Space Engineer Makes Space for MITRE, Military, and Family

Colton Wade leads a double life—sort of. Monday through Friday, he works as an engineer at MITRE's Dayton, Ohio, site. During his military time, he's a signals analyst in the Ohio Air National Guard. That double quadruples when you add in his other roles, as husband of a fellow reservist and father of four small children.

Wade served eight years on active duty in the U.S. Air Force before transitioning to the Guard in 2019. An Air Force brat, who spent much of his childhood in Alaska for his father’s assignments, he felt called to continue serving.

"I like putting on the uniform and mentoring young airmen," he says. "And I enjoy the Guard's humanitarian role, being able to help your state and the people in your community, it's extremely rewarding."

Wade particularly enjoys the camaraderie the service offers, with "people from all corners of the globe that I'd have never met without the military—and the bonds formed through working through hardships toward a shared objective."

He's one of the veterans who comprise nearly 20% of MITRE's staff and one of a number still serving as reservists. In Wade's case, the connections between his military and civilian work run wide and deep.

Elevating to Exponential Growth

Wade joined our company in 2021, after a fellow guardsman who worked here—one Wade knew on active duty and talked into joining the reserves the year prior—recommended he apply for a job. Wade now works alongside several veterans he's served with. 

Within our national security division, he helps develop space systems, some of which he'll ultimately use in his military duties. One thing he especially appreciates about MITRE: our capacity as an unbiased and trusted partner with the government. 

"I get to make recommendations on what works or doesn't work and actually see things change, because the government knows we're acting in their interest," he explains. "That's fulfilling because I know there will be a day when this is fielded and doing its mission, and I get direct insight into its progress."

While Wade's military leadership and operational skills enhance his civilian job, he says MITRE offers myriad opportunities to develop his technical prowess. 

"I've grown more in my time here than in the last decade of working for government contractors—exponential growth," he notes. "When you're surrounded by people who are at a higher caliber, you want to rise up. And people here want to help you rise up."

And risen he has, earning several company awards for his contributions. His manager, Trevor Glick, says, "Colton consistently aligns his efforts with our mission and our sponsor's goals, while fostering true collaboration across MITRE and the government."

Balancing the Demands of a Military Family

Amid all his responsibilities, Wade somehow finds time for advanced education and professional development. He earned a bachelor's degree in quality systems management from Bowling Green State University. In December, he's due for promotion to master sergeant. 

His wife, Katy Wade, also an Air National Guardsman, serves as a medic. In their free time, the couple enjoys camping, fishing, and hiking in the Ohio outdoors with their children, ages 10, 7, and 18-month-old twins.

How do they juggle all this? 

Katy Wade says it comes down to priorities. "We do our best to handle what's in front of us and discern what doesn't need immediate attention. At times we get off center, and then it's obvious, in the chaos around us, that we need to be more intentional to balance things and bring order back to the home. Home is where we're doing our greatest work.”

Colton Wade says MITRE's military leave policy helps with that balance. "It's a lot easier when your employer is supportive. I feel like when I need to, I can step away."