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Q&A: Enrique A. Santiago, Systems Engineer

Raytheon Space and Airborne Systems

By Carol Amoruso, IMDiversity Hispanic American Village Editor

HAV: Can you describe briefly your area and your responsibilities as Systems Engineer at Raytheon?

Enrique Santiago:  I just started working for Raytheon's Space and Airborne Systems in Dallas, Texas, working on some advanced concepts research dealing with data fusion. My task is to design a Data Structure based on biological systems which would enable more efficient Data Fusion.

Before that, I was working for Raytheon's Missile Systems out in Tucson, Arizona, where I worked on some internal research and development activities involving adaptive signal processing.

HAV: Can you tell us how you came to choose a career path in Engineering?  What attracted you to the work, and what helped you along the way in your progression to a major company like Raytheon?

ES: I explored different career paths like medicine, music, and communications before deciding on electrical engineering. This career path by itself was appealing to me because it seemed to encompass everything I was looking for: a creativity venue, intellectual challenge, and career growth opportunities.

As far as how I ended up in Raytheon, I have always wanted to work in the defense industry and I deliberately concentrated all of my efforts into working in this industry after I graduated college. One thing that helped me a lot was to get involved with the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers. Their career fairs and conferences provided excellent opportunities to meet professionals from the defense industry. 

HAV: Was the transition from schooling in Puerto Rico to a higher degree stateside a smooth one?  Did you face any obstacles in making that change?

ES:The transition was pretty smooth; there were no issues regarding the “language barrier” or teaching methods. However, even though going to Penn State for grad school was a blessing, it was also a big change and required quick adjustments for my part. It took a long time for me to get used to the cold weather, as well as getting used to living far away from my family, with the latter being the largest set back to the transition.

HAV: What was your previous work experience in the field of Engineering, and how did you find the process of moving from prior employer(s) to your present position at Raytheon?

ES:I have been involved with Raytheon now for nearly four years as both an intern and full time employee. Before that, I held internships at the Department of Transportation and Public Works of Puerto Rico, and Lutron Co. 

The transition from those employers to Raytheon was pretty smooth given the fact that I was not involved with them when I started at Raytheon. However, it was a different experience working for a large company like Raytheon in terms of the numerous growth opportunities and developmental programs they offer. I have been fortunate enough to be part of one of those programs; the Rotational Engineering Leadership Development Program, which provides me with the opportunity to rotate to different Raytheon business areas and learn about the company at a much broader scale.

HAV: Are there concerns or opportunities that you feel are of particular interest to Hispanics and other underrepresented minority professionals in the defense and aerospace industry that we should be aware of?

ES:I cannot think of any concerns Hispanics in general should be aware of in the defense and aerospace industry, but I can attest to the industry’s commitment to underrepresented minorities. At least here at Raytheon, the sky is the limit when it comes to career growth opportunities for underrepresented minorities. Of course this depends on the quality of your work and how much effort you put into your career.

HAV: What in your background as a Latino from Puerto Rico, if anything, do you have to contribute to your employment as Systems Engineer at Raytheon?

ES:I don’t know if the fact that I am Hispanic/Latino had something to do with my hiring, but the fact that I am a U.S. Citizen definitely contributed with my employment at Raytheon.

HAV: Are there resources you would recommend to young engineers who wish to get onto a career track like yours?

ES:The best resource for young engineers, at least in my mind, is their own work ethic and reputation. Also, I would recommend getting involved in technical and professional societies because these provide great networking opportunities that may prove to be priceless later on in their careers.

Other Readings of Interest

• Raytheon Rotational Engineering Leadership Development Program

• Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers

• Q&A: Heidi Shyu, Raytheon VP Corp. Tech & Research
  Technology Today
  Interview with Raytheon's VP of Corporate Technology & Research on radical innovation and reaching "unachievable goals"

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