Patrick Dodge helps to save lives at BAE Systems
Photo by Michael Papetti
Patrick Dodge became interested in manufacturing in high school after joining the FIRST Robotics Program – a robot-building contest founded by legendary inventor Dean Kamen.
There, he was introduced to CADD (Computer Aided Design and Drafting) as well as electronics, wiring and programming.
FIRST sparked his interest in the Robotics and Automation Engineering Technology (RAET) program at New Hampshire Technical Institute (NHTI).
Patrick Dodge, 20
Position: Technical Operations Intern II
Company: BAE Systems, Nashua
Hometown: New Boston
Salary: $18.50/hr
Giving back: I love traveling and going on community service trips. In March 2018, I traveled to Houston to help hurricane Harvey victims. In March 2019, I traveled to New Orleans to help out Hurricane Katrina victims.
“In the RAET program, I was exposed to a wide variety of topics including PLC programming, complex circuit analysis, C++, CADD, and even programming robotic arms,” said Dodge.
Parts designer
Dodge chose to intern at Nashua manufacturer BAE Systems because of its dedicated culture.
“The technology they develop at BAE Systems literally saves lives every day, and everyone plays a role in their mission,” said Dodge.
He works in the Continuous Improvement Department in Nashua as a technical operations intern. Some days, he designs, 3D prints, and tests new fixtures and tools.
“In just a couple months I have designed parts that are being utilized in almost all of the factories here in New Hampshire,” Dodge said.
Dodge plans for a bachelor’s degree at the University of New Hampshire Manchester in electrical engineering technology, and then a three-year master’s program offered through BAE that rotates students through new positions.
“I’m hoping that by experiencing a wide variety of opportunities, I’ll be able to choose the right career path that best suits me,” Dodge said. ◾
