BISSELL Mech. Engineering Co-op
Tony
Experience Information
Employer: BISSELL Homecare
Job Title: Co-op Student, Product Attributes
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Received Credit: Yes
Paid: Yes
Abroad: No
Description of the Organization
One of the biggest worldwide floorcare product providers, but still privately owned by the Bissell family - about 750 employees worldwide, 400 at the GR headquarters. 40ish engineers here, and another 40ish in China.
Description of the Tasks/Projects Completed
I was on the Product Attributes team (sort of R&D), so I wasn't tied down to working on any specific product. For example, this term I designed a test/test fixture for analyzing torsional stiffness of deep cleaner handles. I also wrote an excel macro to automatically summarize data for one of our tests. I also created a calculator tool in excel to solve a FBD system for the drive wheel suspension in our robot vac.
Skills/Knowledge Gained Through The Experience
I gained experience with several pieces of software: Creo, ANSYS fluent, excel VBA. I learned a lot about model design (CAD, tolerances, fastening techniques). I learned how to design valid, useful, repeatable tests. And I learned more about vacuum cleaners than I ever imagined knowing.
Favorite Part of the Experience
The people I worked with were fantastic. Very smart, very helpful, and fun to work with. Great work culture at BISSELL.
How the Experience Influenced Future Career Goals
I think I realized that this company size is pretty ideal. Large enough to provide the structure and equipment to get stuff done, but small enough to not be bogged down with too many restrictive procedural policies.