Mechanical Engineering Co-Op Experience
Austin
Experience Information
Employer: Hastings Manufacturing Company
Job Title: CO-OP - Mechanical Engineer
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Received Credit: Yes
Paid: Yes
Abroad: No
Description of the Organization
Hastings Manufacturing Company makes piston rings. They make piston rings of all sorts, from cars to chainsaws to air compressors. The office has around 10 engineers. There are much more employees on the factory floor. There are no cubicle, which makes the office open and fun.
Description of the Tasks/Projects Completed
Tasks at HMC has a large range. Tasks include, SolidWork designs for new or improved tooling, data collecting and excel work, and hands on technical work. The main focus of my rotation was in the foundry. Creating new processes and improvements to increase productivity.
Skills/Knowledge Gained Through The Experience
The biggest skills I gained at HMC is the hands on technical skills. I was able to watch a variety of different machines operate and in some cases, operate them myself. This allowed for me to be able to know what was wrong when a machine had issues. The machine I learned best was the mold machine in the foundry.
Favorite Part of the Experience
My favorite part of the co-op experience was working with great guys. My coworkers at HMC are awesome. Along with working with great guys I also enjoy that HMC I am able to go out and find problems. I sit at my desk for less than half the day at most. Much of my time is spent in the factory or foundry doing studies or collaborating with operators to make improvements.
How the Experience Influenced Future Career Goals
This experience has influenced my future goals by encouraging me to go above and beyond in class. Currently at HMC we are doing a material study on HX cast iron, next semester I take material science which I am excited to take now. Many times at work I wish I had completed certain courses so I would know how to handle different problems. This experience has created a positive approach on classes for me.