Co-op III @ Gentex Corporation
Chadwick
Experience Information
Employer: Gentex Corporation
Job Title: Co-op III - Manufacturing / Process Engineer
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Received Credit: Yes
Paid: Yes
Abroad: No
Description of the Organization
Gentex Corporation is a medium sized company located in Zeeland, MI. At Gentex, we manufacture auto-dimming rear view mirrors, dimmable airplane windows, photoelectric smoke alarms, and a variety of other products for the automotive and aerospace industries. Gentex is Michigan's largest electronics manufacturer and employs nearly 6,000 people.
Description of the Tasks/Projects Completed
While at Gentex, I was given the opportunity to work on some awesome projects with the aerospace group making auto dimming windows. I was able to work on process improvements for our Boeing 777X product, improve epoxy materials to protect the electro chemistry in the window, apply statistical analysis to the manufacturing process to identify high impact projects, and a multitude of other projects. I was able to be hands-on with the product and processes for much of my work.
Skills/Knowledge Gained Through The Experience
The greatest skill I have learned while at Gentex is the power of data and how to work with it. Data is collected on almost all of our processes and being able to interpret this data is extremely important. I also improved my CAD design skills, critical thinking / problem solving, and improve familiarity within the shop.
Favorite Part of the Experience
My favorite part of this experience was the people that I worked with and the product I got to work on. I have always been fascinated with airplanes and being able to help make them fly is awesome. Also, the people I worked around were very intelligent and were great mentors for my development as an engineer.
How the Experience Influenced Future Career Goals
Because of this experience, I now know that engineering is right for me. I have enjoyed almost every second of my co-op experience and I'm glad I have found something I love. I also have determined that I would love to work in the aerospace industry because of the awesome products you get to work with.