The Earthly Dynamics Internship Program offers students a hands-on opportunity to apply their academic knowledge and practical skills to real-world challenges in the aerospace industry. Based at our Roswell, Georgia facility, interns collaborate closely with our engineering team on a wide range of cutting-edge projects. These include designing mechatronic systems, developing applied electronics and PCB layouts, integrating sensors, actuators, and microprocessors into embedded real-time autonomous systems, writing firmware, and assembling and testing air vehicle mechatronic subsystems. Interns also gain valuable experience working with vendors and suppliers, as well as supporting flight test operations.
This past spring, we were pleased to have Jack Deng participate in our internship program. Jack is a senior aerospace engineering student at the Georgia Institute of Technology, who brought enthusiasm and fresh insight to our team. Here we share his experiences from the internship, reflecting on the skills he developed along the way.
How would you describe our company culture?
EDC has a deeply collaborative and mission-driven culture, with a strong emphasis on continuous learning and professional development. I’ve had the opportunity to work on a variety of projects alongside incredibly talented and supportive colleagues, and it’s been inspiring to see how dedicated everyone is to both the work and to each other’s growth. One of the things that really stands out is how much the company invests in its people, not just interns — each year, EDC provides an additional professional development fund for employees to pursue learning opportunities outside of work. Some team members use it to continue advanced degrees like Master’s or PhDs, while others explore new technical skills like PCB design or project management. That kind of support makes it clear that EDC doesn’t just value what you can do today, but who you’re becoming. It’s a culture that genuinely prioritizes growth — both for the company and for each individual. Even in my short time as an intern, I feel like I’ve grown a lot as an engineer.
Can you name a few things that you’ve learned (or newly developed/honed skills) from your internship?
During my internship, I developed several valuable skills that are directly applicable to a career in aerospace structures and mechanical engineering. I gained hands-on experience with sheet metal design, became more familiar with common hardware components, and deepened my understanding of material and fastener standards. I also learned about various molding techniques and how they may influence design decisions. These experiences have expanded my engineering toolkit, enabling me to approach problems with greater creativity and efficiency while keeping manufacturability and cost-effectiveness in mind.
How has EDC’s internship program helped you meet or develop your career plans/goals?
I plan to pursue a career in aerospace structures, and EDC’s internship program has been instrumental in helping me move toward that goal. The hands-on experience I gained aligned perfectly with the kind of work I hope to do long-term. I’ve already been able to apply many of the lessons I learned here to aerospace projects outside of work, and I’m confident these skills and experiences will continue to shape and support my development as an engineer. This internship didn’t just reinforce my career direction — it gave me a strong foundation to build on.