Capitol Technology University Astronautical Engineering students participated in the Lockheed Martin Ethics in Engineering Case Competition. Hosted annually by Lockheed Martin, the competition challenges undergraduate teams to analyze complex, realistic engineering scenarios that involve technical constraints, business pressures, and ethical decision-making. Teams must develop and defend solutions that balance innovation with integrity, using skills that are increasingly critical in today’s technology-driven industries.
For our students, this competition provided an opportunity to engage directly with industry leaders in a professional conference setting, as well as explore the real-world dilemmas challenging the aerospace, cybersecurity, and defense fields. Teams were required to think critically under pressure, collaborate effectively, and present clear, well-reasoned arguments to industry professionals serving as judges. These experiences mirror real-world engineering environments where decisions often carry significant safety, security, and organizational consequences.
“This was the first time I was able to use my debate skills in an engineering field,” said Juliette Suter, Capitol Tech undergraduate student. “I really enjoyed doing the research and just being able to talk to other people about different ideas, I absolutely love that sharing process.”
By participating in a nationally recognized ethics competition, students gain exposure to the importance of ethical frameworks in engineering design and system development. They also develop communication and leadership skills that are essential for translating technical expertise into responsible decision-making in professional settings.
The competition also reinforces a broader message: technical excellence alone is not enough. Engineers and technologists must be prepared to evaluate the societal impact of their work, especially as technologies like artificial intelligence, aerospace and astronautical engineering, systems engineering, autonomous systems, and cybersecurity become more deeply integrated into critical infrastructure. Programs like this help students internalize these responsibilities early in their careers.
Capitol Tech’s faculty are facilitators as well as educators, seeking opportunities for our students to participate in these types of experience-building events. Capitol Tech is committed to industry-focused learning and partnerships with leaders in the tech field. Ultimately, these experiences prepare our students to enter the workforce as professionals who can innovate responsibly while upholding the highest standards of integrity.
“The Lockheed Martin Ethics in Engineering Case Competition compels students to think deeply about how engineering meets ethics,” said AE adjunct professor Rishabh Maharaja. “Engineering has impacts and it’s imperative that we think through ethical considerations and public safety aspects. This annual competition provides hands-on opportunities to navigate complex field dilemmas and prepares future innovators for a changing technological landscape. Capitol Tech was honored to participate in this event.”
To learn more about our Astronautical Engineering program, visit our website.