Not all technical experience is equal in the eyes of Margarita Howard the sole owner, CEO, and president of HX5 draws a firm line between work done for federal agencies and work done in the private sector.
“Experience in their respective fields, while supporting these agencies’ respective programs and missions, is very different from experience gained working in the commercial world,” Howard said.
What Federal Work Teaches
HX5 supports NASA and the Department of Defense with science, technology, engineering, and mathematics services. Its more than 1,000 employees work at 90 government locations in 34 states, often under strict security rules and detailed documentation requirements.
Howard says the company prefers candidates who have already worked with or supported those agencies. Such employees understand the pace, procedures, and expectations of government programs. That familiarity is hard to teach quickly, and commercial roles rarely provide it.
Education is another priority. Most HX5 staff hold college degrees, while many management team members have advanced degrees. Howard notes that women make up the majority of that leadership group.
Making Room for Newcomers
Howard’s preference for experience does not close the door on younger workers. HX5 has made changes aimed at Gen Z, including hybrid work where it makes sense and modern communication tools like instant messaging. “We’re excited about Gen Z,” she said.
Those efforts matter because experienced candidates are in short supply. National Defense Magazine reported that 82% of defense industrial base companies struggle to find qualified STEM workers. Security clearances, which can take months or years, narrow the pool further.
HX5 also leans on the appeal of its missions. Howard wants employees to wake up excited about the programs they support, from lunar goals to operations overseas.
Loyalty follows. Some employees have been with HX5 for 15 years, building exactly the federal expertise Margarita Howard values most. Refer to this article for additional information.
More about HX5 on https://dataconomy.com/2026/02/23/infrastructure-as-competitive-advantage-margarita-howards-early-investment-philosophy-at-hx5/