Brittney Ruby Lynn McKinley
IT Manager – Deputy Group Leader for Systems Analysis and Software Quality Assurance
Exciting/unique aspect to your work:
The most exciting aspect of my job is the constant challenge. Many of our problems are complex in nature. Having worked at Los Alamos National Laboratory since October of 2004 in numerous and varied capacities, I always strive to bring my past experiences to bear in my current roles, constantly building my skill set and enhancing my ability identify creative solutions. Bringing knowledge of work execution and data related to a Craft workforce, for example, helps me to address technical innovation being implemented that can impact the diverse workforce at the Lab.
Thoughts for women aspiring to do the work you do:
I began my career at the Lab in Accounts Payable. I encourage women to pursue their dreams, and understand that there is power in learning processes, organizations, and customers from the ground up, and by living in others’ shoes. It never hurts to diversify your portfolio of experience, especially to help you compete in any capacity here at the Lab. One of my managers once told me that “any job is yours to refuse” and that was in large part due to my goal to always have open and honest conversations with my boss so that my goals and career plans were clear to both of us.
Why Los Alamos National Laboratory:
We have the great privilege of working in a government environment with some of the best talent in the world. Ultimately, the work and people I have built relationships with over the past 13 years keep my dedication strong to our united mission here at Los Alamos National Laboratory.