From Combat Operations to Professional Pursuits: Safran DSI Expands Veteran Talent Pipeline with SkillBridge Fellowship
Arlington, VA –
Safran Defense & Space, Inc. (Safran DSI) is strengthening its commitment to the defense industrial community through participation in the United States Department of Defense SkillBridge Program, welcoming U.S. Air Force veteran Raymond Halford as a SkillBridge Fellow at its Arlington, Virginia headquarters.
The SkillBridge program enables transitioning service members to gain civilian work experience during their final months of active duty. For Safran DSI, it represents a strategic investment in operational insight, leadership, and long-term talent.
Halford joins Safran DSI through Hiring Our Heroes, where he supports Corporate Strategy and Business Development. His portfolio includes contributions to the company’s strategic pursuits roadmap, which includes test cell and counter-UAS (CUAS) initiatives.
“My military career centered around operational planning, risk management, and deliberate execution,” Halford said. “Leading complex missions requires aligning stakeholders, assessing threats and opportunities, managing resources, and delivering results under pressure.”
He noted that the transition to industry has been a natural extension of that foundation. “Now I get to apply those same disciplines to strategic business pursuits—shaping capture strategies, coordinating cross-functional teams, and evaluating risk. While the context is different, the fundamentals of leadership, planning, and execution remain the same.”
Halford brings 25 years of experience from the U.S. Air Force, where he led mission-critical operations and advised senior leaders in complex environments. Known for his steady leadership style and ability to turn complexity into clarity, he now applies that perspective to growth initiatives that support U.S. and allied defense programs.
For Safran DSI, the fellowship model provides tangible business value while reinforcing the company’s commitment to veterans.
“Programs like SkillBridge serve two critical purposes for us,” said Matt Jordan, Vice President of Human Resources at Safran DSI. “The fellowship creates a strong talent pipeline, allowing us to engage transitioning service members early and align them to roles where they can add immediate impact.”
As competition for highly skilled talent intensifies across the defense industrial base, Jordan emphasized the broader message behind the program. “This isn’t about a hiring event,” he said. “It’s about building trust, creating real career paths, and investing in long-term success.”
In addition to the fellowships and direct hires, the program delivers value in other impactful ways. Safran DSI has facilitated engagements where SkillBridge candidates have interviewed or consulted with DSI veteran employees while exploring fellowship opportunities. These sessions provide active service members with practical guidance on transitioning to civilian careers and navigating the defense industry.
Since 2023, Safran DSI has welcomed four SkillBridge Fellows, with three transitioning into full time positions within the company. This track record reflects both the strength of the program and the natural alignment between military leadership experience and Safran DSI’s mission driven culture. The company’s participation in SkillBridge also aligns with its recognition as a “Best for Vets Employer” by Military Times, reinforcing a sustained commitment to recruiting, developing, and retaining veteran talent.
For transitioning service members exploring post-military careers, Halford offers a simple perspective: the skills developed in uniform translate directly to industry. “The mission continues,” he said. “It just takes a different form.”
