JR Automation - 3rd Rotation
Natalie
Experience Information
Employer: JR Automation
Job Title: Controls Engineering Intern
Major: Electrical Engineering
Received Credit: Yes
Paid: Yes
Abroad: No
Description of the Organization
JR is an international company specializing in industrial automation. The company employs over 2,000 people with 23 locations. Controls engineers, design engineers, electricians, builders, plumbers, and more work together as a team to solve problems and to automate processes for many well known companies.
Description of the Tasks/Projects Completed
In my third rotation, I was given a lot of individual responsibility. I got the opportunity to write programs as well as teach routes and points for material handling robots. This is what moves parts through the cell to get the automation moving. I also got to create HMI (Human Machine Interface) screens so that operators can interact with the cell. On top of that I got to write logic for the actual operation of the machine and assist with design decisions to best suit the customer's needs.
Skills/Knowledge Gained Through The Experience
I learned how to operate Fanuc robots, how to navigate Allen Bradley PLC and HMI software, about the functionality of many different components, and so much more. I also was able to continue learning how to handle pressure and responsibility in the professional world.
Favorite Part of the Experience
My favorite part of this co-op experience was having so much more responsibility that I was given in previous internships. I could see the direct impact that my work made on the operation of the machine I was working on and I could see how had I not been there, it would have made a difference to the team and the project we were working on.
How the Experience Influenced Future Career Goals
This co-op experience has, as my previous two rotations, confirmed my career goals to be an engineer. The excitement of seeing hard work leading to real and obvious results is always exciting and something that I look forward to every day.