Engineering Co-Op Rotation 3
Benjamin
Experience Information
Employer: Koops Automation
Job Title: Mechanical Design Engineer
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Received Credit: Yes
Paid: Yes
Abroad: No
Description of the Organization
Koops Automation has roughly 400 employees spread across Holland MI, Saginaw MI, Greenville SC, and Irapuato Mexico. Koops creates custom automated machines and equipment for various types of manufacturers world wide. Koops will design, build, program, and finally install the machine in the customer facility.
Description of the Tasks/Projects Completed
This semester I worked in solidworks to design a couple different machines and redesign some parts of other machines. I worked on a machine that makes a headliner for a Honda vehicle, and a large machine that assembles air compressors. half of my day was taken up by solving complex design issues and half was doing tedious "paperwork" style tasks.
Skills/Knowledge Gained Through The Experience
I gained tons of experience with the ins and outs of solidworks that would likely not be learned in a classroom. I also gained valuable experience with the general design process that a product goes through.
Favorite Part of the Experience
My favorite part was getting to design a station all by myself. I was left to make my own decisions, checked afterwards by my mentor of course, on how I wanted the machine to do the job it had to do.
How the Experience Influenced Future Career Goals
It has shown me another avenue that I could possibly take in my career. I don't necessarily think this will be the route I take, but it has exposed me to a job I hadn't really thought that much about.
Internship Format
In Person