Robert Bertram, 38, is Director of Operations and Technical Services for Vector Aerospace Engine Services Atlantic in Prince Edward Island, Canada.
His mechanical-oriented interests and the opportunity to pursue a career in Prince Edward Island lead him to aviation. He received a mechanical engineering degree from Dalhousie University, Nova Scotia, Canada and on the job training from his technical mentor Rod Herbert and customer service skills mentor Dr. Kent Ellis.
Bertram started as a technical support engineer in 2001 with Vector Aerospace and moved into a management role in 2008 as director of technical services. His current position includes the responsibility of overseeing engine disassembly and inspection, managing 110 employees, direct and indirect.
Bertram was nominated by Alex Youngs, vice president, strategy and analysis, Vector Aerospace. Youngs says, "Robert joined the Atlantic Turbines International (ATI) team in Summerside, PEI, Canada, shortly after the company had been appointed as a designated overhaul facility (DOF) by Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC) for the JT15D turbofan and PT6A turboprop. As such, Robert was closely involved in the establishment of Vector’s capabilities for these two engines, working with ATI’s technicians and customer service team to ensure a seamless introduction of MRO capabilities for JT15D and PT6A operators worldwide. Bertram’s commitment to quality excellence was readily apparent from day one, his early contributions including support of both the successful stand-up of ATI’s first service center, in Dallas, TX, and of the introduction of the company’s JT15D test cell in 2002.
"In 2013, Robert was appointed as director of technical services and operations, this role embracing ESA’s ‘Cycle 1’ operations including disassembly, repairline, mainline and reduce to spare. This latest promotion has enabled Vector to benefit from the further application of Robert’s engineering excellence within its operations teams, matched with his overarching focus on customer service and operational safety. During his 15-year career with Vector Aerospace, Robert has earned a reputation for customer service, technical innovation and operational safety.”
To give back to the industry, he supports local university students by providing work experience within the Vector engineering department and offers site tours and information sessions to individuals and groups of engineering students seeking industry information.
As for the future Bertram wants to continue to expand both his technical and regulatory knowledge on other aerospace products.
