David W. is an integration and test (I&T) engineer for General Dynamics Mission Systems in Bloomington, Minnesota. His interest with technology and engineering came at a young age, as his engineer Dad had a big influence. David sat down with us to talk about how his career journey led him to General Dynamics and a day in the life of a I&T engineer.
The Early Years: A Family Affair
Growing up, I always admired my dad, an engineer who worked for a company called Control Data, which later became General Dynamics. Although I didn’t fully understand what he did, we shared a passion for discovering how things worked and solving problems together. This early exposure to engineering sparked a lifelong interest that ultimately shaped my career.
During my time at St. Cloud State University in St. Cloud, Minnesota, I seized the opportunity to intern at General Dynamics in 2004. I joined the Modeling and Simulation team for a program, which introduced me to various engineering disciplines. The experience was eye-opening and solidified my desire to pursue a career in engineering.
After completing my education, I returned to General Dynamics as a full-time system engineer, focusing on requirements management and system design. My role expanded to include lab support, test fixture design, and troubleshooting, which further honed my technical skills.
A Diverse Career Path
The next phase of my career involved test and integration, where I supported the design and build of qualification cabling and test equipment. I participated in Design Verification Tests (DVT), Electromagnetic Test (EMI) tests in an EMI chamber, and monitored environmental tests in thermal chambers and shaker tables. This hands-on experience was invaluable in understanding the intricacies of testing and integration.
A Day in the Life
Most recently, I advanced to the role of I&T lead, where I provide direction and support to an I&T team. My responsibilities include creating test documentation, test plans, and test procedures, as well as executing these procedures in both dry and formal settings. I also develop test scripts and fixtures, ensuring the integration labs run smoothly.
My journey at General Dynamics has allowed me to leverage my accumulated knowledge and skills to offer quick solutions for troubleshooting and demonstrations. This expertise helps me avoid potential pitfalls and make informed decisions for long-term and program needs. I often use my daily commute to plan my tasks and visualize my accomplishments, though unexpected challenges frequently arise, keeping my work exciting and dynamic.
Beyond the Workbench: Engaging with the Community
Beyond my professional life, I’ve built strong connections with coworkers through activities like golf and bowling leagues. These relationships have created a network that simplifies information sharing across disciplines, helping us achieve common goals. My personal ethos is: “We are all on the same team.” This perspective guides me in supporting my team members, seeking information, and providing assistance, ensuring that we all work together towards success.
Final Thoughts
My career at General Dynamics Mission Systems has been a fulfilling journey from curiosity to leadership. The diverse experiences and strong network of colleagues have shaped me into a versatile and dedicated engineer, always ready to tackle new challenges and support my team.
Did you know General Dynamics Mission Systems is hiring Integration and Test Engineers at Bloomington, Minnesota and across the US?
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