RTI International earns 2026 Military Friendly® Employer designation

Independent scientific research institute acknowledged for the 7^th time 

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. – RTI International, an independent scientific research institute, announced today that it has earned the 2026 Silver Military Friendly® Employer designation.  

Institutions earning the Military Friendly® Employers designation were evaluated using public data sources and responses from a proprietary survey. More than 1,200 companies participated in the Military Friendly survey.   

Methodology, criteria and weightings were determined by Military Friendly®, in consultation with the Military Friendly® Advisory Council, a group of independent leaders in the military recruitment community. Final ratings were determined by combining an organization’s survey score with an assessment of its ability to meet and exceed thresholds for Recruitment, New Hire Retention, Employee Turnover and Promotion & Advancement of veterans and military employees.   

"Being recognized again as a Military Friendly® Employer is a tremendous honor for RTI,” said Bucky Fairfax, D.B.A., executive vice president and chief human resources officer. “It underscores our dedication to creating meaningful opportunities for our veterans and military community members. Their unique skills and perspectives enrich our culture and help us deliver on our mission to improve the human condition through science and innovation.” 

Since 2023, RTI has been a sponsor of The Honor Foundation (THF), a career transition program that helps U.S. Special Operations Forces transition to civilian careers, providing training, support and connections to become leaders beyond the military. The institute has also supported organizations like the North Carolina Military Foundation and North Carolina for Military Employment to advance veteran issues and many staff spend volunteer time supporting community outreach projects to support veterans and their families. 

“Earning the Military Friendly® designation is more than a badge; it’s a reflection of deep-rooted values and strategic foresight. These organizations don’t just open doors for veterans, spouses, and service members; they build pathways for lasting impact,” said Kayla Lopez, vice president of memberships at Military Friendly®.  “Their commitment isn’t performative; it’s transformative. It’s proof that honoring military talent is not only the right thing to do, it’s the smart thing to do.”  

RTI will be showcased in the 2026 Military Friendly ® Employers Guide in the Winter issue of G.I. Jobs® magazine and on MilitaryFriendly.com.   

Learn more about the Military Friendly® lists and methodology 

Learn more about RTI’s commitment to veterans and the military community 

Military Friendly® is the standard that measures an organization’s commitment, effort, and success in creating sustainable and meaningful benefits for the military community. Over 2,900 organizations compete for Military Friendly® designation annually. Military Friendly®, a service-disabled, veteran-owned small business. Military Friendly® is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Department of Defense or the federal government. Results are produced via a rules-based algorithm.