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FedEx engineering opportunities

What is Engineering?

The use of science, mathematics, and technology to solve problems.

What "problems" are we solving at FedEx?

  • Maintaining world-class customer service
  • Developing new innovative services and products
  • Sustainable facilities and materials
  • Reduced carbon emissions
  • Noise abatement
  • Compliance with new regulations
  • Reducing vehicle, aircraft, package weight
  • Fuel efficiency
  • Increasing system, aircraft, vehicle, network reliability
  • Incorporating new technology

What makes a good engineer?

Desire to understand how things work and solve puzzles; Strong analytical, computer, communication skills; Willingness and persistence to risk failure until a problem is resolved or improved.

Degree Types

  • Electrical/Electronic Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Aerospace/Aeronautical Engineering
  • Chemical Engineering
  • Software/ CIS Engineering
  • Civil Engineering
  • Industrial/Process Engineering

Our Missions

  • Support world’s largest cargo aircraft fleet
  • Vehicle development and maintenance
  • Package sorting processes and equipment
  • Computer technology and devices
  • Customer-facing applications
  • Sustainability and carbon neutrality
  • Packaging design
Engineering

Evolution of Aircraft Structure

Problem:

Bulky and heavy materials impact lift

Solution:

Lightweight materials identified and tested
Wood and Fabric

Problem:

As aircraft get faster and more maneuverable, stronger frames required

Solution:

Metal Structure, monocoque fuselage, development of light weight metals such as aluminum

Metal

Problem:

For passenger comfort and safety need to fly above weather

Solution:

Pressurized cabins (discovery of metal fatigue)

Comfort

Problem:

Increased speeds generate heat and stress on conventional metals

Solution:

Advanced alloys and metals developed such as magnesium and titanium

Alloys

Problem:

Lighter airframes needed for increased range and better fuel economy

Solution:

Composite structure, carbon fiber wings and fuselage

Composite

Problem:

Sustainability, reliability, carbon emissions

Solution:

Smart structure? Self-healing structure? Piezoelectric wing warping?

Smart

Evolution of Flight Controls

Stick

Mechanical control with pulleys, rods, and cables

Hydromechanical controls

Problem:

As speed and size increase more force is required by pilot to control aircraft

Solution:

Hydromechanical controls accept inputs from pilots and apply hydraulic force to controls surfaces

Fly by Wire

Problem:

Increase safety, increase fuel efficiency, reduce weight, reduce maintenance

Solution:

Fly-By-Wire. Input from pilot goes to computer which provides quickest, safest, and most efficient flight control

Evolution of Aircraft Navigation

Dead-reckoning

Dead-reckoning

RMI

Problem:

Inaccurate, requires clear weather

Solution:

Ground based radio beacons and onboard Radio Navigation equipment guide pilots from waypoint to waypoint

Gyros

Problem:

Limited range. Overseas and remote area navigation

Solution:

Inertial Navigation. Gyros, accelerometers and computers on aircraft determine heading and distance and navigate independently

Gyros

Problem:

INS is prone to inaccuracy over time and expensive to maintain

Solution:

GPS Navigation. Space-based Global Positioning enables more coverage and greater accuracy

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Check out other aviation careers at FedEx
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