Matt joined Gibbs and Cox as a Mechanical Engineer in 2022 and has been a valuable member of our team assisting with the piping systems on some of our newest programs. As a graduate from Lehigh University, Matt enjoys working on complex ship systems and enhancing efficiency. Matt brings two years of ship-design experience to the G&C team and has created 2D drawings, 3D models, and calculations for projects including an ice-breaking vessel, a patrol boat, and an army support vessel. While not engineering, Matt enjoys spending time outdoors, hanging out with friends, and exploring Washington DC.

We are thrilled to have Matt on our team!

Marita began her career at Gibbs & Cox in 2021 as a Human Resource Admin Assistant, bringing 13 years of experience and a background in government onboarding, performance and talent management, background investigation, and compliance management. Currently, she is pursuing her bachelor’s degree in Human Resources Management. Since falling in love with Human Resources in 2009, she has focused on mastering her role. Outside of work, she loves to craft, plan events, sing, and read, as well as spend time with her three beautiful daughters.

Leighton joined Gibbs & Cox in the beginning of 2021 as a Senior Principal Systems Engineer and Ship Design Manager supporting several of our newest and most advanced unmanned and autonomous projects. Originally from Wisconsin, Leighton graduated from the University School of Milwaukee and then later from Trinity College in Hartford, CT. Prior to joining G&C, Leighton served in the U.S. Air Force, having gone through Basic Training, Officer Training School, Undergraduate Pilot Training, and Pilot Instructor Training. After his departure from the Air Force, he earned his M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Industrial and Systems Engineering from the University of Texas at Arlington and went on to be an assistant professor at the University of Central Florida and a senior systems engineer for several U.S. Government contracts. Outside of work, Leighton is a passionate baseball fan, an avid reader, and has authored eight books.

Leighton’s experiences have made him an incredible asset to our organization and to the development of innovative technology.

Since graduating from the University of New Orleans with a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Ed has spent over 20 years working in all different facets of the maritime industry. From designing mechanical systems for dredges to drill ships and Floating Production Units (FPU) for an Oil and Gas Operator to working at shipyards supporting new marine construction projects, Ed brings a lot of valuable experience to our company. Since joining Gibbs & Cox as a Senior Principal Engineer, Ed has had the opportunity to work on several newly awarded Navy contracts and travel across the United States to provide onsite support. Ed has described his experience as “opening a new world of working on ship designs.” Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his wife and two children, playing a good round of golf, and watching soccer.

This month’s employee spotlight is Colin Echols!

Colin joined Gibbs & Cox in January 2021 as the Systems Engineering Manager for the Combat and C4I Systems. He graduated from the US Naval Academy with a Bachelor of Science in Oceanography, the Naval Postgraduate School with a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering, and the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire with a master’s in Business Administration. Colin retired from the U.S. Navy in 2016 following a 20-year career as a Surface Warfare Officer, Acquisition Professional, and an Engineering Duty Officer specializing in the US Navy’s Combat and Weapons Systems. Prior to joining G&C, Colin worked for BAE Systems supporting the NATO SEA SPARROW Project Office within PEO IWS. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his wife and two children, coaching high school sports, homebrewing beer, and playing golf.

We are thrilled to have Colin on our team!

Miles joined Gibbs & Cox in February of 2021 as a Principal Naval Architect, bringing with him 13 years of experience supporting the commercial maritime industry across multiple disciplines, including stability, motions and mooring analysis, structural engineering, and surveying. Outside of work, Miles enjoys woodworking and spending time with his wife at his family’s ranch.

We are thrilled to have Miles as a part of our team!