Summer Internship

This summer, I completed an internship for the vice president of SpaceX, Bill Riley, where I gained valuable experience in computer-aided design (CAD), manufacturing processes, and CNC machining. I became proficient with software such as SolidWorks and Fusion 360. Building on these skills, I learned how to generate G-code through Fusion 360’s Manufacture workspace. This process involved creating toolpaths, selecting machining strategies, and setting feeds and speeds appropriate for different materials. I developed an understanding of how design decisions directly influence manufacturing methods and outcomes, which strengthened my ability to think critically about the entire design-to-production workflow. I applied these lessons using Bill’s Tormach 1100MX CNC mill. At the beginning of the summer, my skills were limited to moving the spindle and making simple cuts in wood. However, as I gained confidence and technical knowledge, I advanced to machining more complex components in aluminum. By the end of the internship, I was able to manufacture functional car parts such as clevises

with accuracy and consistency. 

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