Gentex Co-op III
Dalton
Experience Information
Employer: Gentex
Job Title: Production Process Technicians
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Received Credit: Yes
Paid: Yes
Abroad: No
Description of the Organization
Gentex is an international supplier of electro-chromatic mirrors for the global automotive industry. They also specialize in smoke detectors and aircraft windows. The company's head quarters and manufacturing plants are located in Zeeland, MI. Gentex is vertically integrated and specializes in many processes to create its automotive, aerospace, and fire protection products.
Description of the Tasks/Projects Completed
As a production technician, it is always my job to be available in order to maintain the function of the production floor. There are around 12 production lines in our department that produce parts on all three shifts. Each line is consisted of multiple machines that assemble a specific component of the mirror assembly. Each machine usually consists of multiple subsystems. Each system works together with the use of PCs and PLCs to function properly. The machine uses mechanical assembly's and fixtures that are operated by a user with the assistance of sensors and actuators. With this amount of automatic control, the need for constant trouble shouting arises. These systems go down for a multitude of reasons. Problems can arise with vision systems, actuators, motors, cameras, sensors, pneumatics, or mechanical designs. It is the technician's job to make sure these problems are immediately addressed. It is a great experience to be able to apply my engineering knowledge to troubleshoot issues in a fast-passed environment. Doing it yourself with little guidance is the fastest way to learn new skills in this job.
Skills/Knowledge Gained Through The Experience
I learned a lot of troubling shooting skills for electrical and digital systems. I also gained confidence in making on the fly decisions based on my education and technical experiences.
Favorite Part of the Experience
My favorite part of my co-op was operating independently on production downtime calls. I really started to see all of my education and engineering experience culminate.
How the Experience Influenced Future Career Goals
It is a highly involved job role that requires paying attention to detail. I need to make on the fly decisions to get the downed production line up and running. It is a great learning experience that will help me further understand how to be a process engineer in the future. I need to learn how the machines work before I can start designing them myself.