Co-op 2
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Experience Information
Employer: Irwin Seating
Job Title: Design Engineer Intern
Major: Product Design and Manufacturing Engineering
Received Credit: Yes
Paid: Yes
Abroad: No
Description of the Organization
Irwin Seating Company is a designer and manufacturer of public seating for movie theatres, auditoriums, arenas, performing arts centers, classrooms, and convention centers. They offer auditorium, and theatre stadium seating, lecture room furniture, bleachers, telescopic platforms and provide comprehensive restoration services.
Description of the Tasks/Projects Completed
I continued a project I started in my first co-op semester designing a reduced weight cast stadium seat part, which included testing samples from China, further design revisions, and being introduced to the world of documentation. I also worked on a few R&D projects that included 3D printing prototypes, such as a part that would prevent fold-up seats from being able to fold and another part that would prevent damage to a pivot assembly during transportation. Other assignments I had were doing CAD work for developing a multifunctional part for stadium seats that would greatly reduce the number of types of parts we produce, and general CAD and drawing work for other smaller projects.
Skills/Knowledge Gained Through The Experience
My CAD and 3d printing skills continued to increase and I learned more about the testing and documentation process.
Favorite Part of the Experience
I really enjoyed feeling like I was actually an integral part of the team. As my skill and confidence levels increased, this semester really helped me feel like I was "really" doing engineering.
How the Experience Influenced Future Career Goals
It solidified my opinion of the type of engineering work I want to do for my career.