Internship to Engineer: Charlie Quinn

General Dynamics Mission Systems prides itself on trying to enhance and empower interns and employees to be their best self through leadership and educational opportunities.

Charlie Quinn, from Gate City, Va., is scheduled to graduate this May from Virginia Tech (VT) with his Bachelor of Science in Engineering (BSE) in mechanical engineering. He started as an engineering intern at GD Mission Systems in Marion, Va. the summer of 2021. After a few more internships, he received and accepted an offer to return as a full-time mechanical engineer at GD Mission Systems Marion upon completion of his BSE at VT.?

“My experience at GD Mission Systems made me want to intern again and pursue my BSE in mechanical engineering from VT even more,” said Charlie. “The work at GD Mission Systems Marion is rewarding because you know that all your efforts are to protect our country and our troops.”

Charlie is a member of Virginia Tech Grand Touring (VTGT), which part of his capstone is a senior design team concentrated on competing in the Champ Car racing series at Virginia International Raceway.? The race lasts 12 hours, therefore, car endurance and reliability are very important.? The 12-hour endurance race had 30-40 teams registered to race.?

GD Mission Systems supported VTGT by providing technical support along with lamination material for the splitter of the car, material for the aero wheel covers, use of the press brake to bend brackets to mount lighting to, and material to seal the sunroof hole.?

“We have three team members who have worked or are working for GD Mission Systems, which has made it fun as well to share that shared experience working for an employer that supports its employees like this,” said Charlie. “My experience with building shelters and radomes at GD Mission Systems has helped me with my subproject of the car and my internships at GD Mission Systems have improved my leadership skills and attention to detail, as well as being a member of several manufacturing teams there."

Charlie and his team did complete the race and logged 90 laps, despite some mechanical failures like the starter seizing up, transmission issues, and more. They worked as a team, didn't give up, fixed the failures, and got everything back on track for the race.

Charlie is also on track to graduate and looks forward to starting full-time in the summer!

Curious about the internship programs that GD Mission Systems offers? Visit: https://gdmissionsystems.com/careers/students-and-recent-graduates