WEST BETHESDA, Md. –
For David Bernard, a mechanical engineer at Naval Surface Warfare Center, Carderock Division, engineering has always been about solving problems, supporting the fleet and helping others discover their own potential.
Bernard, who works in Carderock’s Underwater Electromagnetic Signatures and Technology Division’s Program Management Branch (Code 751), is currently serving on a six-month rotation with the command's STEM and Outreach program. He is trading some of his usual technical responsibilities for a different mission: inspiring students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
“I really enjoy talking to the students,” Bernard said. “I’m trying to spark an interest in engineering and science.”
As a program manager within Carderock’s Underwater Electromagnetic Signatures Group, Bernard works on specialized projects supporting Navy missions. While much of his work remains behind the scenes, he said the common goal is helping the Navy maintain a technological advantage.
His outreach role allows him to connect directly with young people who may be considering future careers in STEM fields.
“I recall as a middle schooler and high schooler, I didn’t realize I was going to be a mechanical engineer,” Bernard said. “I was inspired by people who told me, ‘You can do this.’”
Growing up in New Jersey, Bernard enjoyed taking apart broken appliances and exploring how things worked. Although he was naturally curious, he credits a visiting speaker with helping him recognize the importance of mathematics in engineering.
“Somebody came to our school and said, ‘You’ve got to really work on your math if you want to be an engineer,’” Bernard said. “That put the spark in me.”
Today, he hopes to provide that same encouragement to students who visit Carderock.
“That’s what I’m interested in doing—putting the spark underneath these students that come visit us and take tours on base,” he said.
Bernard earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from New Jersey Institute of Technology in 1991. His professional journey included positions in private industry, software engineering, network administration and defense contracting before he joined Strategic Systems Programs (SSP) as a federal employee in 2007.
After 13 years with SSP, Bernard transferred to Carderock Division in 2020, arriving during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“There was nobody on campus. Nobody was on base,” he recalled. “It felt like I was in a zombie movie where there’s nobody in the streets and everything is abandoned.”
Despite the unusual circumstances, Bernard quickly adapted and continued supporting Navy missions. Nearly six years later, he remains motivated by the impact Carderock’s workforce has on sailors and warfighters.
“Knowing that what we do here at Carderock makes a difference for the warfighter,” Bernard said, describing what he enjoys most about his work.
One quote has remained especially meaningful throughout his career. Originally shared by a former Carderock commander, the message emphasizes that every employee contributes to mission success by providing warfighters with the tools and technologies they need to prevail and return home safely.
“That sticks with me,” Bernard said.
Outside of work, Bernard’s focus is family. He and his wife care for his elderly in-laws, who live with them, and he enjoys spending time with his growing number of grandchildren.
A grandfather of four, with one more expected later this year, Bernard said his perspective has changed over time.
“Being a grandfather, I see how I’ve changed my perspective on youth,” he said.
That perspective continues to shape his work with STEM Outreach, where he hopes to encourage students to pursue their interests and persevere through challenges.
His advice for aspiring engineers is simple:
“Never give up,” Bernard said. “Just have the mindset that you can do this.”