Building Excellence from the Ground Up

With more than a decade at ST Engineering and a foundation built on Air Force avionics, Keith Hartman had the opportunity to grow from hands-on technician to senior crew chief while helping build operations from the ground up. His career has been shaped by strong mentors, complex projects like full cockpit modernizations, and the challenge of standing up a new site in Pensacola. ’s best asset for growth. 

Q: How long have you been with ST Engineering and what first drew you into this field? 

I’ve been with ST Engineering since September 2012. What initially drew me to the company was the opportunity to bring my Air Force avionics experience stateside after returning home from New Mexico. ST Engineering offered a place where I could apply the technical skills, discipline, and operational mindset I developed in the military while continuing to work hands-on in aviation—it felt like a natural next step in my career.  

Q: Looking back across your career, what roles or milestones shaped you into the crew chief you are today? 

Looking back, the most defining factor in my development was the influence of several exceptional leaders I worked under. Serving in different roles under them exposed me to a range of leadership styles, allowing me to observe firsthand how intentional leadership can elevate both people and performance. 

Through those experiences, I developed a "teacher-leader" approach centered on guidance, trust, and accountability. I believe strongly in maintaining a team-first mentality—not an "I" mentality—and I view my role as both an advocate and an umbrella for my team. For me, leadership is about creating an environment where people feel respected, welcomed, and trusted to do their jobs as professionals. 

Q: What’s the biggest or most complex aircraft project you’ve ever led, and what did it teach you? 

The most complex project I’ve overseen was a Marge Display System (LDS) modification project that transitioned an aircraft to a glass-style cockpit. The technical complexity required close coordination across multiple teams, strict attention to detail, and a very disciplined approach to execution.   

Q: Every hangar has its own rhythm: When you moved from Mobile to Pensacola, what personal or professional strengths did you know you were bringing with you — and which new challenges did you expect to face?  

Moving from Mobile to Pensacola, I embraced the opportunity to build a new operation from the ground up, progressing from acting lead to Senior Crew Chief. I focused on planting a "family-style" team dynamic, cultivating a collaborative culture rooted in the values I carried with me. Recognizing early communication gaps between sites, I stepped into a proactive leadership role to bridge the flow of information. By staying connected to the day-to-day and shielding my team from distractions, I ensured they had exactly what they needed to succeed.   

Q: What advice do you have for young engineers who have a knack for aviation? 

Aviation is demanding and fast-paced, but long-term success comes from taking care of yourself outside the hangar. Balance allows you to stay focused, motivated, and present—both for your work and for the people who matter most in your life.