Audio/IT Test
John
Experience Information
Employer: Nissan Technical Center of North America
Job Title: Audio/IT Test Intern
Major: Electrical Engineering
Received Credit: Yes
Paid: Yes
Abroad: No
Description of the Organization
The Nissan Technical Center North America (NTCNA) is a research & development facility for Nissan Automotive, located in Farmington Hills, Michigan. The NTCNA includes mostly engineering positions but also include sales, finance, & HR functions. Operationally, the NTCNA focuses on the design of supplier devices & on last step of verification of a vehicle's functions before they are released to consumers. The facility contains about 600 employees and is one of many buildings in the USA for Nissan's global corporate outreach.
Description of the Tasks/Projects Completed
My co-op focused in two areas: Test Bench Creation & Assisting in Vehicle Tests. Most of my time was spent designing and creating a test bench area that is meant to seamlessly simulate a vehicle's Audio/Infotainment functions (Meter, Head unit, navigation, USB Port, Radio, SXM, etc). By using the test bench, the engineers can perform all software tests without getting into an entire car. Thus saving time and the number of reserved vehicles for the department. I collaborated with other engineers to design & build a mechanical frame to place all of the equipment. Then, documented/constructed all of the electrical wiring & harnesses that connects each device together to form a complete system. On another note, each week I acted as an assistant for my co-workers in performing various vehicle tests such as GPS Synchronization, USB Performance, etc.
Skills/Knowledge Gained Through The Experience
I gained significant knowledge into the inner electrical wiring of a vehicle as well as how each of the individual signals interact. On the test bench several signals require special wiring and the entire harness must be created for the tester to improve efficiency. On the mental side, I discovered how important it is to ask questions early & often. In truth, "you don't know what you don't know". Therefore, you must be patient in learning all of the department's terminology, systems, & basic knowledge in order to navigate by yourself. Eventually, in any new situation, you will gain knowledge and become independent.
Favorite Part of the Experience
My favorite part of the co-op was the variety of hands-on applications I was able to contribute to throughout the department. Over the course of 4 months, I was able to grow into a more self-sufficient co-worker in the department, being able to properly manage my required paper & technician work. In addition, my entire department is wide cast of characters that kept the entire work day positive.
How the Experience Influenced Future Career Goals
This experience has showed me exactly what level of hands-on work I would like in my future career. This past position started with more paper work, looking at circuit diagrams & learning (80% computer vs 20% technician work). Then transitioned to having a significant hands-on presence of putting the frame together & wiring the harnesses (30% computer vs 70% technician work). I believe that I should focus on gaining experience as a technician first before moving to an engineering role. In simplified Nissan terms, engineers usually design and request products & the technicians build it to specs given to them. I am still unsure whether I will want to continue in the auto industry, but if I do Nissan would be my company of choice. The culture & people within the company display a greater priority on making sure that every employee is valued no matter whether you are entry or senior-level.