FORT SMITH, Ark. — Hundreds of people piled into a recruiting event in Fort Smith in hopes of getting a new job at the 188th Air Force Base.
Lockheed Martin interviewed more than 80 job openings for candidates who met basic qualifications for the open roles, such as F-35 Aircraft Maintenance, Aircraft and Support Systems IT, Quality & Safety Support, Supply & Support Equipment, and Security, on April 16.
Kevin Petrosky, the director of talent acquisition for Lockheed Martin said, "We're very excited to be here to interview for these positions that will ultimately be supporting our customers for future F-35 international pilot training here in Fort Smith."
Shamar Davis was one of those applicants who applied for a safety position in maintenance, a role he's no stranger to.
"I was a safety officer for 4 years, I'm currently a project manager. Every company has a safety program – some companies third party them out, but they're the basis of what any company needs," Davis said.
Lockheed Martin said it plans to make some same-day hiring decisions, but Davis says it's in a 24 to 48-hour time frame.
He feels confident that his interview went well.
"Work shouldn't have to be work. If you love what you do, at that point, it's enjoyable. I feel like Lockheed is a company that does that," Davis said.
Petrosky said the River Valley is a natural fit to bring these types of jobs, calling Fort Smith a "military community."
"Lockheed Martin partners extremely well with the community and the source of talent from the military transitioning to civilian life is also a great pool for Lockheed Martin," Petrosky said.
The Lockheed Martin facility will be on-site at the Ebbing Air National Guard Base.
Ebbing is the second base being stood up to train future international F-35 pilots. Lockheed Martin personnel will operate alongside U.S. and foreign military personnel at Ebbing in multiple newly constructed and remodeled facilities belonging to the U.S. military.
More information on opening positions is available on Lockheed Martin's website.
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