At RAVN Aerospace, we pride ourselves on offering internships that not only challenge our interns but also enrich their learning experience. This summer, we had the pleasure of working with Santiago Loreto a passionate and dedicated young engineer who brought a fresh perspective and boundless enthusiasm to our team.
When asked to describe his internship at RAVN in one word, Santiago chose “enriching.” Over the summer, Santiago was deeply involved in engineering projects focused on modernizing the avionics of BAE Hawk Mk. 67 aircraft. His work wasn’t just limited to the drawing board; Santiago actively collaborated with our mechanics and electricians gaining hands-on experience that broadened his understanding of engineering design. “I’ve learned more than I could have ever imagined,” Santiago said. “This experience has given me a new perspective on engineering designs, keeping in mind manufacturing complexity, ease of mechanic access, and electrical organization. Thanks to these newfound skills, I can safely say I’ve emerged as a better engineer and a better employee.”
Taleb Zeitouny, Santiago’s supervisor and the Director of Engineering at RAVN, had nothing but praise for Santiago’s contributions. “Santiago contributed a lot during his internship,” Taleb said. “He had a passion and enthusiasm for the work we do, and he showed a great thirst to learn and to help. He supported me in the office as well as the technicians in the hangar. He wanted to learn about aircraft and how things work in our industry.” Santiago’s work included using SOLIDWORKS, a 3D modeling program, to create and modify instrument frames and panels fitted for the cockpit. These models were then adapted to accommodate advanced digital instruments from GARMIN. Through this process, Santiago experienced the trial-and-error side of engineering learning valuable lessons about what works and what doesn’t.
“I had the opportunity to work closely with the mechanic team assisting in servicing and repairing these aircraft whenever needed,” Santiago shared. “It was a great lesson in teamwork and the importance of understanding every aspect of the machines we work with.”
Taleb also expressed his hopes for Santiago’s future in the aerospace industry. “I know this is just the beginning of his career in aerospace and engineering. I would love for him to intern with RAVN again. I wish him success in his future endeavors.”
As Santiago reflects on his time at RAVN, it’s clear that this internship was more than just a stepping stone in his career—it was a transformative experience. “RAVN has gifted me with a summer I will never forget learning from a great team of mechanics, engineers, and coworkers who made it a great day in the office every day. I am truly grateful for my time spent here over the summer and could not have asked for a better internship.”
We at RAVN Aerospace are equally grateful for Santiago’s contributions and are excited to see where his career will take him next. Internships like Santiago’s are a testament to our commitment to nurturing the next generation of aerospace professionals, and we look forward to welcoming more talented individuals into our fold.
