Philip McMeans, Student Q & A By Melynda Hart | November 1, 2016
Mechanical engineering junior, Philip McMeans spent the first seven months of 2016 as a test equipment engineering intern at SpaceX in McGregor, Texas. When SpaceX CEO Elon Musk declared his intentions to help colonize Mars, the method of how to transport people and supplies almost 60 million kilometers from earth, was a huge part of the equation. That’s how the Raptor engine was born. Using liquid oxygen and methane instead of kerosene, the Raptor engine was recently test-fired successfully and Philip McMeans was part of the small, elite team that made that possible. Q: For anyone who’s not familiar with SpaceX, can you give us a brief overview of the business? A: SpaceX is a privately-funded US aerospace company providing launch services for both NASA and commercial telecommunications companies. The ultimate goal of SpaceX is to create the means of transport necessary to occupy Mars. Q: Why were you interested in working with SpaceX in particular? A: I have always been interested in aerospace engineering, rockets to be specific. Hearing about the successes of SpaceX and Elon Musk I wanted to experience and be involved with a worldchanging company. Q: Can you describe your role in the Raptor project? A: I was a test equipment engineering intern, commonly referred to as GSE (Ground Support Equipment) Engineering. Our small team was in charge of several different projects necessary
to make the Raptor engine fire. These projects revolved around the actual construction of all fluids and structural systems of the rocket engine test stand. I was part of a small team that completed a very large and complicated test stand. We got one of the most complicated rocket engines of all time, not to mention the first of its kind, to fire in just a couple of months. This is a ground-breaking project and I, a student from the University of Arkansas, was able to be a part of it! Q: What was your biggest accomplishment during your internship? A: Having the confidence of my mentor and manager. Towards the end of my internship, they stopped checking my numbers because they knew I was very thorough and on top of all of my projects. They essentially viewed me as a full time engineer. The other interns were from Purdue, Texas A & M, Berkley, and Stanford, so the competition was tough. But I knew the next steps towards fabrication and that gave me an advantage in completing projects. I was also asked to return for another internship for the summer of 2017, which is a huge deal because I was outputting the type of work SpaceX looks for in a full time engineer. Q: Is there a specific class or instructor that you feel really helped you prepare for this internship? A: Many professors helped me be prepared, but Dr. Arun Nair stands out in my mind. His Mechanics of Materials class was very informative because I was able to engineer specific structures with a very good understanding of which materials to choose, how the stress was generated under certain loads, and how to design structures in the safest way. My fundamentals were so strong from the U of A, that I was able to sit down and just start engineering once I got a project. I am an adaptable
RAPTOR Engine Test Fire
McGregor SpaceX Interns Summer 2017. Philip McMeans is in the front row between the “E” and the “X”.
engineer because of the fundamentals I gained here at the University of Arkansas. Q: What do you feel are the greatest benefits of participating in internships? A: The main benefit is being able to come back to school and see the relevance of certain courses. Mechanical engineering is very difficult, but having the real-world experience allows you to see the importance of all the courses and how they relate to your future career as an engineer. Q: We know you’re back in classes now, but what are you doing in your spare time? A: I’m currently working part-time at Picasolar, solar start-up company that was developed in affiliation with the UA. They’re working to produce a hydrogen super emitter that improves solar cell efficiency and reduces the amount of silver needed during manufacturing of solar panels. I’m also planning my wedding, so I’m staying pretty busy!
Q: What advice do you have for other students interested in internships? A: Ask questions. Mentors, bosses, and other full-time engineers know a lot more than we do. We are just engineering students, while they have gone through school and worked at their company for some time. This means that they WILL know more than you. Knowing this reality, do not shy away from seeking help or advice. The best way to learn new concepts is to ask the professionals, not Google.
For More Information on SpaceX, visit spacex.com
Photos courtesy of the SpaceX online media gallery: spacex.com/mediaÂ
For More Information on the Department of Mechanical Engineering, visit mechanicalengineering.uark.eduÂ