Third co-op rotation at Autocam Medical
Zachry
Experience Information
Employer: Autocam Medical
Job Title: Manufacturing Engineer
Major: Product Design and Manufacturing Engineering
Received Credit: Yes
Paid: Yes
Abroad: No
Description of the Organization
Autocam Medical is a medical device manufacturer. They make many kinds of surgical instruments such as bone drills, saws, and taps as well as implants such as ankle, hip and spinal. There are 5 plant locations, 3 domestic and 2 foreign. The Kentwood location where I worked houses the headquarters and has about 150 employees.
Description of the Tasks/Projects Completed
For my third rotation I took on a full manufacturing engineer's role. I focused mainly on new product launches and production support for our bone screw division. I also completed many continuous improvement projects for secondary operations such as bead blasting and electropolishing.
Skills/Knowledge Gained Through The Experience
I learned a great deal about product launches and validations, implant manufacturing requirements, production management and scheduling and planning.
Favorite Part of the Experience
My favorite part of this co-op rotation was getting involved with the production support and management side of engineering. I think that this is something that is nearly impossible to learn without experiencing it firsthand.
How the Experience Influenced Future Career Goals
This experience helped to solidify my confidence that I have chosen the correct career path.