Intern, Technical Support (Aerodynamics Engineer Intern)

As an Aerodynamics Engineer Intern at General Dynamics, your primary responsibilities will include performing administrative and support tasks within the Munitions Engineering department, supporting a variety of engineering projects, and applying your fundamental engineering skills in a highly active work environment. You’ll be involved in tasks of increasing complexity, such as working with CAD/CAE applications like CREO and Computational Fluid Dynamics tools, including STAR-CCM+. This hands-on experience will help you contribute effectively to the team's mission.

To qualify for the Aerodynamics Engineer Intern position at General Dynamics, you must be currently enrolled in an engineering program, such as Aerospace, Mechanical, or Chemical Engineering, and ideally nearing graduation. Familiarity with software like MS Office, experience with CAD applications, and understanding of applicable engineering principles are important. Additionally, excellent communication skills and the ability to work well within a team are essential for this role.

General Dynamics is committed to the professional development of its Aerodynamics Engineer Interns. Throughout your internship, you’ll have access to mentorship and training opportunities that allow you to engage with experienced colleagues and expand your knowledge base. The environment is nurturing and offers a range of experiences that encourage you to develop both technical skills and leadership capabilities, setting the stage for your future career.

As an Aerodynamics Engineer Intern at General Dynamics, you'll engage in a variety of projects centered around aerodynamics and aerothermodynamics. This includes utilizing Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) tools for analysis, conducting aerodynamic testing, and contributing to wind tunnel tests. You will also support the development of aerodynamic databases and may participate in trade studies and analyses that influence design decisions in munitions engineering.

General Dynamics offers a comprehensive benefits package for its Aerodynamics Engineer Interns, including medical, dental, and vision insurance along with both short and long-term disability options. Interns can participate in the 401k plan, receive paid time off, and enjoy 11 paid holidays annually. Furthermore, the company provides educational assistance and a variety of voluntary benefits, such as insurance options and commuter benefits, creating a supportive environment for all employees.

In your response, highlight your familiarity with Computational Fluid Dynamics and specific software tools like STAR-CCM+. Discuss how CFD helps in simulating and analyzing the behavior of fluids in various conditions, particularly related to aerodynamic performance. Provide examples of any academic projects or experiences where you utilized CFD, emphasizing how these experiences have prepared you for the role at General Dynamics.

Answer this question using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). Describe the context of the issue, your specific responsibilities, the actions you took to address the problem, and the eventual outcome. Focus on elaborating how your technical skills, problem-solving ability, and communication played crucial roles in arriving at an effective solution relevant to aerodynamics.

Discuss your approach to prioritizing tasks based on deadlines, project importance, and specific engineering requirements. Mention tools, techniques, or software you use for task management, and illustrate your time management skills with a specific example from your studies or previous internships that demonstrates your ability to juggle multiple responsibilities effectively.

Sit down and think about your experience with CAD software like CREO or Matlab, as well as any CFD or simulation tools. Be specific about how you used each tool in practical scenarios, detailing your familiarity with their functionalities and impact on project outcomes. This showcases both your technical abilities and readiness for the internship role at General Dynamics.

Emphasize the importance of teamwork in engineering. Share an example of a group project in your coursework where you contributed to the team's success, highlighting your communication skills, openness to feedback, and ability to build positive working relationships. Discuss how your collaborative efforts can be applied in the team-centric environment at General Dynamics.

Discuss any relevant journals, online resources, associations, or conferences that you follow to keep abreast of advancements in engineering, specifically in aerodynamics. Highlight your commitment to continuous learning and how this informs your collaborative work as an aspiring Aerodynamics Engineer Intern at General Dynamics.

Reflect on your passion for the field of aerodynamics, mentioning any specific experiences, inspirations, or educational moments that led you to this decision. Connect your motivation to the mission of General Dynamics, emphasizing your desire to contribute to defense and aerospace advancements and the greater purpose behind the work.

If you have direct experience with wind tunnel testing, describe your role, the objectives of the tests, and any measurable outcomes. If you don't have direct experience, be honest but share any related coursework or simulations that taught you the principles of wind tunnel analysis. Your ability to convey foundational knowledge will demonstrate preparedness for the internship role at General Dynamics.

Outline essential skills such as analytical thinking, problem-solving, effective communication, teamwork, and technical competencies with engineering software. Discuss how these skills intersect and are applicable to the role at General Dynamics, reinforcing your readiness to engage actively as part of the Munitions Engineering team.

Express your alignment with General Dynamics' mission and values, reinforce your admiration for the company’s commitment to serving the armed forces, and how you want to contribute to innovative solutions in aerodynamics. Make sure to relate your academic pursuits and professional aspirations to the company's projects and goals, demonstrating your genuine interest in being part of their team.