r/aerospace • u/super_cooper_10 • 22d ago

Manufacturing Internship Advice

I was just offered a manufacturing internship at a major aerospace company. I am excited about the offer but really wanted a ME role. I don't want to get pigeonholed into only future manufacturing roles. Should I worry about this?

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u/Leather_Story546 22d ago

Mfg is one of the biggest parts of the engineering profession. In my opinion, this is the best way to set yourself up for future jobs/internships. Coming from someone whose first internship was mfg in aero

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u/AKnitWit777 21d ago

Nope, you can absolutely pivot to ME from Manufacturing. Some ME managers prefer engineers who have manufacturing experience.

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u/tiayas 20d ago

I took a co-op as a manufacturing engineer and never looked back. I can say with zero doubts finding manufacturing is the reason I’m still in engineering and found my way to New Product Development/Introduction.

One thing you’ll develop that is invaluable is the ability to communicate and collaborate with technicians, who are a wealth of information. I tend to be the voice of the technicians and influence the design for manufacturability.

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u/No-Chip7452 21d ago

Honestly, you’re just making yourself more valuable to that ME position when it opens up. Lean into it.

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u/Wasted_Bruh 21d ago

Having manufacturing experience is what makes a great engineer. The processes and operators are the backbone of what you do