Modification technician Will Santeo works on a 787 Dreamliner at Boeing’s Victorville, Calif. commercial MRO site. (Photo Pat Chiesa)
A few years ago, Will Santeo made a career decision after watching a documentary about Boeing.
“I just decided right then and there, [Boeing] needed people with integrity,” Santeo said. “So I figured I'd join as a mechanic and do my best to make flight the safest travel on Earth.”
Santeo is now a senior aircraft modification technician at the Global Services Commercial Modification Center in Victorville, California, where he works toward that goal every day.
Why it matters: Santeo’s story highlights how aircraft maintenance technicians drive safety. Boeing is focused on hiring teammates with integrity who embody the Values and Behaviors.
He does not take lightly the responsibility maintainers have to protect those who depend on Boeing’s products.
“A nurse has a handful of people and lives in their hands,” he said. “We have up to 300 people's lives in our hands.”
The bottom line: Though his commute over the San Bernardino Mountains can be long, Santeo said it’s worth it because of the pride he takes in his work, how much he’s learned with his team and opportunities to grow. But he said what drives him the most is family.
“When I go home, I tell my kids, ‘I made an old plane new again,’” he said. “That’s what we do here.”
Santeo and his teammates are responsible for modifying and repairing commercial aircraft, like this Air India 787 Dreamliner. (Photo Pat Chiesa)