The aspects of innovation and invention that revolve around mechanical engineering provoke even the most mathematically hardwired brain to think creatively in order to obtain practical solutions.
The Newport News branch of Calspan Corporation, known as Calspan Systems, was attracted to Hampton Roads as a result of the relationship the company developed with NASA Langley Research Center. Located in the heart of Oyster Point, Calspan Systems allows employees and capable engineers to develop unique solutions with flexibility and speed at its Aerospace Test Equipment Design and Manufacturing Center.
The firm offers a variety of services that assist aerospace, marine and government firms in the development of and further research on various products and programs. Calspan Systems’ products include wind tunnel models for commercial and military aircraft, turbine engine test articles, complex helicopter rotor test stands and composite components for aircraft and marine applications.
“I really enjoy working at Calspan because the business is exciting and allows me to be innovative,” says Stephanie Mumford, president of the Newport News engineering and manufacturing facility. Mumford originally began with Calspan in 1989, with a focus on working with NASA Langley Research Center. She quickly worked her way through the ranks and currently finds herself leading Calspan Systems.
Mumford appreciates the central location of Newport News because it allows employees from Williamsburg to Virginia Beach to work with Calspan Systems. She herself lives in Chesapeake with her family. She spends her spare time watching her 13-year-old son play baseball and visiting her two older children in college at the University of Mary Washington and James Madison University. Although Mumford states that the commute to work is not as short as it could be, the work community at Calspan makes it all worth it.
In addition to providing a melting pot of culture for Calspan Systems employees, the community culture of Newport News attracts individuals from throughout the country. With Calspan Systems’ parent company based in Buffalo, NY, the employees enjoy the change of pace and scenery that the area offers.
“The Hampton Roads area is such an attractive environment that employees from all over the United States find it welcoming and a wonderful setting in which to work and live,” says Steve Long, vice president of operations and a previous resident of New York.
“Calspan Systems continually provides fast-paced results,” Long continues. “The majority of our clients expect solutions in a short time span of days or weeks, and we always strive to meet the mark.”
The employees at Calspan Systems offer flexibility and speed when working to achieve their high quality results. The majority of Calspan System employees have been with the firm for more than 20 years, creating a closely knit work family. Although employees have a long history of work with the company, they are always eager to welcome new faces into the group in order to achieve the growth Calspan Systems is striving toward.
Since the opening of the Newport News location in 1972 to support NASA Langley Research Center, progression and growth have been ideals that Calspan Systems management is achieving. Growth and expansion takes place through the implementation of the latest equipment to assist in testing and research for automotive and aerospace industries as well as the constant additions of dedicated engineers.
TO THE POINT:
Calspan Systems Corporation
Address: 703 City Center Blvd., Newport News, VA 23606
Phone: 757-873-1344
Contacts: Stephanie Mumford, president; Steve Long, VP, operations
Website: www.calspan.com
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