Test & Development Intern - Summer 2021

Pratt Miller (PM) is a product development company in motorsports, defense, and mobility industries providing clients with product engineering and low-volume production solutions. Our range of research & development, engineering, prototype manufacturing, test & validation, and low-rate production capability help our customers bring their high-quality products to market faster.

OVERVIEW: Test & Development Internship to work with a small team of design engineers, test engineers, and test technicians supporting engineering related projects. This position requires gaining and applying engineering knowledge to solve real world engineering design, testing, analysis, and development problems on a wide variety of products in the automotive, defense, motorsports, aerospace, marine, and smaller niche industries. These efforts can be applied to short or long-term projects including virtual prototype development, component, system, and full vehicle testing, laboratory testing, engineering analysis, control systems, electronics, and product/system validation.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & SKILLS:

Typical responsibilities include but are not limited to all of the following:

  • Support the execution of small, medium, and large laboratory and in-field (proving grounds (PG), desert, wind tunnel, thermal dyno chamber, racetrack, etc.) testing projects alongside more senior test engineers and technicians.
  • Good working background in Windows based computers and Microsoft applications (Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint)
  • Ability to use CAD (NX, Creo, Catia, and/or SolidWorks) and PLM tools (Windchill, Teamcenter, etc.) to support test fixture design, drawing development, and manufacturing release processes
  • Ability to communicate professionally, both verbally and in writing
  • Ability to perform within a matrix organization and a dynamic and fast paced environment
  • Must have proven multitasking and organizational skillset
  • Work safely to comply with all business expectations
  • Service-oriented mindset

EDUCATION/CERTIFICATION/YEARS OF EXPERIENCE:

  • Working toward a BS in Materials Science, Mechanical, Electrical, Aerospace or Automotive Engineering (or equivalent)
  • Preferably current participation in one or more SAE International collegiate design competitions (Formula SAE, Baja SAE, SAE Clean Snowmobile Challenge, Formula SAE Electric, First Robotics, SAE Solar Car, etc.)
  • Highly self-motivated with the ability to accept direction and manage his/her own workload to achieve important deadlines with reasonable oversight
  • Mechanical skills including the ability to use all common hand tools

DESIRED SPECIALIZED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE:

  • Strong engineering fundamentals in all general automotive systems with hands-on, real world vehicle experience
  • Basic working knowledge of data acquisition and instrumentation equipment and the ability to collect and analyze test data into understandable results and write technical test reports and presentations under guidance of more senior engineers
  • Skilled trades experience including fabrication, machining, MIG/TIG welding, and assembly
  • Vehicle logistics competency (trucks, trailers, towing, vehicle recovery)

WORK ENVIRONMENT: (i.e., office, shop, PG/in-field/track, etc.)

  • Office work is normally performed in a typical interior work environment which does not subject the employee to any hazardous or unpleasant elements
  • Shop or laboratory work involves some exposure to moderate risk of accident and requires following basic safety precautions
  • In-field, PG, or track testing involves frequent exposure to unpleasant elements, such as extreme temperatures, dirt, dust, fumes, smoke, loud noises, chemicals, etc.
  • Stress may occur periodically
  • Monthly travel may be required and will vary depending on each project’s requirements and availability of candidate to travel

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

  • Position requires occasional or frequent moderate physical activity

EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK:

  • Typical work week is 40 hours/week
  • Overtime will be compensated at 1.5x normal pay
  • Working hours for hourly internship employees are flexible with a typical day starting at 7am, M-F
  • Prefer the ability to be flexible with schedule accommodating fixed customer deadlines sometimes working longer hours as well as Saturday and or Sunday during peak project deliverable durations or offsite testing trips

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: In addition to the responsibilities mentioned above, the ideal candidate must possess but not limited to all the following:

  • Be a team player
  • Have great attention to detail
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills
  • Be reliable (with reliable mode of transportation)
  • Have excellent mechanical ability and likes to work with their hands
  • Strong work ethic and pride in their workmanship

This position will require lawful access to ITAR/EAR controlled information and employees in this role will need to meet those requirements. Requirements include US Citizenship, US Permanent Resident or ability to meet licensure requirements.

Pratt Miller is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.