CRANE, Ind. –
Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division (NSWC Crane) employee Dr. Phillip Burnside was first introduced to NSWC Crane in 2008 as the commanding officer of the Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) Reserve unit.
In his role as commanding officer, Dr. Burnside supported many efforts including identifying the cause of the shock test failure of the remote-operated small arms mount (ROSAM) weapons system and developing a solution for diesel engine failures that occurred on the LPD17 class ships. After retiring from active duty in 2020, Burnside stayed at NSWC Crane to continue his work in developing model and simulation tools to optimize weapons systems.
Dr. Burnside has achieved what he set his mind to, despite what he has been told in his past, including balancing a full time career and active duty service.
“Despite having a learning disability so severe that professionals told my parents I would probably not graduate high school, I have gone on to excel at everything I put my mind to,” said Dr. Burnside. “Not only did I graduate high school, but I also got high enough grades to be accepted into the mechanical engineering program at West Virginia University. I earned not only a Bachelor of Science degree. Five years after graduation I went back and earned my Master of Science and PhD in Mechanical Engineering while working full time and being active in the US Naval Reserve. The Naval Reserves helped with me with graduate school expenses. I retired in 2020 as a US Navy Captain.”
Dr. Burnside offers a unique perspective when it comes to supporting the warfighter. Having been both active-duty military and a civilian employee, he has seen the outcome of NSWC Crane’s work and is passionate about passing along his knowledge.
“I love giving our warfighters an advantage while mentoring and passing on my knowledge to the next generation,” said Dr. Burnside. “I am also motivated by having the opportunity to make a difference for the warfighter. This job is personal for me as we are developing the tools that I wish I had available when I was on the ground serving on a reconstruction team in Baghdad, Iraq in 2006. Due to my combat service, I developed Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and continue to look out for those who might be going through a similar struggle.”
When it comes to offering advice to young engineers, Burnside believes that figuring out how they want to support the warfighter is important, whether through leadership or furthering their education.
“If you want to be the engineer’s engineer and put the warfighter first, then continue with your education and get your PhD,” said Dr. Burnside. “If you want to get into leadership, learn how to manage people while uplifting those who you are leading. Focus on leading and not just managing.”
Outside of work, Burnside enjoys working on his hobbies and spending time with his family. Dr. Burnside recently became the 754 Master Model Railroader of the National Model Railroad Association a program that has running for 70 years.
“I love to ride my motorcycle in the summer. I go to my grandkids many sporting and school events. In the winter I work on building my model railroad using 3D printing to make all the models for my steel mill switching layout that takes over the whole basement.”
About NSWC Crane | NSWC Crane is a naval laboratory and a field activity of Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) with mission areas in Expeditionary Warfare, Strategic Missions and Electromagnetic Warfare. The warfare center is responsible for multi-domain, multi- spectral, full life cycle support of technologies and systems enhancing capability to today's Warfighter.
Join Our Team! NAVSEA employs a diverse, highly trained, educated, and skilled workforce - from students and entry level employees to experienced professionals and individuals with disabilities. We support today's sophisticated Navy and Marine Corps ships, aircraft, weapon systems and computer systems. We are continuously looking for engineers, scientists, IT and cyber specialists, as well as trade and other support professionals to ensure the U.S. Navy can protect and defend America. Please contact NSWC Crane Human Resources at crane_recruiting@navy.mil.