WORK
EXPERIENCE
Northrop Grumman Internships:
Mechanisms & Deployables Analysis:
In my analysis internships I developed and simulated finite element models of spacecraft actuators to determine if designs met strength and stiffness requirements. During each of my internships I was given full ownership over the complete analysis of a complex actuator — a responsibility usually only given to full-time analysts with several years of experience. This process involved FEM creation, troubleshooting, simulation, verification and finally documentation. Since I was able to contribute at the level of a full-time employee, my work enabled the department to meet aggressive deadlines by advancing the schedule by many months. During my time as an intern, I also identified areas for improvement in the department's analysis models and techniques. Most notably, I took initiative in documenting various modeling inconsistencies and inaccuracies across several heritage finite element models. These results were then presented to program office where they secured additional funding for my department to further investigate the actuator. I also conducted various finite element modeling trade studies whose results improved the department’s analysis procedures. Through these methods I improved my team’s analysis accuracy while having a lasting effect on the department. Mechanisms & Deployables Design: As a mechanical design intern, I assisted actuator production via designing tools for use during cable harness routing and installation. This involved frequent communication with the manufacturing technicians to ensure my designs were easy to use in addition to being functionally effective. After finalizing the tool’s design, I created GD&T drawings to be sent out for machining. Working in this role gave me new insight into the engineering design lifecycle in industry, while also giving me a new respect for the craftsmanship of the technicians who take engineering from paper to physical reality. |
Satellite Bus Structures Analysis:
For my third analysis internship I developed thermal, vibrational and structural simulations for the Next-Gen OPIR missile launch detection satellite. Encompassing the entire spacecraft, these simulations provided valuable insight into design optimization and performance sensitivity. Furthermore, my documented trade studies were presented to senior management and the external customer where they received positive feedback — a feat difficult for even full-time engineers. In addition to my engineering responsibilities, I also volunteered to co-lead the establishment of an intern program focused on enhancing the internship experience. In this role I helped plan events, lead intern council meetings and collect feedback from fellow interns. We concluded the summer by presenting our findings to the program office who will use our feedback to improve future internships. Static Load Testing: As a testing intern I conducted static load tests on flight hardware and designed test fixtures. My main project was performing tip deflection and hysteresis tests on the ~10 foot long composite booms for the Jupiter 3 communications satellite. I also performed tests on a variety of other satellites including the Cygnus CRS-2 ISS resupply mission which has already flown to space. Working as a test engineering intern taught me how simple decisions made during design, analysis and manufacturing can have huge ramifications on the performance of an end product. In addition to my engineering role, I was also responsible for overhauling the scheduling tools used to manage the testing department's 50+ programs and personnel. Throughout this process I collaborated with program managers and site leadership to develop and refine features to best suit their needs. The culmination of these efforts resulted in an easy to use yet comprehensive Microsoft Project scheduling system with a host of new custom features. This experience gave me new understanding of how to effectively manage the schedules, resources and personnel of projects of all scales. To quote my manager Steve Connell, the work I did as an intern went on to “become an integral part of how [he] communicates status of all the End Item Test projects to [his] internal customers, and site leaders”. |