Career Series: Bridging Design and Operations — Service in Aviation Infrastructure Engineering

Ever wondered who keeps the aviation system running behind the scenes? In this episode of the National Hispanic Coalition for Aviation Excellence (NHCFAE) Career Series Podcast, host Freidy Lazala sits down with Elsy Hernández, a Resident Engineer with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), to explore a critical—but often overlooked—career in aviation.Elsy shares how she helps coordinate major infrastructure upgrades at Air Route Traffic Control Centers, ensuring operations continue safely while modernizing essential systems. From managing contractors to working alongside air traffic operations, her role is a powerful blend of engineering, communication, and leadership.What a Resident Engineer (Field Engineer) does in aviationThe difference between Air Route Traffic Control Centers vs. airport towersHow large-scale FAA infrastructure projects are planned and executedWhy human factors + engineering are critical in aviation systemsElsy’s career journey—from mechanical engineering to the FAAAdvice for students exploring careers in aviation & engineeringAviation isn’t just pilots and flight attendants—there’s a whole world of engineers working behind the scenes to keep the system safe, efficient, and evolving.  Explore opportunities, mentorship, and scholarships with NHCFAE: https://www.nhcfae.org Like | Comment | Share Subscribe for more aviation career insights and industry conversations What You’ll Learn: Key Takeaway: Interested in Aviation Careers?