1st Semester Co-op: Gentex
Jensen
Experience Information
Employer: Gentex Corporation
Job Title: Production Engineer Intern
Major: Product Design and Manufacturing Engineering
Received Credit: Yes
Paid: Yes
Abroad: No
Description of the Organization
Gentex is an automotive mirror manufacturer with 5,000 employees spanning across multiple countries. Their headquarters is in Zeeland, MI where all of the manufacturing takes place.
Description of the Tasks/Projects Completed
I was tasked with designing, fabricating, wiring, and building a target thickness scanner to improve efficiency of cathodes used in the glass coating process. Measurements of the target cathodes were previously done by hand before installation and after their lifespan to measure erosion of the target (ruthenium/chrome). My design utilized a 3D scanning head running along a linear actuator that outputs dimensions and a 3D profile of the 9-foot cathodes. This will decrease the time for measurements and increase the accuracy.
Skills/Knowledge Gained Through The Experience
I had the opportunity to learn PLC programming, expand my knowledge in the CAD program SolidWorks, and on-the-fly learning of the completely foreign process of glass coating. Gentex also offers a 3-day course on their manufacturing mentality (lean manufacturing) which was extremely beneficial.
Favorite Part of the Experience
My favorite part of this experience was being able to apply my knowledge to real-world processes. I was able to develop relationships with so many like-minded, hardworking people.
How the Experience Influenced Future Career Goals
It reinforced my decision to go into engineering. Everyone has doubts the first couple of years, but after this experience in the real-world, I know this is exactly what I want to do with my career.