JR Automation Mech. Engineering Co-op 1
Joshua
Experience Information
Employer: JR Automation Technologies
Job Title: Mechanical Engineering Intern
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Received Credit: Yes
Paid: Yes
Abroad: No
Description of the Organization
JR Automation started in 1980 with just one location. Over the past 36 years, there are now 750+ employees spanning 8 different locations. Most of these locations are in Holland, MI. JR Automation creates solutions for customers using robotic systems. These customers come from all areas including automotive, aerospace, construction, food processing, and medical fields.
Description of the Tasks/Projects Completed
During my first semester with JR I worked on several different projects with the different engineers there. Some examples of projects I did design work on are a dial table, weld cells, and single operator work cells. I also took part in day to day work with my coworkers to insure that our work was accurate and high quality at all steps in the design and release process.
Skills/Knowledge Gained Through The Experience
I gained knowledge that improved the way I will design in the future as a whole. While working with the engineers at JR, I started to realize that your design intent is very important and deserves special attention. The design decisions made can affect cost, time, efficiency, ease of build, the quality of the machine and much more. It is very important to consider all of this in order to produce the best for each customer.
Favorite Part of the Experience
I enjoyed working with so many different engineers, purchasers, and builders and being able to gain different pieces of information from them. At times it can be confusing when you are told to do things different ways by different people. After some time working with these people though, you gain an appreciation for each individual method and are able to choose what is most efficient for you. Each person you work with has something new for you to learn from them that you can benefit from.
How the Experience Influenced Future Career Goals
This experience has opened my eyes to how many opportunities that I have for my future. It also made me realize more what exactly I enjoy doing within Mechanical Engineering and I know that as I continue with the co-op program, I will narrow that down even further and be able to find a career that is fulfilling for me personally.