Production Line Engineering Intern

Job Purpose/Summary

We are seeking an Production Line Engineering Intern to support the buildout of our small UAV Low Rate Initial Production (LRIP) capability in Wichita, Kansas. This is a hands on role for a student who wants to learn how a real UAV program comes together from the airframe up, and who is excited about additive manufacturing, configuration management, and the practical application of AI to design and production workflows.

You will work alongside engineers across airframe, electronics, and production to help define the parts, processes, and quality controls that turn a concept aircraft into a repeatable build. Success in this role looks like a credible LRIP plan, a set of additively manufactured airframes you helped design and iterate, and clear documentation that lets the next person on the line repeat your work.

Duties and Responsibilities

UAV Fundamentals

• Architecture Literacy: Build broad working knowledge of UAV architecture, including airframe, propulsion, flight controllers, payloads, batteries, and ground controllers.
• Subsystem Tradeoffs: Track how component choices interact across these subsystems and capture what you learn in shareable internal references.

Production Planning and LRIP

• LRIP Plan: Develop a small UAV LRIP plan covering part selection, manufacturing approach, assembly process, and QA / acceptance test steps.
• Process Definition: Document the production sequence so build operators can follow it without engineering hand holding.

Airframe Design and Additive Manufacturing

• Airframe Design: Design and iterate UAV airframes using additive manufacturing techniques (3D printing).
• Print, Test, Revise: Run print, test, and revise loops to improve weight, strength, and ease of assembly.

Manufacturing Engineering Documentation

• Drawings and BOMs: Generate Bills of Materials (BOMs), drawings, and assembly instructions for production use.
• Assembly Instructions: Author step by step assembly instructions that an operator can follow without prior context on the design.
• Living Documentation: Keep documentation current as designs evolve.

Configuration Management

• CM System: Stand up a configuration management system covering serialization, Engineering Change Orders (ECOs), and lifecycle tracking.
• Change Control: Support change control discipline so production builds remain traceable from part to aircraft.

Component Selection and Sourcing

• Component Selection: Identify and source candidate components against design and mission requirements.
• Vendor Visibility: Build vendor and lead time visibility into procurement decisions.

AI in Design and Production

• Workflow Exploration: Explore practical ways to apply AI across the workflow, from early design concepts through CAM automation.
• Prototype Tools: Prototype small tools or workflows that show measurable time savings or quality improvements, and share what you learn with the broader team.

Qualifications

Education

• Currently pursuing a Bachelor's or early Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Design, or a closely related discipline.

Experience

• Hands on project experience with UAVs, drones, RC aircraft, or related airframes is strongly preferred. Coursework, club builds, competition teams (such as SAE Aero Design or AUVSI events), and personal projects all count.
• Exposure to additive manufacturing and 3D printing workflows, including print preparation, material selection, and post processing.
• Some prior time in a production or shop environment (machining lab, makerspace, FRC build season, or similar) is a plus.
• Familiarity with applying AI tools to engineering or manufacturing workflows is preferred but not required.

Technical Skills

• Working proficiency with at least one CAD package such as SolidWorks, Fusion 360, Onshape, or Inventor.
• Comfort generating BOMs, drawings, and assembly instructions from a CAD model.
• Basic exposure to flight controller hardware, electronic speed controllers, and power systems for small unmanned aircraft.
• Familiarity with version control or configuration management concepts.

Soft Skills

• Curiosity about how things are built, and a willingness to dig into unfamiliar systems.
• Clear written and verbal communication; able to document work so teammates can repeat it.
• Self directed; comfortable making progress with imperfect information and asking sharp questions when stuck.
• Eager to learn from manufacturing operators, machinists, and senior engineers across the program.

Clearance

• Eligible to obtain a U.S. Security Clearance. U.S. Citizenship required.

Working conditions

• Interns may be called upon to participate in in person meetings, trainings, or company functions at Knowmadics offices or other designated locations. Travel in support of business operations may also be required, and interns are expected to comply with these obligations as part of their position.
• Position is based in Wichita, Kansas. Candidate should live within commuting distance of the Wichita office, or be willing to relocate for the duration of the internship.
• Some weekend work may be required based on program milestones or operational needs.
• Estimated Travel: 0 to 10%

Physical requirements

Ability to work at a computer for extended periods. Ability to spend time on the production floor, including standing, bending, and light lifting (up to 25 lbs) associated with handling components, printed parts, and tooling. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Direct reports

N/A