Dematic Co-op II
Collin
Experience Information
Employer: Dematic
Job Title: Controls Engineering
Major: Electrical Engineering
Received Credit: Yes
Paid: Yes
Abroad: No
Description of the Organization
Dematic is a global leader in automated supply chain solutions. The company employs over 6,000 people based across the globe. Their products serve segments including e-commerce, retail, food and beverage, and apparel. The company is based in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Description of the Tasks/Projects Completed
Controls Engineering at Dematic consists of determining type and location of various controls devices needed to transport product through a system of conveyors, sorters, and storage systems. It also includes designing the control cabinet. The cabinet contains the switching devices to control motors, as well as the main control device such as a programmable logic controller. It provides power distribution to all conveyor and devices under its control.
Skills/Knowledge Gained Through The Experience
Where my first co-op was mainly getting a handle on company practices, software (including AutoCAD and RSLogix), and the field itself, the second rotation focused on other areas. Many soft skills such as business communication, teamwork, and leading meetings and reviews was a main point of this rotation.
Favorite Part of the Experience
The best part of this rotation was developing relationships with coworkers. I also got to spend about a month in California working at a customer site, helping to commission systems I helped design.
How the Experience Influenced Future Career Goals
Working at Dematic has been a great introduction to life as a controls engineer. It has been a valuable experience and has given me a lot of insight into the corporate world at a 6000+ employee company.