Employee Spotlight: Faisal Natawan – Lead Network Operations Center (NOC) Engineer at Kymeta

Faisal with son, Faraz.
Faisal with son, Faraz.

At Kymeta, we take pride in recognizing the outstanding contributions of our employees. In this edition of our Employee Spotlight series, we shine the light on Faisal Natawan, who has been an integral part of our team for the past 2.5 years. As a Lead NOC Engineer, Faisal brings a wealth of expertise and a passion for global connectivity. Let’s delve into his experiences and learn more about his journey at Kymeta.

Coming from Afghanistan, and working at a smaller company, Faisal was nervous about fitting in at Kymeta. However, he was pleasantly surprised by the warm personal welcome he received by team members, immediately feeling at ease within our inclusive and supportive company culture. He appreciates the opportunities he has had to engage with esteemed organizations such as the FBI, Marines, Coast Guard, National Guard and others – a unique aspect of working at Kymeta.

US Coast Guard AVL antenna installation on the eMICP vehicle.
US Coast Guard AVL antenna installation on the eMICP vehicle.

Speaking of company culture, Faisal describes Kymeta’s culture as one of inspiration, diversity, and cooperation. The company strives to foster an environment where all employees feel empowered to contribute their unique perspectives and experiences. This commitment to inclusivity and collaboration has made him feel valued and appreciated, erasing any sense of being an outsider.

Passionate about global connectivity and its potential to improve lives, Faisal deeply connects with Kymeta’s mission and vision. Having experienced the lack of basic internet access in his home country, he understands the transformative power of bridging the digital divide. Integrity and respect are the core principles that resonate most strongly with Faisal, as they create a positive and inclusive work environment while fostering trust and credibility.

Faisal is an integral part of a highly collaborative team, comprising eight individuals with diverse backgrounds and skill sets. The team’s goal is to enhance user experiences with Kymeta’s products and services. Open communication, mutual support, and a strong sense of accountability are the cornerstones of their team culture. He values the team’s commitment to ongoing learning and collaboration, as they work together to meet customer needs and deliver exceptional service.

New Year celebration with the VA team.
New Year celebration with the VA team.

One of Faisal’s greatest accomplishments within the team has been assembling a highly motivated and talented group across three distinct geographic regions, ensuring uninterrupted 24×7 coverage. This achievement required extensive recruitment, training, and ongoing support, and it has strengthened the team’s ability to collaborate seamlessly.

Faisal finds inspiration within the company from Victor Jimenez and Isabel LeBoutillier, whose hard work, dedication, and commitment have demonstrated the transformative impact individuals can have on team success. Their mentorship and guidance have been invaluable to his personal and professional growth, and he looks forward to continuing to learn from their example.

While working at Kymeta, Faisal has taken advantage of various tools including Jira, Wiki, and Salesforce. These tools have aided him in completing daily tasks and facilitated knowledge sharing throughout the company. Additionally, he appreciates the Flexible Paid Time Off (PTO) benefit, which allows him to maintain a healthy work-life balance and prioritize personal and family commitments.

Professionally, Faisal’s growth at Kymeta has been nurtured through online courses, certifications, and practical experience. Pursuing certifications such as the GVF and leveraging resources like iDirect courses and TAC support have enriched his knowledge and skills in the field. He believes that with dedication and persistence, anything can be achieved—an ethos embodied by Kymeta’s groundbreaking innovation.

Satellite show, 2020, with Farhad Heidary.
Satellite show, 2020, with Farhad Heidary.

Since starting at the company as a NOC Engineer I, Faisal has steadily advanced in his career and now proudly serves as the Lead NOC Engineer. He is honored and grateful for the trust placed in him and looks forward to contributing to the success of the team and the organization as a whole.

Outside of work, Faisal indulges his passion for researching and learning about modern cars. Engaging in physical activities like volleyball and exploring new cuisines are among his favorite ways to maintain a healthy and balanced lifestyle. Additionally, he surprises people with his fluency in Farsi/Dari, Pashto, English, and Urdu.

Faisal with cars.
Faisal with cars.

Faisal’s favorite life quote, “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step,” encapsulates his approach to both personal and professional endeavors. With his dedication to improving global connectivity and his commitment to excellence, he continues to be an invaluable asset to the Kymeta team.

We are proud to have Faisal Natawan as a part of our Kymeta family, and we look forward to witnessing his continued growth and success. Stay tuned for more inspiring Employee Spotlights as we celebrate the incredible individuals who make our company thrive.