Summer Co-op 1
Adam
Experience Information
Employer: JR Automation
Job Title: Controls Engineer
Major: Electrical Engineering
Received Credit: Yes
Paid: Yes
Abroad: No
Description of the Organization
JR Automation is a company that takes processes and automates them, whether it be semi-automation or full lights out Automation. The company itself receives several jobs from the automotive industry, but is not limited to just automotive. They are growing quickly and constantly looking to better themselves. The company has a strong team of Controls Engineers, Mechanical Engineers, and builders who are constantly working to support one another on whatever the current task is. Though JR Auto has been experiencing growth, it is divided into multiple business units to maintain the feeling of a small close knit company
Description of the Tasks/Projects Completed
Over the semester, I was given multiple tasks. One job I was tasked with was setting up a camera attempting to detect a bead of silicone. On the same job I was also tasked with designing seven different HMI (Human Machine Interface) screens. This task of setting up the HMI screens introduced me to PLC, as well as several pneumatic and electrical drawings.
Skills/Knowledge Gained Through The Experience
Throughout the semester I learned how to communicate much better. As the semester progressed, I learned the vocabulary which was commonly used at the work place to assist in my communication skills. I also learned several new technical skills, as almost all of the software that I encountered on the job was new to me.
Favorite Part of the Experience
My favorite part of the co-op experience was being present to help finish the job that was worked on the majority of the semester. It felt really good being permitted to go, with a small team, to the customer's site and install the completed project. The days spent on the road for JR were some of the longest that I have worked but they were by far my favorite.
How the Experience Influenced Future Career Goals
The experience of working for JR Automation affirmed my decision to be an engineer. It feels really good knowing that all of the hard work and patience pays off.