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Day 1

I got introduced to everyone today. I was immediately thankful for this opportunity as everyone was so nice and welcoming. I learned so much in one day. I will be working on the f-119 engine which goes in the f-22 raptor and the f-135 engine for the f-35 fighter jet. They are both incredible planes and as such take incredible process engineering and modeling to produce.

I sat in on a meeting that gave me a look into the aerospace industry immediately. Because the whole plant is under ITAR regulations documentation is extremely important. Also, because aerospace engineering comes down to the ten-thousandth of an inch, communication is key. The meeting consisted of a project manager and a lead modeler on the project going through a 100 row excel spreadsheet updating customer expectations and concerns that have surfaced about the Blue Prints.

I got to tour the plant and meet a lot of people today and as I was amazed by the machines and parts that were being made, the thing that stood out the most to me was how many people told me to stay away from automotive. Customers in automotive call frequently and are less trusting of the manufacturer than aerospace customers. While aerospace processing is slowed a lot by ITAR regulations the customers are more laid back. Aerospace sales also come down to the manufacturing processes you have access to more than the price point.

Overall it was an amazing day and will be a great experience.

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