During the summer of 2024 as a STEP Signature Project, I maintained a full-time internship at PCC Airfoils in Crooksville, Ohio. With this role I supported engineers with daily tasks and focused on reducing scrap product in the facility. My responsibilities included generating 3D CAD models, troubleshooting process inefficiencies, and designing tools and fixtures to enhance manufacturing efficiency.
Completing my STEP Signature Project significantly changed my understanding of myself and my perspective on engineering and manufacturing processes for the aerospace industry. Initially, I approached the project with a focus on technical skills and problem-solving abilities. However, as I continued in my roles the human factors of working on a plant floor became way more important. This was a significant change from previous experience where the roles were purely technical. In the position I worked in I often interacted with dozens of employees and plant workers daily. This resulted in a heavier emphasis on communication skills.
Furthermore, collaborating with engineers and addressing process inefficiencies shifted my view of engineering from the solitary pursuit of innovation to a collaborative and iterative process. I realized that successful engineering requires continuous feedback, teamwork, and a willingness to adapt solutions based on real-time data and field conditions. This project taught me that the true value of engineering lies not only in developing advanced solutions but also in understanding how those solutions fit into larger manufacturing ecosystems and contribute to overall operational effectiveness. This deeper awareness has reshaped my approach to problem-solving and my appreciation for the broader impact of engineering practices.
Several key aspects of my internship were pivotal in shaping my changed perspective. First, working on the design and implementation of tools and fixtures exposed me to the practical challenges engineers face in manufacturing settings. For instance, designing fixtures and guards for pressure grinding machines required me to consider both the technical specifications and the practical constraints of the manufacturing environment. This experience made me realize how critical it is to align engineering designs with real-world applications.
Second, collaborating with engineers to address equipment malfunctions and quality concerns provided insight into the iterative nature of problem-solving in engineering. I saw firsthand how continuous improvement involves not just technical adjustments but also ongoing communication and feedback. This experience underscored the importance of teamwork and the iterative nature of engineering work.
Additionally, the task of performing time studies and sampling studies to assess process utilization and variation helped me understand the value of data-driven decision-making. Compiling data and generating diagrams for statistical process control illustrated how careful analysis and informed decisions can lead to significant improvements in efficiency and product quality.
The transformation I experienced during this internship is highly significant for my future career in aerospace engineering. Gaining hands-on experience in reducing product waste and improving manufacturing processes has not only enhanced my technical skills but also deepened my understanding of the engineering discipline’s broader implications. This experience aligns with my academic and career goals by providing a practical foundation for future roles in aerospace engineering. It has also reinforced the importance of integrating technical expertise with a collaborative approach and data-driven decision-making, which are crucial for addressing complex engineering challenges and advancing in the field.