Lincoln Murray, a student with a passion for cutting-edge technology, recently completed an exciting internship at Theiss UAV, a Department of Defense contractor specializing in unmanned aerial vehicles. This experience not only honed his skills but also paved the way for his future career in aerospace engineering.
During his time at Theiss UAV, Lincoln immersed himself in the world of drone technology. He gained hands-on experience with various software programs used for drone programming and even had the opportunity to fly these high-tech machines himself. Lincoln's journey into this field began with a simple Google search, driven by his fascination with drones.
One of the most challenging aspects of Lincoln's internship involved working with drone cameras and the innovative "object avoidance" sensor system. This cutting-edge technology prevents drones from crashing by overriding human steering when obstacles are detected. As Lincoln humorously noted, "You couldn't really crash it if you tried."
A standout moment for Lincoln was successfully troubleshooting a drone with compass issues, finally getting it to fly correctly after grappling with spatial awareness problems. This achievement highlighted the practical problem-solving skills he developed during his internship.
Lincoln's experience at Theiss UAV opened his eyes to the vast potential of the aerospace industry. "Drones just scratched the surface of this industry for me," he remarked, expressing his eagerness to explore more aspects of aerospace engineering in the future.
For students considering similar internships, Lincoln offers this advice: "Don't be afraid of anything." His own journey proves the value of taking chances, as his initiative in applying for the internship led to not only a great learning experience but also a full-time job offer upon graduation.
Reflecting on his experience, Lincoln wishes he had taken a basic Aerodynamics class beforehand, recognizing its relevance not just for drones but also for other fields like automotive engineering.
Lincoln's success story at Theiss UAV demonstrates how internships can be transformative experiences, providing valuable skills, industry insights, and even future career opportunities. As he prepares to embark on his full-time role with the company after graduation, Lincoln's internship has undoubtedly set him on an exciting trajectory in the world of aerospace technology.
Lincoln's journey embodies our motto, "Dare Mighty Things." By stepping out of his comfort zone, applying for a challenging internship, and tackling complex problems in drone technology, Lincoln exemplifies the spirit of daring we encourage in all our students. His story shows that when you dare to pursue your passions and embrace new challenges, mighty things can indeed happen.
Students inspired by Lincoln's story and looking to start their own internship journey are encouraged to reach out to CAE's Career Services. You can also check out and sign-up for Handshake where many companies post excellent opportunities directly for students.