Posted on October 21, 2024 by Lexi Seals, UTSA Student
Students on the tour
Recently, I had the privilege of organizing a tour for 24 enthusiastic students from UTSA’s American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) chapter to Port San Antonio and StandardAero. Primarily focused on mechanical engineering students with an interest in aerospace, this event offered a valuable opportunity for students to engage with local industry leaders and gain insights into the field.
The visit began at StandardAero, where we met several employees, many of whom are proud UTSA alumni now in prominent positions within the company. They shared their career journeys and discussed their impactful work, including the new LEAP engine contract. This contract, which supports the LEAP-1A and LEAP-1B engines, is crucial to the next generation of passenger planes, highlighting the significant role aerospace engineering plays in modern aviation.
"I was amazed at how diversified the StandardAero portfolio was. The facilities were state of the art and the great work culture was apparent from the smiles on everyone's faces. I was impressed at how much they were able to teach us about the company in such a short amount of time. StandardAero is a company I will definitely be looking into in the future." - Rafael Lopez, UTSA Student
Led by Danny Gonzales, a UTSA engineering alumnus and current Vice President of Business Development at StandardAero, we observed how engineers address real-world challenges and contribute to advancements shaping the future of aviation. We had the chance to see various aircraft engines at different stages of their lifecycle, offering a tangible understanding of the work involved. The insights shared by the engineers emphasized the strong connection between our education at UTSA and the demands of the aerospace industry.
After the StandardAero tour, we visited the Boeing Center at Port San Antonio, organized by Paco Felici, Port San Antonio's chief communications officer. The future plans for this growing campus are remarkable, with its development into a major cybersecurity tech hub. Already home to over 80 tenant companies, employing about 18,000 people, and generating more than $5 billion in annual economic activity, the Port offers vast opportunities for future UTSA graduates, especially through internships that provide hands-on experience and pathways to careers in aerospace and technology.
At the Boeing Center, we also toured the San Antonio Museum of Science and Technology (SAMSAT). SAMSAT serves as a key STEM education center, fostering curiosity and innovation in students of all ages, while inspiring future engineers. Led by Dr. Cliff Zintgraff, Chief Learning Officer at SAMSAT, we explored exhibits showcasing technological innovations from the 1800s to today. AIAA student members particularly enjoyed the Moon 3D Printing, Autonomous Driving, and Flight Simulator exhibits.
Reflecting on this experience, it’s clear that tours like this are invaluable for students aspiring to enter the engineering field, particularly in aerospace. They offer real-world insight into potential career paths and illustrate the profound impact our local industries have in shaping the future.
“Growing up just 10 minutes away from Port San Antonio, I have always been amazed by all the aircraft that I would see in the sky as a young student. I vividly remember being able to see Port San Antonio from a park near my home and thinking 'I’d love to be there one day.' I now know that there are amazing opportunities to pursue in my home town in the industry I love, which makes me feel confident that my future will be bright.” - Michelle Voges, UTSA Student
The AIAA chapter at UTSA looks forward to creating more opportunities like this, continuing to bridge the gap between education and industry for the benefit of our members and community.
— Lexi Seals, UTSA Student
Students: Check out current job opportunities at StandardAero by clicking here.
View all tour photos by clicking here.
