Engineering Intern - Research & Technology - Rochester, NH

Program Description:

The AEC intern program is designed to provide firsthand working knowledge of various aspects of the design and manufacturing processes for composite materials. Within the R&T organization, we are focused on developing AEC's unique capabilities in creating 3D woven composite parts. The candidate will develop valuable problem-solving skills while assisting with composite material characterization, including understanding test standards, sample preparation, testing, data collection, post-processing, report generation and archiving.

Specific Project:

AEC's 3D woven composites have unique material properties. Engineering must characterize these properties both for assessing design criteria, such as strength, but also ti be able to build accurate models of the material for analysis purposes. This project will encompass some or all of the aspects of a test campaign, from initial definition to report archiving. Reviewing, importing and comparing archive data is a key element of the project, which will enable the participant to experience the challenges of material selection for design requirements, how to manage uncertainty when test data is not available, and how to properly select test protocols for generated needed data.

Key Duties/Responsibilities:

A task list of assignments will be provided to the student, and he/she will receive support from R&T staff to accomplish these goals. Primary responsibilities will include assisting a Senior Engineer with mechanical testing of composites, including data reduction and analysis. This may involve:

• Reviewing ASTM Standards for test principles and procedures, including sample sizes
• Creating sample cut plans and developing an algorithmic way automatically generating cut plans
• Preparing samples to be tested, including waterjet cutting, installing gauges, etc...
• Testing samples or observing testing at an independent laboratory
• Reviewing raw data, post-processing the data, creating a test report and presenting data
• Archiving data in a test database

Required Qualifications:

A candidate for R&T Intern is expected to have completed at least two years (three years preferred) towards a BS degree in mechanical engineering or aerospace engineering with a GPA of 3.0 (3.5 preferred), and be able to demonstrate competence in one or more of the following areas:

• Practical knowledge of Python, MATLAB, or similar scripting language.
• Practical knowledge of any Computer Aided Design (CAD) or Computer Aided Engineering (CAE) application such as CATIA, SolidWorks, NX, PTC Creo (Pro/E), Abaqus/CAE, Ansys Workbench, etc.
• Proficiency in using Microsoft Office software (Word, PowerPoint, Excel)
• Knowledge of composites and/or textile materials and processes is considered a strong plus.

The following preferred skills and abilities shall be demonstrated by a candidate for Mechanical Engineering Intern:

• Team and people skills that are required to ensure efficient execution of tasks.
• Problem-solving skills.
• Flexible and adaptable.
• Effective communication.
• Well organized and disciplined.
• Able to identify problems and willing to make decisions.

Working Conditions:

Indoor production environment, duties performed indoors, adequate lighting and comfortable temperatures. Occasional exposure to moderate noise and machinery with mechanical moving parts.

Physical Requirements:

Occasionally positions self to move an office item >10 lbs.

Frequently move about the production floor and office area to attend meetings or trainings\\

Must be able to remain in a stationary position up to 75% of the time

Frequently operates a computer, enters data into systems, verifies information, etc...