JACOB R. WATT
WEST STAR AVIATION
East Alton,IL
1
Certification
22
years of professional experience
Results-driven aviation professional with 20+ years of experience spanning military and civilian aviation. Proven success leading teams, managing complex modification projects, controlling scope and labor utilization, and delivering high-value solutions that meet customer expectations, regulatory requirements, quality standards, and schedule commitments. Recognized for translating technical requirements into actionable plans, developing technician capability, resolving operational bottlenecks, and driving productivity and on-time aircraft delivery.
Work History
Avionics Master Technician
3 Years 6 Months- Provide senior-level technical leadership on complex avionics installations and upgrades across multiple aircraft platforms.
- Serve as a subject-matter expert supporting project teams, supervisors, technicians, and customers on technical and operational issues.
- Train, mentor, and onboard technicians to improve productivity, workmanship, troubleshooting capability, and quality performance.
- Support aircraft delivery schedules, including critical milestones, weekend departures, and schedule-recovery efforts.
- Troubleshoot complex avionics and aircraft-system issues to minimize downtime and prevent delivery delays.
- Act as a technical liaison between production personnel and leadership to resolve operational challenges and keep projects moving.
Avionics Supervisor
3 Years 1 Month- Led avionics teams executing high-value aircraft modification projects from intake and planning through final delivery.
- Ensured project scope, workmanship, documentation, and testing met customer requirements, regulatory standards, and company quality policies.
- Coordinated daily operations across departments to maintain schedules, prioritize resources, and resolve production bottlenecks.
- Supported project quoting and scope evaluation, providing technical input for sales, planning, and labor estimates.
- Monitored labor utilization, work orders, and project costs to support profitability and effective resource allocation.
- Identified project risks and implemented recovery plans to minimize schedule impacts and protect customer commitments.
- Developed team capability through hands-on coaching, training, performance guidance, and technician development.
Avionics Installer III
5 Years 10 Months- Installed and integrated advanced cabin management and avionics systems on corporate aircraft.
- Performed inspections, ground tests, functional checks, and flight-test support to verify system performance and compliance.
- Conducted incoming system evaluations and complex troubleshooting to identify and correct installation or equipment issues.
- Collaborated with engineering, quality, production, and project teams to meet aircraft delivery targets.
Avionics Technician III
6 Years 2 Months- Installed, integrated, and tested high-end cabin management and avionics systems on green-completion aircraft.
- Conducted functional and flight testing of newly installed equipment and resolved system discrepancies.
- Performed preflight inspections and technical troubleshooting to support safe, reliable aircraft delivery.
- Worked directly with project teams and cross-functional personnel to complete aircraft modifications on schedule.
F-16 Avionics Systems Journeyman
3 Years 2 Months- Maintained mission-critical avionics systems on F-16 aircraft in a high-tempo operational environment.
- Diagnosed, repaired, and tested flight-control, navigation, communication, and attack-system components.
- Supported aircraft launch, recovery, refueling, and ground-maintenance operations in support of operational readiness.
- Ensured aircraft safety and mission readiness through disciplined adherence to technical orders, maintenance standards, and military procedures.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Psychology, Minor: Criminal Justice
Associate in Arts
USAF Technical Training - Avionics Systems
USAF Technical Training - Electronic Principles
High School Diploma
Skills
Operations & Team Leadership
Aircraft Avionics Systems
Project & Schedule Management
Customer & Account Support
Technical Sales & Quoting
Scope & Cost Control
Cross-Functional Coordination
Process Improvement
Training & Workforce Development
Troubleshooting & Problem Solving
Quality & Regulatory Compliance
Aircraft Delivery Execution
Certification
Certified Aircraft Electronics Technician (CAET) — Aircraft Electronics Association (AEA) 2026
General Radiotelephone Operator License (GROL) — FCC License #PG00027800
Timeline
Avionics Master Technician
WEST STAR AVIATION
03.2023 - CurrentRead More
Avionics Supervisor
WEST STAR AVIATION
02.2020 - 03.2023Read More
Avionics Installer III
WEST STAR AVIATION
04.2014 - 02.2020Read More
Avionics Technician III
JET AVIATION ST. LOUIS
02.2008 - 04.2014Read More
F-16 Avionics Systems Journeyman
UNITED STATES AIR FORCE
06.2004 - 08.2007Read More
United States Air Force
USAF Technical Training from Electronic Principles
Read More
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Bachelor of Science from Psychology, Minor: Criminal Justice
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Lewis and Clark Community College
Associate in Arts
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United States Air Force
USAF Technical Training from Avionics Systems
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Roxana High School
High School Diploma
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