I am Samantha and I work as a Technical Support Engineer at L3Harris. I have been in the aviation industry since graduating with my Computer Engineering degree in 2017. I started in data handling and moved to my current role with L3Harris in late 2019. I support the flight data recorders, (also known as the ‘black boxes’) and the ground support software and tools for retrieving data off the recorders. These are essential for accident investigations, but the tools help airlines during their normal operations. In my role, I train customers and accident investigators to extract the data. I work with customers to troubleshoot their equipment and one of my critical roles here at L3Harris is helping with accident investigations.
Customer training is actually why I took this position, I love to interact with our customers and make sure they can meet the needs of their aircraft using our products. When things get intense in my job, my team keeps me motivated. I am thankful that I am able to work side-by-side with a great group of intelligent and collaborative people. We are always there to help each other out when things get difficult.
I like to say that the aviation industry found me, instead of the other way around. I took the first job offer I received in college and I just lucked out with it being in aviation!
When I first started, I did not know the first thing about an aircraft, but now it is a career that I absolutely love and hope to continue in for a long time. If I had to give anyone advice about pursuing a career in aviation, I would say to just get started, don’t worry about how much or how little you know about the industry right away, all of that information will come in time.
Be confident in your abilities and have faith in yourself, and the rest will follow!
