Engineering Co-op
Gabriel
Experience Information
Employer: R. A. Miller Industries
Job Title: Engineering Co-op Student
Major: Product Design and Manufacturing Engineering
Received Credit: Yes
Paid: Yes
Abroad: No
Description of the Organization
RAMI is a company of roughly 150-200 employees and our core competency is producing high performance military and general aviation antennas. Today, RAMI produces over 600 antennas each of which are used in various applications. Our government antennas vary from hand held and man-pack antennas to vehicular and aviation antennas that are used on Humvees and various helicopters. We also produce SATCOM antennas and multiple general aviation antennas that are used on small aircraft.
Description of the Tasks/Projects Completed
I spent the majority of the semester working on a new SATCOM antenna that we are trying to get contracted for. My responsibilities consisted of designing and modifying various components, coordinating with mold houses to have parts injection molded, designing and constructing interim fixtures to build samples of the antenna, physically building the antenna, and creating a drawing package for the antenna. I also completed similar smaller projects throughout the co-op semester.
Skills/Knowledge Gained Through The Experience
I practiced design for manufacturing when designing various components. This is designing components to meet customer specifications but including design features such that assembly workers can easily assemble the antenna in a full production setting. I also learned about design for injection molding and how to get desired geometry while designing around limitations of the material.
Favorite Part of the Experience
Getting to help design an antenna but also create fixtures and assemble the antenna. Completing a drawing package at the end was icing on top.
How the Experience Influenced Future Career Goals
I want to work in a setting where I can take on full projects in a team and shift from designing to developing fixtures and working with assembly workers for continuous improvement.