Mechanical Engineering Co-op
Clayton
Experience Information
Employer: SAF-Holland Inc
Job Title: Designer I
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Received Credit: Yes
Paid: Yes
Abroad: No
Description of the Organization
SAF-HOLLAND is a leading global commercial vehicle supplier and the largest independent listed manufacturer of chassis-related systems and components for trailers and semi-trailers as well as for trucks and buses in Europe, ranks among the market leaders in North America and is present in most of the world's markets. SAF-HOLLAND specializes in coupling, lifting, and suspension systems for trucks, buses, tractors, and trailers. SAF-HOLLAND products are sold and serviced under the SAF and Holland brand names from over 4,600 distributor and OEM locations around the world. SAF-HOLLAND employs over 3,200 employees and in 2016 eclipsed 1 billion in sales (Euros).
Description of the Tasks/Projects Completed
I have been on my third and final co-op rotation at SAF-Holland since mid-August and through this rotation I worked primarily on new suspension beams to replace our existing beams currently in production. The primary goals of the project are to create beams that make manufacturing processing much easier, create a lighter full suspension assembly and improve suspension performance. Throughout the co-op I have worked closely with the senior project engineer of my department. Together we have worked on the design features and optimization of the beam.
Skills/Knowledge Gained Through The Experience
This have been a fantastic learning opportunity for me as I have learned directly from decades of design experience in the industry on how to design better components and the thought process that is behind design changes. My personal greatest takeaway from this project is learning the importance of balancing project goals. When communicating with various departments, such as manufacturing, product planning or applications engineering, it is important to consider potential design issues from their point of view. Taking into consideration their most common challenges in their respective field and carefully sifting through their feedback will strengthen the overall quality of the design. Additionally, I have learned the importance of communicating with those of historical knowledge of the product line.
Favorite Part of the Experience
Looking back at the work I was completing during my first co-op rotation and the projects I am working on now I can see the transformation of quality of work, complexity and understanding. During the third co-op rotation I have felt less of an intern and more of a full time engineer. This is a testament to the co-op program as I feel extremely prepared for employment after graduation. SAF-Holland has done a terrific job incorporating me into a contributing role at the company and more importantly preparing me as an engineer. I have developed a wide variety of skills, a higher level of understanding and experience applying what I've learned that could not be taught in a classroom alone.
How the Experience Influenced Future Career Goals
This experience has continually confirmed my interest in the engineering field and has focused my area of interest. Due to having the opportunity to a great amount of design and FEA work I have realized that it is something that interests and challenges me. Thus, I feel as if I now have a better idea of what type of work I would like to do upon graduation.