Helix Steel Engineering Co-op
Andrew
Experience Information
Employer: Helix Steel Micro Rebar
Job Title: Machine Operator/Quality Engineering Intern
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Received Credit: Yes
Paid: Yes
Abroad: No
Description of the Organization
Helix Steel is a smaller start-up that machines rebar for concrete. They have one plant that I work at in Grand Rapids, and an office in Ann Arbor for sales and management.
Description of the Tasks/Projects Completed
For this semester, I was a machine operator. This meant fixing machine wire breaks, changing wire spools, and pulling and replacing full product boxes from the machines. I also completed excel quality reports for unmachined product and machined product for meeting testing standards and record keeping.
Skills/Knowledge Gained Through The Experience
I learned a lot about the machines used to make the product this semester. I learned how to diagnose minor machine problems for the maintenance technicians to handle. I learned how to recognize good and bad product quality. I also learned how to use different hand tool like an angle grinder.
Favorite Part of the Experience
Learning about the machine components and how each component can affect overall machine function and product quality was interesting for me.
How the Experience Influenced Future Career Goals
Yes. This experience has made me look into the construction industry and how I could pursue a career in engineering with it.