Shawn Emmerling

Continuing the Mission

After serving 21 years in the Air Force, Master Sergeant Shawn Emmerling faced a hurdle familiar to many Veterans. “The biggest challenge for me was taking off the uniform that was my identity for so long. It took time to realize that Master Sergeant Emmerling was still here, just in a different light,” he said. Emmerling’s military career, which included 17 and a half years in recruiting and a rare assignment managing Air Force marketing’s motorsports partnerships such as NASCAR, IndyCar, and Snocross. In his final assignment, he recruited medical professionals, a role that prepared him for his next chapter. A fourth-generation Veteran, Emmerling’s commitment to service runs deep, and that legacy was on full display during his military retirement ceremony, which was conducted by his cousin. Today, he leads a team of eleven at Leidos QTC Health Services as the Provider Contracting Strategic Sourcing Manager, handling oversight of strategic areas around the nation that expand business in the provider sector. 

Emmerling’s military experience laid a strong foundation for his civilian career at Leidos QTC. He noted, “From process improvement exercises to leadership courses, as well as continuous education in recruitment has developed a lot of useful skills in my current role. I’m taking those tools that were given to me during my military career and sharing them with my team. He advanced to his current role by applying process improvement and collaboration lessons learned in his first role as a Talent Acquisition Specialist, using these skills to grow and improve provider networks. Beyond professional growth, Emmerling continues serving a larger mission. He said, “First and foremost, our mission here at Leidos QTC is taking care of our nation’s heroes. For me, that is one of the biggest reasons I have to work hard and produce results. Our leadership understands what the Veteran community has to offer and utilizes the skills a lot of us gain in the military.”

While serving in the Air Force, Emmerling began pursuing a degree through the University of Arizona, and when he started his civilian role, Leidos QTC’s partnership with the university made the smooth transition in continuing his education. He reflected, “It’s a lot like our Tuition Assistant in the military, and it is really easy to stay on track with my education goals.”

Emmerling encourages fellow Veterans to take the leap and said, “Apply! This is a wonderful company that truly values the input of its employees. It’s a welcoming environment that makes you feel like your voice matters from day one.” His journey shows that service doesn’t end with retirement; it evolves, and at Leidos QTC, it continues to make a difference for others.