EGR 290 Co-op
Brian
Experience Information
Employer: Mission Design and Automation
Job Title: Machinist, engineering intern
Major: Product Design and Manufacturing Engineering
Received Credit: Yes
Paid: Yes
Abroad: No
Description of the Organization
Mission is an automation specialist that fabricates custom machines for many industries including automotive, furniture, and dental. It is based in Holland, Michigan.
Description of the Tasks/Projects Completed
On a regular basis I will make machine parts, frames, and plates from stock metal. First cutting them, then squaring them up with a mill or CNC, then drilling them where needed. I will assemble the frames and make risers from them, cut and finish tubes, attach casters to them, as well as finished plates to create a table. The table is the base which the entire machine is built upon. Some of the less complex parts I will cut from stock and finish myself.
Skills/Knowledge Gained Through The Experience
I gained a lot of machining and problem-solving skills. There are a lot of ways to arrive at a target product, so there are many decisions which have to be made.
Favorite Part of the Experience
Working for a team that makes me feel appreciated and welcomed. Even though some of the stuff seemed small and boring, my supervisor or other boss would come and tell me how good of a job I'm doing and that they appreciate me doing this.
How the Experience Influenced Future Career Goals
I was not expecting to do machinist work for a co-op nor as a career, but now there are many more options for me in the field. Knowing how to machine and fabricate part/products will definitely help me design and manufacture wherever I do end up.