Phase 1 is number One
john
Experience Information
Employer: Phase 1 Engineering
Job Title: Engineering Co-op Student
Major: Electrical Engineering
Received Credit: Yes
Paid: Yes
Abroad: No
Description of the Organization
Phase One Engineering is a small, dynamic company with a close-knit team of around 12 professionals working collaboratively in a lab/office setting. The organizational structure is flat, with everyone working directly under the owners, fostering an environment of direct communication and teamwork. The company handles 2-4 projects simultaneously, with team members splitting their time across multiple projects weekly. The team is evenly divided between software and hardware specialists, allowing for a balanced approach to consulting and research and development (R&D) projects across various industries. This blend of expertise enables Phase One Engineering to offer comprehensive solutions tailored to the unique needs of their clients.
Description of the Tasks/Projects Completed
During the first few weeks, I focused heavily on soldering and modifying circuits for testing purposes. This included learning surface mount soldering for smaller components, primarily 0402 and sometimes 0603. In the subsequent weeks, I participated in building an electromagnetic emissions chamber from scratch. Following that project, I worked on creating protoboards, laying out various components to develop prototypes for multiple projects. One of my tasks included building a test box to verify that our PCBs were outputting the correct voltages under different configurations, as shown in the picture below. My most recent project involves reprogramming and testing 200 devices to troubleshoot an issue a customer has been experiencing. These devices are set to different configurations and tested under various scenarios to replicate and resolve the field issue.
Skills/Knowledge Gained Through The Experience
Through this experience, I gained significant skills and knowledge in various areas. I enhanced my soldering abilities, particularly in surface mount soldering for small components like 0402 and 0603. I became proficient in using essential equipment such as oscilloscopes, network analyzers, and signal analyzers. Building the electromagnetic emissions chamber provided me with valuable construction skills and experience using various power tools. Additionally, I developed a deeper understanding of RF signals and electromagnetic shielding principles. Most importantly, I learned the critical importance of proper documentation and the value of working and communicating closely with customers to ensure project success.
Favorite Part of the Experience
My favorite part of the internship was working alongside such talented engineers; the team was fun to be around, and the culture was amazing. However, the most rewarding experience was completing the electromagnetic emissions chamber. Walking into the metal room that I helped build was incredibly satisfying and a memorable highlight of my time there.
How the Experience Influenced Future Career Goals
This experience has significantly influenced my future career goals as an Electrical Engineering student. The hands-on work with surface mount soldering and circuit modifications has solidified my interest in electronics and hardware development. Gaining proficiency with oscilloscopes, network analyzers, and signal analyzers has sparked a deeper interest in instrumentation and testing, which I aim to pursue further. Building the electromagnetic emissions chamber and learning about RF signals and EM shielding has opened my eyes to the exciting field of electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and RF engineering. Moreover, understanding the importance of proper documentation and effective communication with customers has highlighted the value of these skills in a professional engineering context. Moving forward, I am motivated to seek opportunities that blend these technical skills with client-focused project management, aiming to become a well-rounded engineer capable of tackling complex, multidisciplinary challenges.
Internship Format
In Person