Engineer, mission-driven communicator, teammate
Dr. Carley Mollica is living the dream role she envisioned as a teenager. When she was 13, her parents sent her to an engineering camp, and she was hooked. In her role at Lockheed Martin, she helps improve and advance U.S. warfighters.
Carley is a Program Management Manager for Lockheed’s Mid-Range Capability program, which provides a ground-launched missile system that can defend against attacks from air (aircraft, helicopters, or drones), land (ground forces and vehicles), and sea (naval ships).
With a Ph.D. in material sciences engineering, Carley is an active and longtime member of the Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing (ARM) Institute, which focuses on strengthening U.S. manufacturing through innovations in robotics. She has led or been involved in numerous robotic-related projects with ARM, has participated in webinars, and even presented her work at national member meetings.
Carley’s work on defense-related projects at Lockheed Martin and in their Advanced Technology Lab has a direct impact on our nation's security. Carley is a great role model for young women who are interested in technical research careers, making her a Modern Maker.
Q&A with Carley
How did you find your way to working in advanced manufacturing?
I was fortunate to discover an interest in STEM at a young age. When I was at engineering camp, we visited different STEM organizations throughout the week, including Lockheed Martin in Syracuse, NY. I went home that night and told my parents I would work at Lockheed Martin one day. From that day on, all of my career and personal growth decisions were focused on building my skills to achieve that vision.
What is the most challenging part of your job?
The impact of the work we do at Lockheed Martin is both exciting and challenging. The real-world consequences can create significant pressure. The hard work is worth it when your team is able to use out-of-the-box thinking to provide a solution for a difficult problem.
What is the best part of your job?
The best part of my job is the people I work with and the customers I work for. The people I work with push the boundaries on what is possible to create an exciting environment that makes me want to go to work each day. Having a collaborative relationship with the customer helps align and focus our efforts.
What would people be surprised to learn about manufacturing or your role in it?
Sometimes the best solution is simple! I have interacted with people who believe advanced manufacturing means a complex process. When faced with a difficult problem, I often encourage my team to pause and take a step back. It is easy to get lost in the details, and in those moments it is important to remind ourselves to look at the issue holistically. Sometimes the solution is right before our eyes!
What advice do you have for someone new to the industry?
Be comfortable being uncomfortable. After all, some of the best ideas are born through creativity, ingenuity, and confidence in yourself.
What makes you excited to go to work?
Hands down, the mission. At Lockheed Martin, we pride ourselves on solving complex problems and delivering innovative solutions to help our customers keep people safe. The mission motivates me to do my best each and every day to bring warfighters home safely.
What are the three most important skills for your job?
Communication is No. 1 to be successful as a program manager. It is critical the team works together, everyone understands everyone’s role, and they receive regular updates. It’s also critical that I can articulate their efforts to leadership. I promote open communication each day to create a collaborative work environment. The team must be comfortable speaking up and sharing their perspectives and ideas.
No. 2 is confidence. Employers hire individuals because they believe that person will benefit them in some way. Having confidence in yourself, trusting your skills, and vocalizing your thoughts and opinions are what make you valuable.
No. 3 is the ability to work as a team. Success does not fall on a single person. A unified team will work together and do whatever is necessary to overcome obstacles. Having the support from the rest of your team and understanding we all have to work together helps a team push through challenges and achieve success.
If you didn’t have to work, how would you spend your day?
Spending time with my family! I have two young boys who are adventurous, curious, wild, and kind. Watching them learn and grow is a privilege I will never take for granted. My favorite days are ones where dirty hands and footprints cover the floors and walls. Being a mom and raising kids is challenging but the most fulfilling part of my life. My No. 1 goal is to raise good humans who make a difference in the world.
What hobbies make you better at your career?
I started playing competitive softball when I was six and worked hard to excel in that journey. I was a Division 1 athlete in college.
I learned the importance of practicing and refining my skills while challenging myself. Being a part of a team motivated me to be the best I could be to support my teammates and contribute to our overall success.
I developed leadership and communication skills that I use every day in my career. By listening to my teammates, I understood that I could not be successful on my own. That translates directly to my day job.
