JUNO BEACH, Fla. – For Aimee Brenner, the transition from military pilot to energy operations wasn’t just a career change – it was a continuation of her commitment to serving her country. Brenner brings the same mission-focused mindset she honed in the military to her role as a project manager on NextEra Energy’s power generation renewable operations integration team. 

"Transitioning from the Navy, I wanted my first civilian role to have the same sense of mission and national importance that military service provided," Brenner explained. "The energy industry is responsible for critical infrastructure that powers our economy and enhances our energy security."

Brenner leads the complex integration of solar and battery energy storage facilities into the electricity grid. Serving as the primary field liaison between construction and operations, she conducts site walkthroughs and technical reviews to ensure facility designs meet operational requirements. 

"Military aviation taught me systems thinking, risk management and the critical importance of maintenance readiness – skills that directly translate to energy," she added. "In aviation, you can't afford equipment failures, so you develop rigorous approaches to preventive maintenance and operational readiness."

"The Navy's emphasis on mission planning and teamwork is essential when managing complex deliverables," Brenner continued.

What drives Brenner most is knowing that every project she integrates adds capacity to the grid and supports the nation's energy independence. "I love seeing a construction site transform into a fully operational facility that will generate power for decades," she said.

At NextEra Energy, Brenner has found a company culture that mirrors the excellence and strategic focus she valued in military service. "NextEra's competitive advantage lies in our operational excellence combined with our scale and development pipeline," she noted. "We don't just build power plants. We optimize them for long-term performance, and our integrated approach allows us to learn and improve continuously."

NextEra Energy has become "a true family affair" for the Brenners. Her husband Tim also works for the company. Together, they're raising 16-month-old son James and caring for dog Dixie while balancing active careers. "We're blessed with them keeping us wonderfully busy outside of work," she said.

Brenner continues her military service as a helicopter pilot in the Navy Reserves, maintaining her aviation skills while staying connected to both the military and her local community. She also dedicates time to her local church and women's groups, extending her commitment to service beyond her professional role.

"Working at NextEra has reinforced my belief that we achieve our greatest success through collaborative teamwork rather than individual efforts," Brenner said. "The transition from service felt natural because the mission remains the same – serving something greater than yourself."

Through her work at NextEra Energy, Brenner exemplifies how veterans can find fulfilling civilian careers that leverage their unique skills while continuing to support a broader mission. Her story demonstrates that the transition from military service isn't just about finding a job – it's about discovering a new way to serve America's future.