Published July 17, 2026

 Will Santeo, aircraft modification technician said culture shift drew him in.

Modification technician Will Santeo works on a 787 Dreamliner at Boeing’s Victorville, California. commercial maintenance, repair, and overhaul site. ( Boeing photo)

A few years ago, Will Santeo made a career decision after watching a documentary about Boeing.

“I just decided right then and there, [Boeing] needed people with integrity,” Will said. “So I figured I'd join as a mechanic and do my best to make flight the safest travel on Earth.”

Will is now a senior aircraft modification technician at our Global Services Commercial Modification Center in Victorville where he works toward that goal every day.

Will’s story highlights how aircraft maintenance technicians drive safety. Boeing is focused on hiring teammates with integrity who embody our Values and Behaviors.
  

He does not take lightly the responsibility maintainers have to protect those who depend on our products.

“A nurse has a handful of people and lives in their hands,” he said. “We have up to 300 people's lives in our hands.”

Though his commute over the San Bernardino Mountains can be long, Will said it’s worth it because of the pride he takes in his work, how much he’s learned with his team and opportunities to grow. But he said what drives him the most is family.

“When I go home, I tell my kids, ‘I made an old plane new again,’” he said. “That’s what we do here.”

Santeo and his teammates are responsible for modifying and repairing commercial aircraft, like this Air India 787 Dreamliner. (Boeing photo)