Astronics Corporation- LSI will be joining us at the 2025 STEAM Job + Internship Fair this fall and Justin, a UB Alumni, has some insights and advice to share!

Tell us a bit about you and your journey to Astronics?

I graduated from the University at Buffalo in 2023 with a bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering. I was hired shortly after by Astronics and have worked as a Project Engineer since. In my free time I enjoy staying active by playing soccer, golf, and lifting weights.

What is your organization’s primary focus within the engineering sector?

Astronics LSI is a subsidiary of Astronics Corporation. Our primary focus is the design and manufacturing of advanced aircraft lighting systems. We specialize in innovative technologies such as electroluminescent (EL), LED, and HID lighting. We produce cockpit, interior cabin, and exterior lighting solutions for military, commercial, and business aircrafts.

What key products, services, or research areas define your organization?

We design and manufacture a range of aircraft lighting systems, including cockpit, cabin and exterior lighting. Our cockpit lighting includes EL and LED based illuminated control panels, some of which are night vision compatible. Our exterior lighting includes LED landings, forward positions, taxi’s, formation lights, and more. You can see these Astronics lighting systems on many aircrafts around the world. I’ve worked on lighting systems that are used on F16 and F35 fighter jets, Airbus A350, Boeing 737, Boeing 787, and many more. It’s a cool feeling to work on systems used on these well-known aircrafts.

How do you stay current with rapid technological advancements in your field?

As an engineer, I believe it’s important to never stop learning. Graduating college is not the end of your education! I make an effort to seek out new challenges and jump into projects whenever I can. This forces me to stay up to date with new trends and constantly sharpen my skills.

How can candidates effectively showcase their problem-solving and analytical abilities?

Build a portfolio that shows off your problem-solving skills. Whether it’s a school project, or personal project outside of school, show how you uniquely solved a problem, or optimized functionality. Become comfortable explaining your thought process. If asked a technical question, don’t just blurt out an answer. Explain how you thought through the problem and came to a solution.

What advice would you give students to help them stand out in a competitive technical field?

All of your competition will have a college degree! Differentiate yourself by finding a hobby/interest outside of school that uses you problem-solving/technical skills. This showcases your passion and willingness to learn and solve problems in all facets of life. During interviews, explain how your hobby relates to different job skills. Be enthusiastic!

Want to speak with the team from Astronics? Get ready to stop by their table at the fair and check out their profile regularly on Handshake for any job and internship postings.