Meet Austin Felter, a Contracts Analyst based in Arlington, Va. He works on service-level agreements with Airbus affiliates, internal contracts policies, and the contractual needs for the Space line of business at Airbus U.S. Space & Defense. 

Austin was driven to the space and defense field by his goal of supporting the federal government, service members, and the space industry. He has worked with Airbus U.S. for two years, following internships and fellowships ranging on Capitol Hill, at non-profits, and government affairs firms. 

He began the journey to his current role here at the University of Florida where he was awarded an undergraduate degree in International Studies. Austin furthered his understanding of foreign policy at George Washington University, where he earned a graduate degree in Security Policy Studies, specifically on transnational issues.  

“Using both of my degrees and knowledge of U.S. foreign policy, and national security policy, I chose to work at Airbus U.S. to have a role augmenting U.S. space and defense posture,” he said.  

What Austin appreciates most about the space and defense industry is being able to have a tangible effect on the industry.  

“The desire to give back inspires me professionally,” he said. “I find it important to give back to something larger than myself.” 

What Austin’s colleagues may not know about him is his love for wildlife biology and conservation. 

Outside of work, he enjoys hiking and exploring new environments. Austin looks forward to hiking in Iceland this September.