HILL AIR FORCE BASE – The 309th Software Engineering Group’s newest edition to Hill AFB’s software campus, Building 1514 facility one, was dedicated during a ceremony Aug. 28, expanding the group’s capability to meet the software demands of the warfighter.
The new facility primarily provides a space for members of the 521st Software Engineering Squadron to do unclassified work for the F-22 and F-35 fighters.
Currently group members are spread out in about 20 different buildings, with several in the WWII era, 1200-series that are slated for demolition.
Building 1514 facility one is the first of three similar buildings planned, with the second facility expected to be complete early next year.
The group’s 10-year design plan is to create the feel of a university campus, locating several software buildings together.
Chad Harper, 309th Software Engineering Group deputy director, said the new building offers modern, comfortable and flexible conditions which will go a long way in hiring and retaining top engineers and software developers.
“Some of our facilities haven’t been at the same level as they are outside the gate, but this helps close the gap on some of the creature comforts and work-life balance we can offer,” he said. “No one can compete with our mission, but it's hard to compete with the pay that is offered in the outside industry. This new facility’s open concept design, large and small conference rooms, mother’s lounge and indoor and outdoor break areas really helps us be more competitive.”
There is space for about 50 permanent residents and hoteling space where team members will work at an unassigned desk when they’re on base and then work remote on other days.
“Instead of having an assigned desk that goes unoccupied for half the week, there’s space where people can work when they’re on base, then someone else works in that space when it’s not occupied,” Harper said.
Jim Diamond, 309th Software Engineering group director said 1514 facility one allows 309th SWEG members to directly support and contribute to the Great Power Competition.
“We must have the ability to respond, in near real time, when we get real-world requirements and technical demands from our customers across the globe,” he said. “Facilities like this enables us to accomplish that with more modern software development processes that can be more collaborative.”
During the dedication ceremony, Michael Jennings, Air Force Sustainment Center Software Directorate senior leader, told 309th SWEG members that being part of the software directorate is extremely significant.
“You are the people who are coding and creating components to our weapons systems that gives our customers confidence and goes without measure,” he said. Thank you for working hard. We have an urgent need to do what we do quicker, faster and in a more unique way, because the need is real.”