Alumni series: The opportunity to try new things brought Pete Jakimoff back to Leidos
The options of what we can do for work is endless, but knowing where you want to work comes down to how you feel in the workplace.
Naturally, we have the free will to try out new things, like Pete Jakimoff, who joined Leidos in 2005 (with RLM a subsidiary of Lockheed Martin) as an Integration Lead for Intel’s Coast contract segment. In 2020, Pete had the opportunity to work on Defence preapproval work with another organisation and explore the world of contracting – things he had not had exposure to at Leidos and so was excited by the prospect of trying something new.
After a couple of years, he decided to make a return to Leidos and when asked why, Pete highlighted three key reasons:
- Our culture; “From a culture point of view, it’s a nice place to work. I liked the human side of the company. I had the opportunity to support recruitment for autism and neurodiversity and even having initiatives like Leidos’ advocacy groups made coming back a strong option.”
- Training and development; “There is real investment in developing people and creating opportunities.”
- Permanent career opportunity; “Having experienced contracting, I was seeking a role where I was able to have more responsibility and ownership of programs as well as retaining people management responsibilities.”
Pete felt that, at Leidos, he was afforded more opportunities that gave him some stretch where he had room to ‘work it out’; opportunities to stick your nose into other parts of the business and operate outside your comfort area or skill level. “I’ve been lucky to have great examples as leaders”.
Overall, after seeing the shift to Leidos (from RLM) and Ali McPheat taking on HR and establishing the People Leader Code, standardising management - the little things speak to the company’s intent.
Pete’s philosophy on life is “give more than you take” and he implements this in his management style and team where inclusivity, hard work and commitment are at the core of how they operate, from top down and vice versa.
Outside of work, Pete is passionate about music and is in a band. The previous Leidos CEO got wind of this and so in 2019 Pete was recruited into the Leidos band and performed at our Canberra Christmas party where he managed to impress and entertain his fellow colleagues – ending the year on a very high musical note.
We hope that Pete continues to kick goals in his current role as Engineering Manager and building his career in the Leidos family.
