Entry-Level Leadership Programs Entry-Level Program: University Development Center (UDC)

Leadership Programs

Center locations

There are currently two UDC locations in the United States:

Houghton UDC

  • 101 West Lakeshore Drive, Houghton MI 49931
  • Working with Michigan Technological University (MTU)

Manhattan UDC

  • 2627 KFB Plaza, Suite 401E, Manhattan KS 66503
  • Working with Kansas State University (KSU)

GE's University Development Center (UDC) is composed of three engineering centers of excellence, providing real world engineering opportunities in Aviation Systems. With over half of each center's staff composed of undergraduate Co-ops, each UDC provides a unique blend of services for entry-level engineering tasks used on real-world aviation projects.

Program Summary

The UDC program is a unique co-op program in that: 1) the student is expected to work two 6-month co-ops and 2) the co-op work site (UDC) is located in the university town. The two co-op sessions will run from either January through June or July through December. Additionally, once the first co-op has been completed, the student may choose to work part-time (15 per week) between coops and after the second co-op. All of this is easily accomplished because each UDC is within close proximity of a local university. This allows the student to gain real world engineering experience while still remaining engaged with the university; a co-op opportunity without having to leave the university environment. The student can remain involved with student groups on campus, reside in dorm halls, participate in university functions, etc all while working at the UDC.

Co-op Opportunities

Our engineering students work along side experienced GE engineers. They are trained to use the latest state of the art engineering tools necessary to complete their assigned tasks. Once the student engineer is trained, they will have gained proficiency in the following skill sets:

  • Aerospace and Systems Engineering students focus on the application of processes by which complex systems are conceived, planned, designed, built, tested and certified. You will perform test and verification of complex avionics following a disciplined process of requirements management, test case development, test execution, and test result documentation. You will learn and use industry standard tools for test script development, requirements management and change control management.
  • Computer Engineering students work with a great variety of embedded systems and software engineers. Our main software development tool is Visual Studio .Net, working with both C and C++. These engineers are expected to balance their time working with software and hardware.
  • Computer Science students perform a variety of different tasks involving simulations for testing avionics. They could work in .Net environments using subversion, writing in languages such as C#, C++, Python, ADA, etc. Also, we have some people working on web-based applications working directly with databases such as mySQL and Oracle using Java.
  • Electrical Engineering students perform a variety of tasks including PWB design (Mentor Graphics tools), circuit analysis using such lab equipment such as oscilloscopes and function generators. Electrical engineers work with computer engineers on embedded software designs and work with mechanical engineers reviewing component and assembly requirements.
  • Mechanical Engineering students typically become well-versed in the use of 2D drafting standards (GD&T) and 3D modeling using Unigraphics and Teamcenter. They work with electrical engineers discussing such topics as component placement, concerns over heat, wire paths, etc.

Candidate Criteria

All candidates must meet the following requirements:

  • Minimum 3.0 on a 4.0 grade point average scale.
  • Strong verbal and written communication, interpersonal skills.
  • Strong technical skills within his or her technical area.
  • Legal authorization to work in the U.S. is required. We will not sponsor individuals for employment visas, now or in the future, for this job.
  • The preferred candidate will be studying one of the following engineering programs:
    • Aerospace Engineering & System Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering Technology
  • The preferred candidate will have sophomore standing and would begin their co-op in their junior year.

How to Apply

Submit your resume to: