intern

aircraft mechanic

avionics technician

test engineer

engineer

Bombardier

Typical day at work consisted of OVER TASK SATURATION from start to finish. From maintaining a fleet of vehicles, safety equipment, Ground Service Equipment, answering phones, plumbing, electrical, overhead lighting, aircraft jacks, clerical work, aircraft hanger lighting, compliance with OSHA and FAA inspections on weekly basis... This place was a nightmare, and will most likely continue to be under the current management. It is nothing short of a miracle I've been able to endure this long. The supposed "support" I was to have consisted of a racist accountant, an overzealous disrespectful quality assurance team, and myself. I was informed previously that this position required A TEAM OF INDIVIDUALS to maintain.  I was informed ON THE DAY BEFORE I STARTED that this position had an extremely high turnover rate. I believe I was contracted to work here so that the actual company I worked for could make a quick buck while maintaining my same salary AFTER TWO YEARS of keeping this sinking ship afloat. Its not a coincidence that after meeting the new General Manager and voicing the issues with the facility coupled with multiple complaints of being GROSSLY UNDERSTAFFED as well as a request for a raise, that i was terminated a few days later. (The Ft. Lauderdale location is slated to relocate to Opa Locka within the next 18 months, which may be another indicator for mass firings). This is the warrior ethos of this company. HUGE BUDGETARY ISSUES. In acquiring quotes for services and materials, they chose THE CHEAPEST solution possible, and when that solution failed (frequently), I was met with shock and disbelief that the work/repair performed by the contractors selected by them was not covered under warranty. More often than not, we would actually have vendors call or email that they are no longer doing business with Bombardier, due to PAST DUE INVOICES in excess of well over 90 days, in which the accounting team would respond with a copy and paste response (NO REAL CUSTOMER SERVICE ON THEIR END). In the two years (just short of) my employment at the Ft Lauderdale location, I've endured 4 different general managers, and multiple shifts in management internally. That should say enough. When I initially took this position, i was not given ANY TURNOVER from the previous Facility Manager, as he WAS TERMINATED IN THE SAME FASHION. In short, the Ft Lauderdale branch is the red headed step child of Bombardier, the south Florida tourist "cash cow" given hand me down equipment. Instead of re purposing manpower to problem areas, they'd rather place employees and staff on furlough to save money. First hand accounts of A&P Licensed Mechanics stating that OEM parts were not always used for customers, Bombardier claims to be an original equipment manufacturer repair facility however. Being terminated was a blessing.  


Im surprise this place hasn't gone bankruptcy. Management? can it be called management? These people has no idea of what they're doing. The amount of employees turnover is ridiculous. Do they know paying training to 20 people one week to get rid of them the next has an impact to the company? Now, this happens weekly not because workers are not able to do their work, just because they don't like you. Doesn't make any sense the amount of turnover, this matter strikes back as lack of knowledge on the floor. A lot of new guys as crew chief's and without any experience. So much wasted time and time = Money. Also there's a lot of waste of materials and supplies because reworks and lack of supervision. Human Resources? what a joke. What are they doing? They're not for you. She'll tell you to do exactly what you don't need to do because you'll then get screw.  
So sad, this people have a great company, lots of good and knowledgeable people who are willing to push forward and far beyond but LACK of management is just holding back the path and growth of this place. I love to work here, and most of the people are just great, good people. 
My advice to management is to learn their work, to do what they need to do and that is not firing people because they're bored... is to be a Leader! get to the floor and find the need of workers, instead of punishing them. Learn deficiencies of the place and mitigate them! If the technician is not doing a good time on cards. ASK!!!!!!  Whats going on here? how can you be more efficient? maybe the reply would be what you know already. I spent 4 hours on-line for parts, I had to go to 4 different printers to get the references, I switch 6 different computer till I found one working, system is down again... That not a bad tech! is a Technician without acceptable resources to do the work. Get to resolve what you're paying for. Do your work!

I got hired as contract to hire.  The first day, I found out that they do not allow contractors to get Love Field Airport badges, as does every other aviation maintenance facility and employer at Love Field Airport.  That means that you "technically" are required to have an employee with an airport badge with escort privileges badge you in the building and watch you as you work, escort you to and from the break room and restroom, which obviously doesn't happen.  I also found out that they had brought over 10 employees from other Bombardier locations in order to catch up on the work they were behind on.  So in other words, there was very little work left for contractors, after the employees from the other locations got their work assignments.  Understandably, they caught up on their work, and I was laid off after 2 weeks.  If a facility relies on permanent employees, as well as employees from other locations, that is great; but in that case, there is no reason for management to hire contractors, who will not have much work to do, and will soon be laid off.  That is not fair to contractors who may be traveling from great distances in expectation of and financially requiring, as well as promised, plenty of work.  It appears to be a great facility to work in, and has good job stability, but not as an aviation contractor.  There are a lot of meetings informing employees of things going on in the company that they need to know, and thanking them for their hard work.  However, they simply don't have sufficient work for contractors, after their employees are taken care of.

It is hard to believe this company is responsible for the maintenance of the equipment used to SAFELY transport passengers.
Parts never available; make it work or bypass it. Then they want to evaluate your efficiency and tell you how things need to get done quicker while working with nothing.
Tooling is the biggest joke. If you're good with channel locks and a crescent wrench, working here will probably be just fine. Odds are you don't know much and will fit right in with the majority. Some of the techs are super people; many however, just shoot from the hip and never know what or why they are doing what they are. Very dangerous if you're working with high voltage / torque / horsepower equipment. Repeated violations for moving equipment with people in-between or under it. 
The position sounds great when you go for the interview; however, something tells me some of the HR / Manager's used to be defense attorney's because it's a whole different story once you're actually in. I've been around and this place is definitely one for the record book of "how do they do it?"
Potential is there to be something great; however, those responsible for making the decisions need to come back out on the floor and learn the work they're responsible for overseeing. There is no union in the world that can help someplace do that; like our government, Bombardier L.A. is in serious need of restructuring.
No paycheck is worth the grief unless it's accompanied by a bottle of 151.

Work-life balance
Work-life balance at Bombardier is dependent on how much you want to be friends with management. If you want money more than being with your family they’ll use you to take care of their inability to manage.

Pay & benefits
My pay and benefits at Bombardier were below par to other rail jobs. Benefits go up every year. But are good. Just don’t ask the reps about them. They’ll refer you to a phone number.

Job security and advancement
In terms of job security at Bombardier, I think you’re safe if you’re friendly with management and don’t question their constant reactive not proactive management style. It’s a fly by the seat of their pants environment. Even though they always refer to the “contract”.

Management
In general, managers at Bombardier are hit and miss. Some have an idea of what they want. Others are basically drifting in space. Absolutely no synergy or course of direction. Backstabbing and cattiness dictate how they manage. It’s like being in junior high school. Immaturity runs rampant.

Culture
Collaboration with my colleagues at Bombardier was great. The white and blue collar are clearly divided. I was blue collar and there was an understanding between us to ensure we helped each other... for the most part.

Overall
My experience working at Bombardier was mostly good because of the favoritism I received. I saw others get bullied and dismissed because of the lack of favoritism. I was able to get in good with my superiors. I learned how  that worked by seeing guys get promotions from buying Cokes for the managers lunches.

A typical day at work would include the basics of aircraft maintenance. Meetings, job cards, AMM research, parts requisitions, mechanical work, etc. The amount of knowledge gleaned from this job has been astronomical in my opinion, due to the fact it was the first aircraft maintenance facility I have experienced. The management was good, but as anyone can attest there are certain personalities that thrive in management and I had the opportunity to work with some of the very best. The culture of A/C maintenance is that of safety, attention to detail, and updating knowledge whenever possible. The hardest part of the job for me was learning the basics of aircraft terminology, maintenance manual and tech data research. All trials and setbacks aside, this was my dream job without a doubt. The people of this culture and their willingness to pass on their wisdom and knowledge to me was welcoming and comforting to a person who literally knew nothing of the industry. The professional friendships made my job not only easier or tolerable but actually quite enjoyable to the point where I looked forward to my work week. If I could tell Bombardier upper management face to face "Thank you" I would be on the first plane to Canada.

The pay and benefits are good enough. Great, in fact.  And if that's all you need out of a job, then (the Plattsburgh NY branch anyway) is right for you.

If you want trustworthy co-workers who won't undermine you or throw you under the bus (or train as it were)...keep looking.  They're there, but few and far between.  If you want a good manager and consistent direction, same deal.  It's rare there and such a thing rarely stays long before quitting or getting fired.  In fact, the same can even be said of the various GM's that the company goes through quicker than toilet paper at a chili eating contest.  In my just over a year and a half at the Plattsburgh NY location, the company piled through THREE GM's.

Scheduling isn't much better.  One week you might be on a 3rd shift, the next on 1st.  God help you if you get onto 3rd or 2nd shift.  You have to answer to two managers, neither of which can ever agree on what needs to be done, and both of which try to assert authority over the other by way of the assemblers.

Still, there are a few good people there, and as I said, the money and benefits are good.  It's just the overall work environment that's more toxic than a DOW Chemicals spill.

I work a shift rota of 4 on 4 off alternating between days and nights.  A typical day consists of various tasks with the main one being customer service, greeting people from all over the world providing a positive and rewarding visit to the company with a professional friendly attitude.  The main thing ive learned is when you treat people well, wether it be visitors, colleagues or employers you always receive a positive response which makes it rewarding for everybody.  Management are in their respected positions for that reason, to manage me and ensure that the job is carried out to the standards they expect, so I carry out what is expected of me to the best of my ability which also contributes to having a positive working relationship with them.  I'm very much a people person and I strive to create a positive and happy environment, so by remaining strong willed, easy going and understanding to each others situations it makes relationships with my colleagues a lot better.  The demanding hours and a healthy work and life balance are difficult to maintain.  The most enjoyable part of my job is knowing that ive done things to the best of my ability for the benefit of the company and the team I work in.

     A legendary and historic company that basically invented the term business jet with the Learjet line. The early years were full of success and records broken, but the sale to larger corporations has really taken a toll. The current Bombardier management legacy will be one of stunning incompetency and resulting financial losses. The huge debt overhanging this company has left its' many resources in the distant past. Many computers and office equipment in daily use are nearly as old as the new employees operating them! The required tools and equipment to operate a modern aircraft facility are worn out and outdated.  Most maintenance employees use their own laptops and older smartphones as diagnostic equipment! Tech support is over the phone to a distant country that barely communicates in English. The modern Challenger and Global model lines have exceeded the tools, equipment, and hanger space to correctly and smoothly repair them. The standard customer experience today is utter frustration and many missed delivery dates.  

A typical day here is tedious work of pulling parts, or putting away parts, or or any other work moving material from various locations. Everyday is almost the same. I learned a good deal about the SAP system and how inventory is controlled, moved, and managed. I either learned this on my own, from coworkers or by watching people perform tasks. Management since I have been here (2 years), has been nothing short of terrible. Regardless of the task or how well you know how to do your job, you are micromanaged, condescended to, or just met with constant disapproval. The workplace culture for the most part is good, there are a few disgruntled people that never have anything good to contribute, but mostly is fine, save for management. Moving up in the company is almost impossible. After horrible mismanagement and astronomical debts to almost every vendor and supplier, there has been no raises or bonuses (as was customary in prior years). The hardest part of the job is convincing yourself to show up, and the most enjoyable part is leaving at the end of the day

Top Job Titles	Average Salary
Intern 3 salaries reported	$22.50 per hour
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