With over 18 years of experience in the aviation industry, working with clients on projects within both the commercial and defence sectors, our commercial Director, Frank Corica, has a successful track record of delivering on numerous international projects to meet project KPIs and customer satisfaction.
Frank has also developed and established the company’s ISO9001 Accredited QMS which remains the quality focal for the company.
We recently sat down with Frank to learn more about his passion for the aviation industry and the highlights over the years.
You have over 18 years of experience in the aviation industry, what made you passionate about this area of work?
Ever since I can remember, I have been fascinated by aeroplanes and flight. Like many kids, I grew up wanting to be a pilot and was always so excited when I had the chance to go to the airport and watch the planes take off and land. That passion and intrigue continued throughout my teen years, eventually leading me to obtain my private pilot’s licence and study Aerospace Engineering at RMIT University.
What has been your career highlight?
From a technical viewpoint, it is definitely the engineering I did on the F35 JSF program. The design and analysis work that I performed on primary and secondary structures across the three variants of the aircraft, including on both metallic and composite parts, is something I am extremely proud of. The three years of working on that program is an experience I look back on fondly. It is probably only now that I truly appreciate the significance of that program in terms of my development and growth as an engineer.
What is the one thing you have learned and carried with you in all your years in the industry?
The importance of dynamic collaboration and teamwork. In my career, I have been fortunate to have worked with many talented engineers in high-functioning teams. I have experienced firsthand how complex and challenging problems can be tackled and solved in relatively short timeframes by drawing on the team’s collective knowledge, experience, and capabilities.
For this reason, teamwork and collaboration, underpinned by open and clear communication, is something we particularly focus on here at Quartek because we see the value it brings to creating a positive working environment to achieve problem-solving synergy.
What, in your opinion, sets Quartek apart from other Aerospace engineering companies?
Definitely our people. From the first day, we started Quartek, we were committed to fostering an environment that attracted the best people and allowed them to thrive. Our people enable us to deliver the highest standards of quality and service to our clients. This is evident when we receive client feedback from an Australian Defence Prime, rating Quartek as “World’s Best Practice” for attitude, communications, technical, schedule, and management. Not only are our people highly talented and committed, but they are also just a great bunch of people that make coming to work always a positive experience.
What does a workday look like for you?
Currently, my workday revolves around providing engineering and technical support to our major client Boeing Defence Australia, in support of the RAAF, on the E-7A Wedgetail Program. As part of the Air Vehicle Modifications team, my focus on any given day is varied and can include
- structural design and analysis,
- mechanical systems,
- specification requirements,
- certification,
- and instructions for continuous airworthiness disciplines on a range of medium-to-long term aircraft capability enhancement and modification projects.
The work undertaken ensures that the strategic capability of the E-7A Wedgetail is maintained and upgraded to meet the RAAF’s ever-changing battlespace needs.
What is the one thing no one knows about you?
Since being introduced to Formula 1 racing as a kid by my dad, I have never missed watching a race. As a Ferrari fan, one of the highlights of my last trip to Italy was visiting the Ferrari factory and museum in Maranello.
Turn your passion into a career
If you’re looking to turn your passion into a career, get in touch today and discover the world of opportunities that lie ahead at Quartek.