Autocam Coop
Timothy
Experience Information
Employer: Autocam Corporation
Job Title: Coop Student
Major: Electrical Engineering
Received Credit: Yes
Paid: Yes
Abroad: No
Description of the Organization
Autocam is a precision manufacturing firm that has a well-nested niche in machining fuel injection components. It has facilities around the world including Brazil, China, Poland, France, and many more.
Description of the Tasks/Projects Completed
I mainly ran machines during the first half of my experience here. This was important to my experience because I was able to learn the product line from the inside out. From there, I was assigned to an engineer to work on numerous area improvement projects. There is simply too much to list, but needless to say, I learned a lot about the processes, the procedures adopted by Autocam, and turn-machining.
Skills/Knowledge Gained Through The Experience
I learned how to operate screw machines and CNC machines. In specific, Index, Tornos, Wasino, and Tsugami (Swiss turn) machines. I also learned a bit about ISO standards and making ethical, responsible decisions when dealing with customers, management, and workers.
Favorite Part of the Experience
The engineer I was with has a great sense of humor, as well as the people around him. I was glad I was not part of a group of uptight people -- these people let me grow and taught me a lot, instead of withholding knowledge. I enjoy working with others, and I realize that problem solving is a great passion of mine. I also enjoy fabricating things to solve simple problems. Simple solutions put a smile on my face.
How the Experience Influenced Future Career Goals
I realize that Autocam's culture might be unique. The engineers are typically given the resources they need to accomplish what needs to be accomplished if they are vehemently confident in what they are doing. Not only the engineers are given these resources, but the machinists as well. Autocam is all about process improvement. If you have an idea, Autocam is willing to oblige you if you believe in what you're doing. I can very well see myself working for Autocam in the future.