Computer Engineering Co-op at JR Automation
Ethan
Experience Information
Employer: JR Automation Technologies, LLC
Job Title: Software Integration Team Intern
Major: Computer Engineering
Received Credit: Yes
Paid: Yes
Abroad: No
Description of the Organization
JR Automation is divided into three business units. Each unit is at a different plant (all within a mile or two of each other). In addition, there is a "corporate" level, where I was positioned, which provides services to all three business units. In total, the company has a little over five hundred employees (this includes employees of the sister company, Dane Systems, as well as a remote branch in South Carolina).
Description of the Tasks/Projects Completed
I have been involved in quite a few project which I am not able to discuss in depth. For most of these, I've been doing a lot of programming, mostly in C#, in addition to quite a bit of R&D style work (such as testing and evaluating different hardware). I've also spent a good deal of time on some internal software projects. The one which I have spent the most time on throughout the semester is a program to allow users to change the IP address on multiple network cards at once, and to track their various settings. I've also spent some time on a set of add-ons to our CAD software which will allow controls engineers to be more efficient and uniform in their work. In addition to these, I've had several chances to meet with vendors and customers. I've also attended an industry conference about combining industrial and corporate networks on behalf of the company.
Skills/Knowledge Gained Through The Experience
I have gained a significant amount of experience in programming in C# and the .NET environment, which I had previously not used at all. I've also gained experience in interacting with customers and suppliers.
Favorite Part of the Experience
My favorite part was having a chance to work in an industry (industrial automation) that I have always been interested in.
How the Experience Influenced Future Career Goals
Before starting this co-op, I wasn't entirely sure what path I wanted to take for a career. Through this experience, I have had the chance to be thoroughly exposed to the world of robotics in an industrial setting, and I've come to realize that this is definitely the field I want to end up in.