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Manufacturing skills that are helpful in a Aerospace careers

#aerospace-engineering #job #manufacturing #rocketry

I'm wondering what kinds of skill-related to manufacturing, that you found you needed or were very helpful in any way to your career, and where to find further education. Things like manufacturing jet or rocket engine compressor/turbopump geometry, wielding, carbide, or precision tooling? avionics and software, etc. any incite into your works would be nice. Thank you.

aerospace-engineering manufacturing rocketry
Thank you comment icon Hello Daniel, I hope this note find you very well..... I strongly believe that topics like Lean Six Sigma / manufacture and Quality Management will help in different ways to work this issues. Besides that, you can look for on-line courses related with Precision Manufacture, Thermomechanic material process. Any adtional information, please let me know. Alexandre Dias
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Sarah’s Answer

It's important to know that engineers are typically not the ones doing the manufacturing - however, you will design what other people have to build. Thus, having a solid foundational knowledge of manufacturing and manufacturing methods can only make you a better engineer. It is important to have this distinction though, especially because it can sometimes be hard to have the resources to learn advanced manufacturing skills. Don't be discouraged if the best you can do is read books, search the internet, and watch shows like "How It's Made." Learn what you can, be willing to learn from other's expertise, and you will do fine!

In general, I would say that there are no bad manufacturing skills to have! Do everything you can to learn about basic tools and how to use them. Do-it-yourself projects around the house are a great way to keep your skills sharp. Also, crafting lends itself to a manufacturing mindset - don't discount things like sewing or paper arts. Some of the best assemblers I know spend their free time quilting and crocheting! It's all about making something new out of the materials you have.

Manufacturing techniques you may want to consider for aerospace are:
- Soldering. Learning how to make and inspect proper solder joints is crucial. If you don't have access to a solder station or items to practice soldering, you can look at solder standards such as the IPC series.
- Welding is another good general-purpose skill if you are going to be working on metal.
- Learn about different kinds of screws and washers and when you would want to use them.
Thank you comment icon Thank you Sarah, ill definitely will start learning as many things as I can in welding and I can definitely see what you mean when you said you must "be willing to learn from other's expertise". The best way to find the experience is to, take what I can from the experts. ill do my best, thank you very much Sarah. Daniel
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Michael’s Answer

Love the answers others have posted!

I'll add that a great skill/traint to have is curiosity. Learn about how things work (I love Discover Channel's "How it's Made"). Ask to tour local manufacturing operations. Ask questions.

Develop a scientific mindset. Manufacturing has improved over the years through experimentation and continuous improvement.

Read books to gain insights on how to approach probelem solving. Some of my favorites:

"Toyota Kata" by Mike Rother
"The Goal" by Eli Goldratt
"The Toyota Production System" by Taiichi Ohno
Thank you comment icon Seems you got a love for Toyota, and thank you, ill read the Production System one after I finish Ignition by John Clark. Daniel
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Dan’s Answer

Daniel,

I used to watch my dad do plumbing work and I worked on cars in High School. I also worked (played) with electronics and batteries as a child which allowed me to learn to solder, strip wires, and construct circuits. I read a lot and never seem to stop learning something new.

I fix things that break. Sometimes I spend more time than the item is worth but it's fun to make things good again. I also never throw away screws, nails, nuts, washers, etc. Put them in containers and they will be there for you when needed.

There are many (unlimited) skills that are useful in a manufacturing career so the more variety you experience, the better.

Learn how to change a car tire and check engine oil, radiator fluid, window washer fluid, and tire pressure.

Below are a few more ideas.

Dan recommends the following next steps:

Don't be afraid to take things apart (maybe start with things that are already broken and be careful with things that have hazardous components). Save the parts that look reusable.
You likely have neighbors and friends who work on their house and cars - ask them to let you help or watch.
Start collecting your own set of tools such as screw drivers, pliers, drills. Buy some super glue and duct tape at the dollar store.
Do a Google search for "instructables". This website has an immense amount of projects that people build and publish. You will be amazed at the variety of projects and will see many that appeal to you.
You can also search for "Hackaday". This site is more advanced but also contains a lot of really cool ideas.
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