Meet Hans Grothaus: Applying Military Precision to Corporate Milestones.

‘Talent in Focus’ is proud to feature Hans Grothaus, MBA, PMP , Senior Manager for the Joint Terminal Control Training Rehearsal System (JTC TRS) at CAE. Based out of Tampa, FL, Hans leads teams at both CAE USA Tampa, FL and Arlington, TX locations.

At CAE USA , we take pride in the exceptional skillset our veteran employees bring to the table, seamlessly blending military expertise with the dynamic demands of the corporate world. Hans served four years of active duty in the United States Marine Corps and six years in the United States Army National Guard, deploying three times in support global military operations.

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"I always think about those men and women using our devices to train for their mission, whether it's a fixed wing, rotary wing, surface, or JTC training device. What we create and how we manage our business directly affects their training. I take it as a personal mission and use it to motivate me and my team through tough days. Giving back to those who serve is the most fulfilling part of my job. With a focus on that, everything else follows, success is shared, and we continue growing those relationships, " says Hans Grothaus

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With his strong military experience and expertise, Hans has been able to grow and develop additional skillsets at CAE and has consistently sort out opportunities to challenge himself by taking on new roles and responsibilities. When Hans first joined the company, he worked on the MH-60 Technology Refresh and Procurement of Simulators (TRPS) program. As the company expanded into surface training, he embraced the opportunity to manage a new portfolio and serve as the CAE representative in the Xebec joint venture. This experience allowed Hans to enhance his expertise which led him to his current position as the Senior Manager for the JTC TRS. In this role, Hans is focused on expanding CAE’s program support for the United States Air Force .

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A Dedicated Dynamic Team

Hans’s typical day begins early, around 6:00 AM, with the first task on his agenda to quickly review his emails and to address any urgent matters that may have come in overnight.

Hans’s team of Program Managers, Contractor Logistics Support (CLS), and the Training System Support Center (TSSC) is dedicated to sustaining and maintaining the JTC TRS training devices. Working closely with our United States Government (USG) teammates from the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC) at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base (WPAFB), together they support USAF Joint Terminal Attack Controllers (JTACs) across the globe.

Hans’s team is incredibly dynamic, managing a base sustainment program that includes both CLS and TSSC groups. Together, they sustain and maintain over one hundred devices across nearly 40 sites, from software, hardware, and cyber perspectives. In addition to their base sustainment efforts, they also manage ongoing upgrade programs and Engineering Change Proposals (ECPs) for various capabilities. This intricate work requires heavy reliance on communication and collaboration within their internal teams.

While balancing the needs and wants of external stakeholders, managing fleet requirements, and navigating the USG procurement cycle, Hans and the team leverage their strong relationships to ensure they are making progress in the right areas, ensuring effective training for customers both nationally and internationally.

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“We are a dedicated team! While there are distinct positions and different echelons of responsibility, at the end of the day we work together for success. From senior leadership all the way down to my team, we support one another, ensure we have what we need to perform our duties effectively, and we constantly challenge ourselves to be better, personally, and professionally,” says Hans Grothaus

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With his teams spread across multiple locations, Hans’s day is filled with numerous meetings. These meetings involve supporting both internal Integrated Product Teams (IPTs) working on planned and unplanned tasks, as well as maintaining communication with USG teammates. Hans’s team places a strong emphasis on communication and transparency, striving to embrace a broader IPT perspective to ensure effective information flow and alignment.

Hans’s team is a shining example of how CAE supports its customers, by prioritizing training so they are prepared for today and ready for tomorrow’s mission. With total confidence that his teams are expertly planning, managing, and executing the programs, Hans now finds himself with more time to focus on business growth. This includes seeking opportunities for organic growth, identifying ways to operate more efficiently, and analyzing trends that could indicate potential successes or challenges, allowing them, to adapt accordingly. In the realm of project management, particularly with JTC TRS and the wide array of devices the team manages, no two days are alike for Hans and his team. This constant change is what keeps their job dynamic and engaging.

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CAE Culture

CAE’s executive and functional leadership thrives to empower the entire organization to view the positive impact they have on the business. “ The culture we have developed is set to drive CAE forward, as we are committed to doing the right things for the right reasons. For me personally, knowing I have the support of my leadership while performing my duties gives me confidence in my abilities and entrusts me to be responsible and accountable for the actions of myself and my team. It provides a sense of ownership, where you do not feel like an employee but an owner in the business.” says Hans Grothaus

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Are you interested contributing to CAE’s mission?

“I look for those that are going to continue to push and pursue bigger and better things for themselves and the company. A team is only as strong as the weakest link and typically that is not a single person, I look to bring team members in with skills that complement the rest of the team,” says Hans Grothaus

?The qualities, and? skills that Hans looks for as he builds his team are individuals who are self-driven, eager to learn, and unafraid to challenge the status quo. “Growth happens at different rates for everyone—some experience gradual progress, while others have moments of sudden clarity,” says Hans Grothaus

Beyond technical skills, Hans values team members who possess emotional intelligence. The ability to understand and respond to the emotions of their team, customers, and the overall environment are crucial. Adapting their approach to suit the situation ensures effectiveness. Hans also emphasizes the importance of communication and collaboration. “Continually improving as communicators and listeners enhances these soft skills, ultimately leading to better performance, a positive work environment, and successful outcomes,” says Hans Grothaus

We would like to thank Hans for his service and the continuous devotion to supporting our service members, so they are Ready for Today. Prepared for Tomorrow.

At CAE USA, we are proud to welcome transitioning service members, veterans and military spouses and help them discover a company that prioritizes personal and professional growth and offers amazing benefits!

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If you are a service member looking to transition into the civilian world, check out our veteran’s career page: https://www.cae.com/cae-usa/careers-at-cae-usa/veterans