Computer Engineering Co-op at JR Automation
Ethan
Experience Information
Employer: JR Automation Technologies, LLC
Job Title: Software Integration Team Intern
Major: Computer Engineering
Received Credit: Yes
Paid: Yes
Abroad: No
Description of the Organization
JR Automation is an industrial automation company located in Holland, MI. It is divided into several business units, each at a different plant in the Holland area. Each business unit is largely self-contained, with their own managers, mechanical and controls engineers, build technicians, and support staff. In addition to these business units, there is a "corporate" level which provides shared services to all of the business units. In total, the company has over 900 employees, including several at locations in Stevensville, MI and in South Carolina. The company is currently in a process of rapid expansion.
Description of the Tasks/Projects Completed
I've primarily worked on programming projects in C# and C++ for industrial robotics applications. The majority of my time was on three projects: In the first, I worked to create an embedded device to act as an internet gateway for diagnostics of machines. In the second, I spent time developing a library on which much of the department's future projects will be based. Finally, I spent time working on a system for flashing data to a particular microcontroller when triggered by a PLC.
Skills/Knowledge Gained Through The Experience
I gained experience in web/network development, embedded development, and software architecture.
Favorite Part of the Experience
My favorite part was the opportunity to work on a variety of projects, especially on low-level, embedded-device types of programming projects.
How the Experience Influenced Future Career Goals
This co-op has helped me to realize that the world of industrial automation is a good fit for me for a permanent career. I've been very happy working at JR Automation and have enjoyed the number and variety of projects that I encounter on a regular basis.