
Life at MHIRJ: Jonah Lopez

When Jonah Lopez looks back on his journey, it’s clear that he’s not one to sit still. From his time in the Army to his first steps into aviation, Jonah’s path has been all about growth, grit, and chasing new challenges. Now an MHIRJ Academy graduate, he proves that you don’t need experience in aviation to thrive—you just need the drive to learn and adapt.
From Army Boots to Toolkits
Jonah spent much of his life in West Virginia, falling in love with the mountains, tight-knit community, and all things outdoors. Professionally, though, things really took off at 18 when he joined the U.S. Army. As part of the 459th Engineering Company, Jonah sharpened his engineering skills by building bridges and handling demolitions.
“I was taught to never stop learning,” Jonah said. “I just keep pushing forward.”
That same mindset eventually led him to take on an entirely new challenge: aviation.
Diving into Aviation
When Jonah transitioned to civilian life, aviation wasn’t even on his radar. But when a friend told him about the MHIRJ Academy, he saw an opportunity he couldn’t pass up: learning a hands-on trade while getting paid.
“I didn’t know what I was getting into at first,” Jonah says. “But I dove in headfirst—and now I can’t imagine doing anything else. This is where I belong.”
The Academy gave him more than a paycheck. It offered a career path with room to grow and new challenges every day.
Finding His Place at the Academy
Jonah describes the MHIRJ Academy as more than a training program. For him, it became a place where he found belonging. Expert instructor Kenny Sinclair guided him through hands-on lessons, and the camaraderie among classmates reinforced his decision to join.
“It feels more like an MHIRJ family than just a job,” Jonah tells us. “The support is unmatched. If I didn’t get something, Kenny would break it down step by step. And the hands-on work—cutting, drilling, riveting—that’s where I felt right at home.”
The people and their ability to come together toward a common goal are what sets MHIRJ apart.
A Message to Dreamers and Doers
Jonah’s leap from military service to aviation proves that big changes are worth the risk. His advice to anyone on the fence about their next step—especially fellow veterans—is simple: “Don’t stop. Run to the opportunity. Aviation offers challenges, growth, and a sense of accomplishment you won’t find everywhere.”
He tells us that this isn’t just a job; it’s a passion. Working on aircraft combines his love of mechanics with a purpose: keeping people safe in the skies.
“I can’t wait to step onto the shop floor, meet the crew chiefs, and see the finished products of our work,” Jonah said. “That’s the ultimate reward—knowing we’ve accomplished something that really matters.”
Building a Future at MHIRJ
Jonah sees MHIRJ as the place where he’ll grow his career. “This isn’t just a job—it’s a career I want to grow in for the next five, ten years, or even the rest of my life.”
“The team here wants you to succeed, and in return, you help the company succeed. It’s a partnership that’s hard to find,” Jonah explains. For him, it’s not just about the work; it’s about building a future with a company that feels like home.
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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