Herman Miller - Manufacturing Engineering
Colin
Experience Information
Employer: Herman Miller
Job Title: Manufacturing Engineering Co-op
Major: Product Design and Manufacturing Engineering
Received Credit: Yes
Paid: Yes
Abroad: No
Description of the Organization
Herman Miller is an 8000+ employee furniture design and manufacturing company located in West Michigan with locations in other countries. They are most known for their high-end office furniture (particularly seating) but also manufacture healthcare, education, and home furniture. The company has a positive culture that places emphasis on employee benefits, environmental sustainability, community service, and creativity.
Description of the Tasks/Projects Completed
I spent a lot of time developing a gantry-mounted lift assist device that operators could use to easily pick up heavy counterweights with vacuum cups and install them into units. I also had the chance to develop fixtures and enhance capabilities to assist operators in the manufacturing of new product. I worked on adding additional features and systems to an automated cell. Primarily, my projects were for safety or ergonomic related improvements. I would collaborate with internal and external toolmakers, mechanics, managers, and engineers to assist me in my project goals.
Skills/Knowledge Gained Through The Experience
I had a lot of autonomy to work on my projects, so I became familiar with independent project management. Collaboration was necessary to accomplish my tasks, so I learned a lot about that as well. Overall, my mechanical aptitude was greatly improved because of the know-how needed to solve the problems I faced.
Favorite Part of the Experience
I liked the open-endedness of the projects I was given. The amount of money, resources, and people I had at my disposal to achieve my project goals was extremely beneficial to my learning experience.
How the Experience Influenced Future Career Goals
I am passionate about the career path that I've chosen. I would like to understand the big picture behind the design and manufacture of world-class products, and Herman Miller was the perfect place to learn about this. For this reason, I'm excited for what my future career will look like.