.

Global has 25 years of hiring, recruiting and providing employees to the aviation and aerospace industry. We can manage the recruiting, vetting and hiring process for your projects quickly and with minimum fuss. We are more than just a “staffing agency”, we deliver solutions. With one call we become an extension of your Human Resources department. Contact our sales team if you are interested in learning more about how Global can assist in helping you achieve your staffing goals for 2017.

If the temporary assignment is contracted for one year or less, then it constitutes temporary work; consequently, your travel expenses would be deductible as such. However, if your assignment or job is indefinite, the location of the assignment or job becomes your new tax home and you cannot deduct your travel expenses while there. An assignment or job in a single location is considered indefinite if it is realistically expected to last for more than one year, whether or not it actually lasts for more than one year.

One of the significant tax deductions now available to you is travel expense. The Internal Revenue Service defines “TRAVEL EXPENSES” as the following: The ordinary and necessary expenses of traveling away from home for your business, profession, or job. An ordinary expense is one that is common and accepted in your trade or business. A necessary expense is one that is helpful and appropriate for your business.

Deductible travel expenses typically include the following:

1. Car and plane flights between your home and business destination
2. Taxis from the airport or business lodging to your temporary work location
3. Shipping and bagging costs
4. Car expenses while you are away
5. Lodging and meals
6. Tips for any of the above services
7. Business calls, faxes, computer rental fees
8. Dry cleaning and laundry

Consequently, if you were looking for work at home or undertook some preparatory work at home, you would meet all three of the above conditions, and your residence would qualify as your tax home.

There are some limitations of which you should be aware regarding your deductions for meals and visits home. You are allowed to deduct up to 50% of your meals (excluding any “lavish” extravagant feasts) based on actual costs or the standard meal allowance. If you use the actual cost method, you must keep accurate records of your cost. Generally a record of the amount, date, place, and essential character of the expense is sufficient for documentation of the actual cost of meals. You can use a log, diary, notebook, or any other written record to keep track of your expenses. Receipts are required for any expenses exceeding $75.

The standard meal allowance is acceptable. However, since your temporary work assignment will be in a specific location, you are required to use the rates published for your “destination”. Of course, the best strategy to pursue is to keep records on both the actual costs of meals and the per diem rates and then to use the larger amount for your deduction.

If you go back to your tax home from a temporary assignment on your days off, you can deduct your travel expenses, including meals and lodging, while traveling between your temporary place of work and your tax home. You can claim these expenses up to the amount it would have cost you to stay at your temporary place of work. If you keep your hotel room or other lodging during your visit home, you can deduct its rental cost. In addition, you can deduct your expenses of returning home up to the amount you would have spent for meals had you stayed at your temporary place of work.

Note: As a contract worker these are some things that you may be able to use as deductions on your taxes. As always you should speak with a professional accountant or tax preparer, but be sure to ask about these.

As we say good-bye to 2016 and head into 2017 we decided to a little research and see what the "experts" are predicting for the upcoming year. Of course we did this purely for the sake of entertainment.

The only prediction that we can make here at Global is that 2017 will be a great year here at Global. We plan to continue improving on our business practices and service offerings with confidence that our customers will benefit.

As you are "predicting" your staffing needs for 2017 please remember that we are here and ready to serve you to the best of our ability!

Predictions

Depending on your source or who you ask the predictions for 2017 are all over the place. We will let you draw your own conclusions or research further.

• Military spending & Energy - Defense spending should receive a boost. It seems clear that Trump wants to defeat the Islamic State, and that doing so will cost money. Expect military-related companies to do well.
• Defense - In forecasting what may occur in the defense sector in 2017, a lot of prognosticators’ crystal balls may look more like snow globes. A quick shake, and what had appeared to be clear suddenly has the visibility of a snow squall. Still, that is no reason not to try to make some predictions about the coming year. The U.S. Defense Department’s budget should be better than the Obama administration’s plan, but not much better.
• Aerospace - Aerospace has always played a long game. Aircraft and systems can take decades to develop and serve for decades more. But the industry is having to learn to cope with short plays and unconventional tactics to hit the emerging political curveballs. As the new year begins, it is already hard to predict how 2017 will end.
• Latin America - Latin America and the Caribbean have seen their share of challenges in the past several months, with widespread currency devaluations and several countries still in the throes of recession heading into 2017. However, new carriers and airline partnerships are poised to shake things up in the coming months.
• The UK - The UK has voted to leave the EU after more than 40 years. The question now is: Will 2017 be any less challenging? Probably not. Threats of terrorism, the rise of populism, uncertainties over Brexit and overcapacity will further erode demand and yields.
• US Airlines - After years of high profitability, the airline industry appears to be entering its next downturn. The International Air Transport Association is predicting much reduced profits for 2017 in most markets as airlines are no longer benefiting from lower oil prices and overcapacity increasingly becomes a problem in many segments.

Kenny Boner, President of Global commented “This is an exciting time for us. The acquisition will add seasoned recruiters to our staff that will come with existing contacts. The recruiters will now have access to Global’s talent pool and vice versa.” Lucent also has long-term business relationships that will be added to the Global roster. These customers can still expect us to provide top talent to for their positions and continue the exceptional customer service that they have been accustomed to. Going forward the Lucent clients will now have access to the additional services that Global offers, for example, our drug testing services and program management capabilities./

Global is a diverse family of companies that has specialized in the recruitment and placement of qualified professionals in Aviation and Aerospace for over 25 years. Originally conceived as Global Technical Services the company partnered with major manufacturers, government contractors and overhaul facilities to provide staff for aircraft maintenance and modification projects. Later added was Global Contract Professionals, a division meeting the needs of the engineering and design sectors. With distinctly different functions, each with it’s own area of expertise, Global is able to serve virtually all areas of design, engineering, manufacturing, modification and repairs in corporate and commercial aviation as well as rotorcraft. In addition to it’s recruiting and staffing services Global has an in-house Security Department for vetting employees, as well as a Drug Screening and Drug Program Management Department.

Global is able to ensure that your facility is staffed with background-checked and secured staff and that your company meets all compliance regulations.

Aviation Involved in the Fight Against Breast Cancer

Whether flying pink on their aircraft, sporting pink epaulettes, making monetary donations to cancer research, partnering with other companies or launching internal programs more and more aviation companies are getting involved in the effort to fight against breast cancer. In 2016 Wheels Up launched a program around a pink plane from the Wheels Up fleet to serve as the centerpiece of the campaign to raise funds to fight breast cancer. The program is in partnership with Textron TXT +0.51% Aviation; they join other notable companies fighting breast cancer, including the NFL, Avon and Estee Lauder.(Reported by Devin Thorpe, Contributor to Forbes Magazine)

Link to the full story

Companies say they're having hard time attracting qualified candidates.

HR officials are struggling to find workers, this includes small, midsize and large companies.

It's not just that positions are being left unfilled, there is also frustration regarding bad hires. Frequently discussed problems include misrepresentation by job applicants on resumes, applications and during phone interviews.. Another common issue is new hires not working out for behavior or inadequate skills.

Businesses should explore new ways of hiring that lead to more successful candidates.

Employers continue to rely on unstructured interviews and previous experience as the primary way to determine a fit. While these are important, insights from in depth interviews and detailed background checks that verify education, training and accreditations can be significantly more accurate in predicting how well a candidate will perform in the job. They will also better indicate how well they will support strategic initiatives.

Global can assist with these issues. Our recruiters are experts at weeding out the potential bad employees. Our security department can verify past experience, education, certifications, behavior issues and a host of other potential issues. We send you only fully vetted candidates. Cutting down on wasted time, expense and number of failed hires.

Contact us today to find out more!!!!

There is still much demand for temporary and contract labor. The excerpt below was published on the ASA (American Staffing Association):

U.S. staffing companies employed an average of 3.08 million temporary and contract workers per week in the first quarter of 2016, up 0.3% from the same period in 2015, according to data released today by the American Staffing Association. Average weekly employment this January through March was the highest for any first quarter since 2006.

Temporary and contract staffing sales totaled $30.95 billion in the first quarter of 2016—4.6% higher compared with the same period in 2015.

“Temporary and contract employment is an indicator of where the economy is today,” said Richard Wahlquist, ASA president and chief executive officer. “The good news at this stage in the current economic cycle is that staffing companies continue to report steady demand for temporary, contract, and permanent employees, providing job seekers with employment opportunities across a variety of sectors.”

If you are looking for a new position or your next position contact us. The work is out there, Global has jobs that we are currently seeking to fill and most are immediate start positions. If you don't have a resume on file with us you need to. We are constantly matching candidates with positions. Visit our website regularly or call a recruiter and tell them what you are looking for and what your expertise is.

Chances are we have a job that is a perfect match for you!

Gulfstream has mated the wing and fuselage of the first G600 flight test airplane at its Savannah, Georgia, production center as the company prepares the clean-sheet large-cabin business jet for its first flight later this year. That’s slightly ahead of the original program timeline, which called for the G600’s first flight early next year.

Gulfstream has been making swift progress on both of its new fly-by-wire jets, with the G500 already well into flight testing.

The company's four G500 flight test aircraft have logged more than 800 hours on 195 flights, with test article one (T1) focusing on envelope expansion and T2 on flight loads validation and aircraft performance and systems testing. Aircraft T3 recently completed cold-soak testing and is undergoing wing anti-ice systems testing, Gulfstream says. It is also the testbed for the Symmetry touch-screen flight deck, powered by Honeywell's Primus Epic system. The remaining example, T4, is being used to test avionics, flammable fuel drainage, water ingestion and water/waste, lighting and fire-protection systems.

A fifth and final aircraft, P1, is being outfitted at Gulfstream’s completions center, also in Savannah, and will join the program soon. As the first production aircraft, it will be used for interior and cabin systems testing.

Gulfstream has flown the G500 to a speed of Mach 0.995 and altitude of 53,000 feet. The 5,000 nm-range G500 is scheduled for certification and service entry next year. The G600 will enter service in 2019.

By Stephen Pope

Low-cost carriers are adding competitive heat to the domestic and international markets. Witness American Airlines jumping on the bandwagon with the addition of no-frill fares, the success of Norwegian Air, which just started serving Las Vegas and the international airfare wars driven by the growth of WOW Air, which recently added transatlantic flights from Los Angeles and San Francisco to its lineup and has announced plans for service from Toronto and Montreal. This is a welcome balance to the consolidation that has shaped the North American market recently.

The dropping price of oil, of course, has helped keep airfare competition alive and likely allowed for the pace of expansion of these international low-cost carriers. It's also fueling the return of the extreme long-haul flights. Emirates will launch a 17-hour, 35-minute flight from Dubai to Panama City starting Feb 1., and Singapore Airlines has plans for a 19-hour flight from Singapore to New York, starting in 2018.

Aircraft design innovations also play a role in flight routes, as well as playing a major part in the storylines of passenger comfort and, relatedly, luggage capacity. While there has been a flurry of patents set to re-engineer the entire approach to passenger seating and cabin configurations, the more immediate changes will be a bit more practical. Look for innovations like a charging pad and tablet holder alongside your tray table, and the addition of occasional extra wide seats to accommodate larger passengers or car seats for kids.

Traveling with kids will also see some change. But, more specifically, traveling without kids is where the most changes are afoot. Airlines have started to add tracking technology for unaccompanied minors. This allows parents to follow their child's journey every step of the way. Grown-ups traveling without kids will keep lobbying for "child-free zones" on planes. While, so far, no North American airlines have rolled out such a thing, expect the movement to get more attention this year.

2016 Hotspots are: Hawaii, New Zealand, Cuba, Brazil, Canada As reported by cheapflights.com

1. Create a target list

Start by creating a specific list of the positions you are interested in and the companies that offer those positions. Put your list in order of the MOST desired position to the ones that you could comfortably accept.

2. Conduct Research

One of your main goals here is to gather intelligence about the market, the industry and the company. Find out if you can apply for the position directly or if you need to go through the companies staffing partner. If you must be submitted through a staffing agency reach out to them to find out what the process is. Learn as much as possible about the company’s history, goals, business processes, challenges, charitable affiliation etc. All of this will come in handy during an interview or during your networking efforts.

3. Network with a purpose

Job seekers are always advised to network, but networking isn’t useful to you if you don’t do it strategically. Network at industry events but be selective, only attend events where you are likely to find connections to your target companies. Create a weekly goal for networking.

4. Be Curious

That means asking a lot of questions, but with an eye toward gaining a deeper understanding, not just because you’re supposed to be asking questions. Inquire about business drivers, business goals and challenges the company –or specific department–faces. The more open-ended the questions, the more valuable the answers are likely to be.

5. Connect the dots

this is your chance to show you understand what the company is looking for and to demonstrate how you can help them achieve their goals. Take this opportunity to make a direct connection between your expertise and experience and what the company wants to achieve.

The scheduled airlines employ approximately 50,000 mechanics at various terminals and overhaul bases located throughout the U.S.A. and overseas.

In addition, approximately 85,000 A & P licensed mechanics are employed in general aviation for air taxi and fixed base operators, aerial applicators, flight training schools, supplemental airlines, corporations owning fleets of aircraft and aircraft manufacturers. Also, mechanics and technicians are employed at some 4,000 FAA certified repair stations in the U.S.A.

Another large employer is the U.S. Government which employs approximately 100,000 civilian air-craft (Certificated/Uncertificated) mechanics and avionics technicians to work on military aircraft.

Global is a resource for job seekers who are looking for a career in the aviation and aerospace industry. We have a list of current industry openings, and we provide tools and resources to assist you in your job search.

Why choose Global:

• We know who is hiring and where
• We assist you in achieving maximum exposure among industry employers
• We can provide resume tips and assistance
• You can use our website to perform your own targeted job search
• We maintain an updated list of job openings
• You can apply quickly by uploading your resume
• Our recruiting professionals are able to walk you through the hiring/interview process
• We can help you find positions that meet your criteria and demographic preference

In today's job market, that's more important than ever to utilize all your resources and have a team behind you that is committed to helping you to focus your job search efforts. Our goal is to get to work getting you to work.

After much research, planning and development Global is ready to roll out it’s new and improved website. Over the last year we have undertaken a rebranding effort to breathe new life into our look, marketing materials and advertising efforts. The final step is the unveiling of a more modern looking website that is much more user friendly.

The new look is in keeping with the industry that we serve, aviation and aerospace. Although Global has diversified in the past and ventured into other areas our core business has always been and will be placing highly skilled individuals in positions in virtually all disciplines of Aviation, Aerospace, Military and DOD jobs. The new look brings us back in-line with these industries.

In an effort to keep our candidates and employees informed we are rolling out several new additions in conjunction with the website. Our first edition of the Global Newsletter will contain information on local and nationwide happenings in aviation, contract and temp to perm opportunities, hiring events, trade shows, staff biographies and other useful information. The Blog will also be used for similar efforts.

The improvements that have been made will also make it much simpler for candidates seeking opportunities to search job openings, upload resumes, fill out applications online, gain access to pertinent documents and contact a recruiter for assistance.

Likewise, companies that are seeking candidates for openings they may need to fill will be able to request candidates and contact a sales person or manager for assistance.

This our official invitation to check out our new website!!!!
Please let us know your thoughts, we will definitely appreciate your feedback.

Millennials are taking the workplace by storm, forcing managers and HR professionals to rethink the way they do business. Unlike baby boomers, millennials tend to do a short stint at each job before moving on to greener pastures. If hiring millennials is one of your job duties, you may need to try new tactics and persuade high-level managers to offer more perks to new employees.

Millennials tend to have an interest in several career paths. Instead of working at one company for a decade or more, it’s not unusual for a millennial to hold several jobs for one or two years each. Retaining millennials is difficult, especially if the benefits your company offers are geared toward older workers. When hiring millennials, you need to help them identify growth opportunities within the company, or you could lose new employees very quickly.

One thing that makes hiring millennials difficult is the stereotypes associated with members of Generation Y. In a Beyond.com survey of millennials and HR professionals, only 11 percent of the HR professionals surveyed said millennials are hard-working employees. Even worse, only 1 percent of the HR professionals said millennials are loyal to their employers. If you are tasked with hiring millennials, you need to get these stereotypes out of your mind.

For many millennials, what they do for a living is a central part of their identity. “What do you do?” is a common question at social gatherings, and a lot of millennials write about their work on personal blogs or social networking sites. Retaining millennials is a lot easier if you can show a clear connection between entry-level work and better opportunities within your company. Try to give specific examples of people who started out with your company when they were young and then advanced to high-level positions.

If you are having trouble hiring millennials, try putting yourself in their shoes. Young workers often wonder if taking the wrong job right out of college can have a negative impact on their careers. If you were applying for your first professional job, you’d probably want to know how the job could help you in the future. Explain how the position can help the candidate learn new skills or improve existing skills.

Getting along with colleagues is one of the most important aspects of career satisfaction. It doesn"t’t matter how interesting the work is if your colleagues are rude or unfriendly. When you are hiring millennials, give candidates an opportunity to see if their personalities are a good fit with your organization. Arrange for candidates to shadow current employees or participate in panel interviews to give everyone an opportunity to get to know each other.

Millennials are entering the workforce in record numbers. If you forget all the stereotypes you’ve heard, hiring millennials can actually be a pleasant experience. Just make sure you explain all the opportunities available at your company in detail.

Boeing [NYSE: BA] today released a new forecast showing continued strong demand for commercial airline pilots and maintenance technicians as the world’s airlines add 38,000 airplanes to the global fleet over the next 20 years.

Boeing’s 2015 Pilot and Technician Outlook projects that between 2015 and 2034, the world will require 558,000 new commercial airline pilots and 609,000 new commercial airline maintenance technicians.

“To help address this need, Boeing trained last year a record number of pilots and technicians at 17 training campuses around the globe and has invested in a comprehensive Pilot Development Program to train early stage pilots to become qualified commercial airline pilots,” said Sherry Carbary, vice president, Boeing Flight Services. “We will continue to increase the amount of training we provide, enabling our customers to satisfy the world’s growing appetite for air travel.”

“The challenge of meeting the global demand for airline professionals will not be solved by one company alone,” Carbary added. “Aircraft manufacturers, airlines, training equipment manufacturers, training delivery organizations, regulatory agencies and educational institutions are all stepping up to meet the increasing need to train and certify pilots and technicians.”

Boeing’s 2015 Outlook projects continued increases in pilot demand, up more than 4 percent compared to the 2014 Outlook. For maintenance technicians, demand increased approximately 5 percent.

Overall global demand for these skilled resources will be driven by continued economic expansion, resulting in an average requirement for about 28,000 new pilots and more than 30,000 new technicians every year.

NASA has selected six proposals to study trans-formative ideas that might expand what’s possible in aviation, shifting the boundary between fantastic and futuristic.

During a day-long meeting in April, 17 teams pitched their ideas to NASA managers. The ideas ranged from environmentally-friendly electric propulsion that uses an aircraft’s structure as a battery, to computer programs that safely allow new airplane designs to go more quickly from concept to use. NASA managers likened the scene to a television reality show in which aspiring entrepreneurs try to sell their ideas to a panel of savvy investors.

“We may find none of these ideas will work,” said Doug Rohn, NASA’s Trans-formative Aeronautics Concepts Program director in the agency’s Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate (ARMD). “On the other hand, we could learn they look promising and worth additional longer-term investment.”

Funded under NASA’s Convergent Aeronautics Solutions Project, the studies will run from two to 2.5 years. The project teams are made up of NASA employees from a variety of technical disciplines working across the agency’s aeronautics centers in Virginia, California and Ohio. Each study involves work across multiple centers and disciplines, and directly addresses at least one of NASA’s strategic research goals for aeronautics.

“The idea of the project is this is an investment process, where we’re using almost venture capital-like principles. But instead of money, our return on investment is in knowledge and potential solutions to future challenges in aviation,” Rohn said.

At the close of the project study period, successful ideas may be picked up and funded for additional exploration through other ARMD programs.

For More Information:

• NASA's projects, click here.
• NASA’s aeronautics research, click here.
• Original version on PR Newswire, click here.

- SOURCE NASA

Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. today announced that development programs for its all-new aircraft family, the Gulfstream G500 and G600, are well under way, with two of five G500 flight-test aircraft complete and the remaining three in production. The G500 has completed its operational checks and is undergoing taxi validation prior to first flight.

“Thanks to the hard work, commitment and innovation of our employees, we’ve already achieved several program milestones,” said Dan Nale, senior vice president, Programs, Engineering and Test, Gulfstream. Gulfstream introduced the G500 and G600 on Oct. 14, 2014, at one of its new manufacturing facilities in Savannah. During the event, the first G500 rolled out under its own power.

Since then, Gulfstream has inducted two G500 aircraft into the flight-test center in preparation for officially launching the flight-test program later this quarter. Additionally, ground vibration and structural mode interaction testing are complete; the structural test article achieved limit load; and all suppliers have validated the aircraft safety of flight requirements, clearing the aircraft for flight.

Gulfstream has also started manufacturing the first G600 aircraft, which will be used as part of the four-aircraft flight-test program. Wind-tunnel testing for both aircraft is complete, and more than 34,000 hours of lab testing have been logged. Additionally, the company recently started testing in the G600 integration test facility (ITF) and initiated construction of the G600 iron bird, which will allow full evaluation of the aircraft’s systems and software.

Gulfstream suppliers have been equally busy. In February, Pratt & Whitney Canada received certification of the aircraft’s PW814GA and PW815GA engines by Transport Canada in February.

FlightSafety International, Gulfstream’s factory-authorized training provider, has established a full-flight simulator for the G500 at its Learning Center in Savannah. Gulfstream engineering and flight-test personnel have begun using the simulator to supplement work being done in Gulfstream’s G500 ITF and the Conceptual Advanced Simulation Environment to prepare for the first flight of the G500.

“These accomplishments reflect the maturity of these programs and demonstrate our commitment to ensuring a safe, successful and productive certification process,” Nale said.

The G500 and G600 aircraft optimize speed, wide-cabin comfort and efficiency to offer customers best-in-class performance with advanced safety features.

The G500 can fly 5,000 nautical miles/9,260 kilometers at Mach 0.85 or 3,800 nm/7,038 km at Mach 0.90, while the G600 can carry passengers 6,200 nm/11,482 km at Mach 0.85 and 4,800 nm/8,890 km at Mach 0.90. The maximum operating speed for the aircraft is Mach 0.925, the same maximum speed as Gulfstream’s G650 and G650ER.

The G500 and G600 also include Gulfstream’s all-new SymmetryTM Flight Deck, the most advanced, stylish, comfortable and intuitive flight deck in business aviation. The cutting-edge technology comes in the form of active control sidesticks, integrated touchscreen controllers, next-generation enhanced vision system and Honeywell Primus Epic avionics.

In addition to the revolutionary Symmetry Flight Deck, the G500 and G600 cabins maximize passenger comfort and aircraft performance and can carry up to 19 passengers. The optimized wide cabin also features an industry-leading cabin altitude of 4,850 feet/1,478 meters at FL510 and 100 percent fresh air that boosts mental alertness and productivity while reducing fatigue.

Gulfstream anticipates certification of the G500 in 2017, with entry into service in 2018. The G600 certification is slated to follow in 2018 with entry into service in 2019.

We will be exhibiting at the show in April. We look forward to seeing you in Miami!

MRO Americas is the premier event for the commercial air transport maintenance, repair and overhaul industry and the flagship of Aviation Week’s MRO event series. The conference and exhibition combine to provide a world class venue for everyone involved in the MRO sector. Exchange ideas and best practices, share experiences, debate issues and gather knowledge.

MRO Americas offers unparalleled networking opportunities over 3 days and is the place to forge new partnerships and cement existing relationships. Only MRO Americas gives you access to thousands of airlines, MROs, OEMs, suppliers and service providers to help you improve your airline maintenance operations.

Booth #649

Every day, staffing businesses send three million employees to work in America’s offices, factories,hospitals, warehouses, and other work sites—virtually every place that Americans work, staffing employees are on the job.

The staffing industry, comprising more than 17,000 staffing companies and 11 million staffing employees,contributes nearly $120 billion to the U.S. economy through temporary and contract staffing and search and permanent placement services.

Staffing is an essential industry that provides vital flexibility and support to businesses, and opportunities and flexibility for employees. Businesses depend on staffing employees to get through busy seasons and to support major projects, new clients, and business growth. The flexibility staffing provides gives companies a competitive edge in matching resources and payroll to the needs at hand. More and more, companies are placing an increased premium on more flexible and agile workforces—and staffing plays a vital role in that strategy.

For employees, staffing offers a number of compelling benefits. At the top of that list is a bridge to permanent employment—99% of staffing employees who engage with a staffing firm with principal the goal of obtaining a permanent job achieve their objective. Nearly 9 out of 10 staffing employees say that temporary or contract work makes them more employable; almost eight in 10 say it’s a good way to land a permanent job. Companies that use staffing employees agree: 80% say staffing firms are a good way to find people who can become permanent employees.

Time has shown that staffing sin't’t just good for our economy; it is an essential industry that provides vital flexibility and support to businesses, and opportunities and flexibility for employees. And as the economy continues to evolve, with information and connectivity coming to dominate its core, the staffing, recruiting, and workforce solutions industry is prepared to provide the vital support businesses need to grow and prosper.

- Courtesy American Staffing Association

Job opportunities for aircraft mechanics are expected to vary among various employers. Opportunities are likely to be best at the smaller commuter and regional airlines, at FAA repair stations, and in general aviation. Commuter and regional airlines are the fastest growing segment of the air transportation industry, but wages in these companies tend to be lower than those in the major airlines, so they attract fewer job applicants. Also, general aviation aircraft are becoming increasingly sophisticated, boosting the demand for qualified mechanics.

Mechanics will face more competition for jobs with large airlines because the high wages and travel benefits that these jobs offer generally attract more qualified applicants than there are openings. Job prospects will be best for applicants who have experience. Mechanics who keep abreast of technological advances in electronics, composite materials, and other areas will be in greatest demand.

– FAA

In a recent article in the Fort Worth Star Telegram, GDC Techniks of San Antonio, TX announced their intention to lease 840,000 square feet of the American Airlines facility at Alliance Airport in North Fort Worth. Subject to the approval of the lease by the Alliance Airport Authority Board, GDC Techniks will begin operations in 90 – 120 days. This new facility will create 600 jobs. We are pleased to be a vendor to GDC and look forward to welcoming them to our neighborhood. Contact us for more information concerning this opportunity.