Mechanical Engineering Intern
Cory
Experience Information
Employer: Gentex Corp.
Job Title: Process Technician
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Received Credit: Yes
Paid: Yes
Abroad: No
Description of the Organization
Gentex Corporation specializes in electro-chromatic mirrors which automatically dim the inside and outside rear view mirrors in vehicles to reduce excess light received by cars following. Gentex also utilizes this electro-chromatic technology for airplane windows as well. Within a matter of seconds, a window can fade from see-through transparency to completely dark as a luxurious alternative to window blinds. Gentex specializes in smoke alarms as well.
Description of the Tasks/Projects Completed
During this co-op experience working as a process technician I have had countless tasks and projects projects to work on. A majority of these tasks are spontaneous issues which arise when manufacturing equipment is not functioning correctly. These issues can be mechanical, computer, software, electrical, or simply due to machine operator errors.
Skills/Knowledge Gained Through The Experience
I gained a significant amount of knowledge in the aspects of vision inspection software, beneficial machine design qualities, PLC logic, and electrical/pneumatic component design/operation. On top of these things, I would have to say the most important part of my experience this co-op was working closely with my fellow co-workers to accomplish tasks as a team quickly and effectively.
Favorite Part of the Experience
My favorite part of this co-op experience was working with the other technicians and learning more about the technical aspects of the machinery in production while discovering better ways of solving issues.
How the Experience Influenced Future Career Goals
Anything that I can possibly learn during my co-op experience is positively influencing my future goal of being a process engineer. I feel as though process technicians deal with a great variety of issues everyday which is very interesting and allows for me to stay active and alert all day which is very important to me. I also really enjoy diving into larger team projects and designing things which better our production facility here at Gentex.