Her interest in precision machining began in middle school and swelled into a full-fledged career in advanced manufacturing. A proud Penn College alumna, Shelby earned both her associate degree in Machine Tool Technology and her bachelor’s in Manufacturing Engineering Technology—equipping her with the hands-on skills and creative problem-solving that powers her work with Lockheed Martin’s Missiles and Fire Control division.
My passion for manufacturing engineering was sparked in middle school, thanks to my brother-in-law, who was studying precision machining at a vocational-technical school. After attending an open house at his school, I was captivated by the idea of creating something purposeful from a raw block of material. The precision, creativity, and impact of machining resonated with me deeply. I pursued this interest by completed three years of precision machining training at Schuylkill Technology Center, where I gained valuable hands-on experience. Wanting to expand my knowledge and skill set, I enrolled at Penn College, initially focusing on Metal Fabrication before discovering my true path in Manufacturing Engineering. This journey has solidified my commitment to a field that combines innovation, problem-solving, and tangible results.
I chose Penn College for manufacturing engineering technology, because I really wanted a hands-on education that directly connects to what’s happening in the industry. It felt like the perfect place to build the practical skills I need for a successful future in manufacturing.
My experience studying manufacturing engineering technology at Penn College was very hands-on and supportive. The faculty were always approachable and offered one-on-one guidance, which made a big difference in my learning. One of the highlights was an educational trip to Germany, where I got to see advanced manufacturing processes firsthand and gained a global perspective on the industry.
My experience at Penn College really prepared me for the workforce by giving me a strong mix of hands-on learning and real-world exposure. I completed internships that helped me apply what I learned in class and career fairs connected me with employers in the industry. In the lab, I gained practical skills in both manual and CNC machining, which gave me a strong baseline understanding of how things work in a manufacturing setting and really helped me feel ready to take that next step into the industry.
I chose to work at Lockheed Martin because it provided an incredible opportunity for professional growth and the chance to contribute to groundbreaking projects. After interning with Lockheed Martin, I was fortunate to receive a full-time offer as a Manufacturing Engineer before I even graduated. The mentorship, training, and career coaching I received during my internship gave me a solid foundation, and I was impressed by how much the company invests in its employee’s development. Above all, the chance to work on advanced missile and fire control systems is what truly motivated me to join the team.
At Lockheed Martin, I work on a variety of tasks related to the manufacturing process. This includes updating operation sheets, refining welding and machining processes, and creating visual supplements to support these processes.
My education provided me with a strong baseline of knowledge that I could build upon when I started at Lockheed Martin. The concepts I learned, especially in areas like machining and process design, have been directly applicable to my work. Additionally, my education helped me develop strong communication skills, which are essential for collaborating with different functions within the company. Being able to effectively communicate and understand how various departments work together has been crucial in my role.
I enjoy being able to see the entire process from start to finish. It’s really rewarding to be involved in multiple stages and understand how everything comes together. I also enjoy working with a variety of processes, there’s always something new to learn. On top of that, having supportive coworkers makes the work environment even better and helps me grow both personally and professionally.
More women should consider manufacturing because it offers diverse career paths, hands-on work, and real opportunities to make an impact. From my own experience, it’s a rewarding field that combines problem-solving, creativity, and continuous learning. The industry is evolving and becoming more inclusive, and there’s a real need for different perspectives and skillsets — women absolutely have a place here and can thrive.
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