Gentex Co-op
Dalton
Experience Information
Employer: Gentex Corporation
Job Title: Process Engineering Intern
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
While at Gentex, I worked along side the process engineers in the final assembly area. Their job is to assemble all of the mirror components to create the final product. When arriving at Gentex, my group was in the process of implementing a new production line for Full Display Mirrors. My first project was to fully assembly and install three conveyor belts for the production line. I had to utilize my hands on skills and knowledge of Solidworks to complete my tasks. As the internship progressed, I received many task for improving the existing machine designs for the line. These improvements included designing and finding locations for brackets and flow racks. I also got some experience with selecting and testing new sensors for improving the build process.
Skills/Knowledge Gained Through The Experience
My knowledge of Solidworks increased as I needed to use it daily in order to create my designs. I also used Solidworks to study the existing machines on the floor in order to better understand my projects. I had a lot of hands on tasks involving machine builds and trouble shooting for the machines already on the line. Project management was also very important as I received multiple projects at the same time. I had to balance my day in order to get things done efficiently.
Favorite Part of the Experience
My favorite part of the internship experience was seeing the manufacturing process and how it evolves to meet the demand of the customers. It was eye opening to see how engineers and planners are able to manage so many moving parts and materials coming in and out of the plants.
How the Experience Influenced Future Career Goals
I would like to learn more about machine automation and can see myself working to improve how we make things in the future. Seeing how the mechanical and electrical aspect of machine design go together has made me interested in controls and process engineering.