Introduction đź‘‹
For the past few months, I’ve had the incredible opportunity to intern with the Aerospace Division at Eaton, an experience that not only shaped my professional skills but also gave me invaluable exposure to working alongside some of the brightest minds in the industry. Here's a glimpse into my journey, from the technical challenges I tackled to the dynamic teamwork that made it all possible.
The Work I Did 👨‍💻
As part of Eaton’s Aerospace Division, I was worked on the development of an in-house automation tool called AReG. Built using Python for business logic and Qt for the graphical interface, this tool automates the preparation of Test Plans for Fluid Conveyance products—a highly critical process in the aerospace sector where precision and reliability are paramount.
The aerospace industry, by its very nature, demands zero error tolerance, and every component undergoes rigorous testing to meet industry standards. AReG revolutionizes this by automating the entire Test Plan preparation, potentially reducing the turnaround time by an astounding 90-95%. This automation not only increased efficiency but also contributed to the team's overall productivity and the division’s success in meeting tight deadlines.
Working on AReG required a deep understanding of aerospace product requirements, fluid conveyance standards, and testing protocols. I quickly adapted to the complexities of the industry, diving into high-level problem-solving with precision. I collaborated closely with senior engineers to refine the automation algorithms, ensuring that they were not only efficient but also adaptable to varying product requirements.
This project helped me sharpen my skills in both Python and Qt, and it was incredibly rewarding to develop an application with such a significant impact on business operations at an industry level. The insights I gained into automation, software development processes, and the aerospace domain are experiences I’ll carry forward into my career.
Experience with the Team 🚀
Working alongside Eaton’s highly talented and seasoned professionals, many of whom came from prestigious institutions like IITs and held advanced degrees, was an incredible experience. From the moment I joined, the team was welcoming and eager to share their knowledge. My direct collaboration with a Senior Engineer and Lead Engineer gave me hands-on learning and the chance to witness their problem-solving approaches firsthand.
What stood out to me was the balance the team maintained between hard work and a great work culture. We celebrated each other's successes and collaborated in an environment that fostered both professional and personal growth. Being part of such a close-knit and high-achieving group made the internship experience even more fulfilling.
My team at the celebration. I am on the extreme left!
This is us celebrating Independence Day at the office.
The Interview Process 👨‍🏫
I secured this opportunity through my college’s campus placement, where Eaton had come to recruit summer interns. The interview process was straightforward, consisting of a resume shortlisting followed by a technical round and an HR round.
The technical round was led by an engineering manager who created a calm and engaging environment right from the start. The 40-minute conversation was insightful and revolved around my projects and the possible contributions I could make to their team. We also discussed real-world engineering challenges, which helped me understand their expectations and gave me a chance to showcase my problem-solving skills.
I was thrilled when the results were announced the next day—I was selected!
Key Takeaways ✨
Throughout this internship, I learned how to solve complex problems effectively and gained deep insight into how senior engineers approach challenges. My ability to adapt and apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings grew exponentially. I also gained firsthand exposure to how leadership teams at the engineering manager level strategize and execute on timelines for critical projects.
Being able to collaborate with engineers from different teams expanded my understanding of various technical domains and processes. The entire experience has made me more confident in my skills, whether it's technical problem-solving, communication, or teamwork.
Conclusion 🙌
This internship has been one of the most enriching experiences of my career so far. From building a high-impact automation tool to working alongside a phenomenal team of engineers, every moment at Eaton was filled with learning and growth. My exit interview was a gratifying close to the journey, with my manager appreciating my dedication, technical contributions, and adaptability.
If you have any questions or want to discuss more about my experience, feel free to reach out!