Second Rotation Mechanical Engineering Co-op
James
Experience Information
Employer: Hutchinson Antivibration Systems NA
Job Title: Engineering Co-op
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Received Credit: Yes
Paid: Yes
Abroad: No
Description of the Organization
Hutchinson Antivibration Systems NA is a branch of Hutchinson that designs and manufactures vibration control systems for the automotive industry. Industry leaders such as Ford, GM, Chrysler, and Daimler provide design challenges where mounting systems are required to respond to different terrain and vehicle conditions while maintaining a smooth ride. Design solutions are prototyped and validated by the tech center, then manufacturing solutions are explored by the industrialization team. Parts are manufactured in house by cells designed by the industrialization team.
Description of the Tasks/Projects Completed
During my second co-op rotation as a mechanical engineering student I was assigned as an intern to the Ford product development team working to meet production launch schedules. Studies where modifications to parts were made to account for variances in production parts and determine design solutions were frequently performed as tasks under a team project manager and project lead's guidance. I frequently visited suppliers of manufacturing equipment and assisted the industrialization team with troubleshooting early development level stations while running parts for shipment schedules. In my down time between tasks there was plenty to keep busy by helping with on-going projects and testing in the Validation lab. Troubleshooting of hydraulic pumps under the lab supervisor's guidance provided an interesting and unique opportunity.
Skills/Knowledge Gained Through The Experience
Getting to work with a product undergoing production approval processes provided the opportunity to see the final stages of the development process for an engineered design. I spent a great deal of time troubleshooting issues with production methods that resulted in reduced part performance. Troubleshooting involved prototyping and characterization of parts, which was generally under the guidance of an engineer. Other tasks involved helping on the production floor with running parts through the cell, exploring solutions to manufacturing challenges that reduced production rates, reworking parts, and preparing shipments.
Favorite Part of the Experience
I highly enjoy hands on work. The times where I got to troubleshoot a malfunctioning station or tune a mount by modifying assemblies were most enjoyable for me. Exploring design concepts and determining potential solutions makes for an interesting and fulfilling experience. Studies performed during the co-op were all generally enjoyable and challenging. Getting to travel around and visit suppliers was a nice change of pace that made things interesting on occasion, especially when working there for multiple days.
How the Experience Influenced Future Career Goals
I've definitely been able to narrow down my desired characteristics of a position working in an engineering environment. There's still an abundance of opportunity available with Hutchinson which I'd like to explore.