Life at MHIRJ: Carlos Quintero
Carlos’ aviation journey took off in the Marine Corps, where he worked on F-18 aircraft as a communications and navigation expert. After his service, transitioning to civilian life was daunting. Carlos admits his transition was no exception. But with support from his coworkers, mentors, and supervisors, he quickly found his footing. Watch his story here:
Military Experience Pays Off
Carlos’s background in the Marines gave him the foundation he needed to succeed in civilian aviation. “My military experience helped me out tremendously. In the Marines, I had four years of experience in avionics, and I was able to transfer that directly into the civilian world.”
Although he found the civilian work pace different—“In the military, we had to get jobs done within two hours”—he appreciates the chance to give his work the attention it deserves. He also notes that MHIRJ’s environment is far less stressful than the high-intensity pace of the military.
A New Kind of Camaraderie
For Carlos, the transition to civilian life wasn’t just about learning new systems—it was also about finding a new sense of belonging. “The Marine Corps veterans at MHIRJ kept that same camaraderie we had in the military. I felt right at home because of the tight-knit bond we share.”
He recalls a moment that stood out to him early on: “One of my mentors, who was around the same age as me, said, ‘We’re not in the military anymore. We’re friends now, not by rank or Marines.’ That made me feel like I wasn’t just another number, but a person who matters.”
From Military Aircraft to Civilian Aviation
Carlos found new opportunities at MHIRJ, broadening his aviation knowledge to include civilian aircraft. “I wanted to expand my understanding of avionics beyond military aircraft. At MHIRJ, I now work on CRJ 700s, 900s, and 200s. It’s different, but it’s a challenge I enjoy.”
While he continues to develop new skills, Carlos still feels the same sense of responsibility he had in the Marines. “Whether I was working on a military aircraft or a civilian one, the top priority has always been safety. In the military, I was responsible for the pilot’s life. Now, it’s about ensuring the safety of every passenger.”
Mentorship and Growth
Mentorship has played a crucial role in Carlos’s growth at MHIRJ. “I had a lot of mentors here, both veterans and civilians, who helped me adapt to the civilian side of aviation.” Now, Carlos finds himself in the position to mentor others, passing on the knowledge and experience he’s gained. “It feels rewarding to help others learn, especially when I can use my background to teach someone new systems.”
Carlos’s journey at MHIRJ has been defined by continuous learning and a deep sense of camaraderie. He shares his excitement for what awaits in his career. “There are always opportunities to grow if you work hard and seek them out.”
For veterans like Carlos, MHIRJ offers more than just a career—it’s a place where shared experiences make the transition into civilian life smoother, and where the bonds of camaraderie continue long after military service has ended.
Read more stories about life at MHIRJ on WINGSPAN, and explore our current open positions to take the next step in your aviation career: mhirj.com/en/careers
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Life at MHIRJ: Carlos Quintero
Carlos’ aviation journey took off in the Marine Corps, where he worked on F-18 aircraft as a communications and navigation expert. After his service, transitioning to civilian life was daunting. Carlos admits his transition was no exception. But with support from his coworkers, mentors, and supervisors, he quickly found his footing. Watch his story here:
Military Experience Pays Off
Carlos’s background in the Marines gave him the foundation he needed to succeed in civilian aviation. “My military experience helped me out tremendously. In the Marines, I had four years of experience in avionics, and I was able to transfer that directly into the civilian world.”
Although he found the civilian work pace different—“In the military, we had to get jobs done within two hours”—he appreciates the chance to give his work the attention it deserves. He also notes that MHIRJ’s environment is far less stressful than the high-intensity pace of the military.
A New Kind of Camaraderie
For Carlos, the transition to civilian life wasn’t just about learning new systems—it was also about finding a new sense of belonging. “The Marine Corps veterans at MHIRJ kept that same camaraderie we had in the military. I felt right at home because of the tight-knit bond we share.”
He recalls a moment that stood out to him early on: “One of my mentors, who was around the same age as me, said, ‘We’re not in the military anymore. We’re friends now, not by rank or Marines.’ That made me feel like I wasn’t just another number, but a person who matters.”
From Military Aircraft to Civilian Aviation
Carlos found new opportunities at MHIRJ, broadening his aviation knowledge to include civilian aircraft. “I wanted to expand my understanding of avionics beyond military aircraft. At MHIRJ, I now work on CRJ 700s, 900s, and 200s. It’s different, but it’s a challenge I enjoy.”
While he continues to develop new skills, Carlos still feels the same sense of responsibility he had in the Marines. “Whether I was working on a military aircraft or a civilian one, the top priority has always been safety. In the military, I was responsible for the pilot’s life. Now, it’s about ensuring the safety of every passenger.”
Mentorship and Growth
Mentorship has played a crucial role in Carlos’s growth at MHIRJ. “I had a lot of mentors here, both veterans and civilians, who helped me adapt to the civilian side of aviation.” Now, Carlos finds himself in the position to mentor others, passing on the knowledge and experience he’s gained. “It feels rewarding to help others learn, especially when I can use my background to teach someone new systems.”
Carlos’s journey at MHIRJ has been defined by continuous learning and a deep sense of camaraderie. He shares his excitement for what awaits in his career. “There are always opportunities to grow if you work hard and seek them out.”
For veterans like Carlos, MHIRJ offers more than just a career—it’s a place where shared experiences make the transition into civilian life smoother, and where the bonds of camaraderie continue long after military service has ended.
Read more stories about life at MHIRJ on WINGSPAN, and explore our current open positions to take the next step in your aviation career: mhirj.com/en/careers
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