Colton Fleitz
Thank you for taking the time to view my website! I’m a fourth year mechanical engineering student with hands-on experience in the defense industry, where I contributed to projects requiring precision, efficiency, and collaboration. I’m passionate about defense, transportation, power, and energy, and I’m eager to apply my problem-solving and technical skills to innovative, impactful work. My resume is available via the button below.
About
I am a fourth-year engineering student at the University of Tennessee, driven by a passion for solving complex problems and turning ideas into practical solutions. I approach challenges with curiosity, persistence, and a willingness to learn, whether in the classroom, a lab, or collaborative projects. I strive to combine technical expertise with creativity, bringing value to every team and project I join.
​
​I have experience as a mechanical engineering intern at Lockheed Martin within their Advanced Development Projects (Skunkworks) division. I worked on multiple projects within the realm of hypersonics, which is critical to the modern defense of America. This experience not only taught me significant engineering skills including systems, software, and mechanical skills, but was invaluable to broadening my perspective on the importance of defense. It also equipped me with a secret-level security clearance and provided me greater understanding of corporate business and was able to apply through six domestic and international business trips.
​
Additionally, I currently serve as a mentor for a first-year student through the Woods Mentoring Program at the Tickle College of Engineering. My job is to organize regular meetings and provide guidance for academic and campus integration. I like to view my role as part of a support system to help what can be a difficult time for many much smoother. I also serve as the website manager for my fraternity, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, where I update content regularly revolving around chapter achievements and organization information. As part of this role, it is also crucial that I perform regular checks on the house library to ensure it is up to school-sanctioned health & safety standards. Lastly, I am a member of the Rocky Top BBQ Society, an organization recently founded on campus that partakes in community service through the donation of BBQ as well as competes in BBQ competitions with the goal of donating prize money to local charities.
​
In my free time, I enjoy spending time outdoors, reading, and being with friends. I enjoy fly-fishing, camping, hiking, surfing, and snowboarding. I hope to add white water kayaking to that list as well, and plan to go for the first time this year! I also attend St. John's XXIII University Parish regularly.
Bull Trout in Central British Columbia
Snowboarding with Friends at the top of Revelstoke
Hiking in Switzerland near Lauterbrunnen
Projects
Hypersonic Weapons Detection Test Support
At Lockheed Martin (June 2024 - Aug 2024), I led the procurement of specialized equipment and authored an operational manual to support the design of custom travel cases, ensuring both operational needs and budget limitations were met. I traveled internationally to oversee a government-funded test valued at $20M, deploying software and hardware with very low frequency (VLF) antennas, including loop and ferrite models to capture hypersonic data. My role included securing the test site to prevent interference with commercial airspace while maintaining strict compliance with international security protocols. By collaborating closely with government test teams, I ensured that all project milestones and contract deadlines were achieved.
Joint All-Domain Operations (JADO) Support
At Lockheed Martin (July 2024 - Aug 2024), I supported a project aimed at enhancing data-sharing capabilities between the F-35 and Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2) centers by implementing Multifunction Advanced Data Link (MADL) technologies. My responsibilities included providing event support for the Data All Domain Ground Gateway Rig (DAGGR), which involved setting up power, software, hardware, and communications systems. I managed logistics for multiple government test events, coordinating security measures, safety protocols, and the transportation of the DAGGR to and from Edwards Air Force Base and Marine Corps Air Station Yuma. Additionally, I facilitated the embedding of Statements of Work (SOWs) between Anduril and Lockheed Martin to establish project requirements, determine necessary support, set kickoff timelines, manage budgets, and ensure compliance with security protocols, PIAs, and NDAs.
Pen Holder Design
For my computer aided design and manufacturing class, I was tasked with designing a device in SolidWorks that was fit to spec which could hold a pen to draw a line and slide across a pre-made device. The design was to be printed using CAD as well. I had to be diligent, specific, accurate, but also creative. I decided to take the design a step further and create it to be in the shape of an iconic "Power T", earning me additional points for creativity. The device worked like a charm and I received an A on the project.
_edited.jpg)
The Drawing of the Design Created in SolidWorks
The Printed Design
Study Abroad
This past summer, I had the privilege of studying abroad in Florence, Italy, where I took a course exploring how human factors have shaped the evolution of engineering over time. As part of this experience, I visited eight small businesses across central Italy, ranging from traditional artisans like Stefano Bremer, a local shoe manufacturer to modern manufacturing operations like Pagani, one of the most exclusive luxury car manufacturers in the world, to observe firsthand how they design, create, and sustain products that have stood the test of time. These interactions provided valuable insight into how engineering principles are applied in diverse contexts, blending innovation with heritage. Beyond the technical lessons, living and learning in a different culture broadened my global perspective, strengthened my adaptability, and deepened my appreciation for how thoughtful design transcends borders. This experience has not only enriched my understanding of engineering but has also sharpened the cultural awareness, problem-solving skills, and creative mindset that I will bring to my future career as an engineer. The button to the right provides a link to a more in depth reflection of my time spent studying.
​
Once my study abroad program concluded, I spent the remainder of the summer traveling solo across Portugal, Spain, France, Switzerland, Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Hungary. It was, without question, the most transformative experience of my life. Navigating countries where I didn’t speak the language challenged me in ways no classroom or textbook ever could. I had to adapt quickly, make critical decisions on my own, and solve problems with limited resources, all while stepping far outside my comfort zone.
​
For the first time, I experienced what it truly meant to be a complete outsider. The process of navigating unfamiliar environments, building connections across cultural and linguistic barriers, and learning to be completely comfortable on my own instilled in me humility, compassion, and resilience. There’s a certain perspective you gain when you realize just how large the world truly is, and I personally believe this kind of travel can benefit anyone as it forces you to listen, to understand, and to see challenges from entirely new angles.
​
These lessons have carried directly into my work as an aspiring engineer. Like solo travel, engineering demands adaptability, creative problem-solving, and the ability to make informed decisions under constraints. This experience has sharpened my ability to assess complex situations, think critically in unfamiliar territory, and approach challenges with both technical skill and human understanding. I returned not only a better man, friend, and global citizen, but also a more capable and well-rounded engineer.
Mosterio dos Jeronimos in Lisbon, Portugal
Sunset at Mirador de San Cristobal in Granada, Spain
Medieval Military Equipment Displayed at the Lobcowitz Museum in Prague, Czech Republic
Humanity as Defined by the Red Cross Museum in Geneva, Switzerland
People Gather Following Mass at the Notre dame in Lyon, France
Goals for the Future
My main goal is to pursue a career in mechanical or systems engineering, focusing on designing and improving systems and products that solve real-world problems. I aim to apply technical expertise, problem-solving skills, and practical experience to contribute to projects that are efficient, innovative, and impactful.
​
Throughout my career, I plan to never stop learning. One of the most valuable lessons I’ve taken from my experiences is that there is always someone who can offer meaningful insights and I place great importance on seeking out and learning from those perspectives.​ As technology continues to advance, I’m especially interested in exploring how fields like artificial intelligence can be integrated into engineering to create smarter, more adaptive, and future-ready solutions.
​
Overall, I aim to use engineering to create practical, innovative solutions that improve the way people live and interact with the world. My focus is on designing systems and products that are efficient, reliable, and meaningful, with the goal of making a tangible, positive impact through thoughtful engineering in whatever industry I get the privilege to be apart of.
