Koops Co-op
Alex
Experience Information
Employer: Koops Inc.
Job Title: Controls Engineer Co-op
Major: Product Design and Manufacturing Engineering
Received Credit: Yes
Paid: Yes
Abroad: No
Description of the Organization
Koops designs and builds factory automation equipment primarily for the automotive industry but also for other industries. Currently, Koops is a relatively small company but is growing rapidly, yet still maintaining its small community feel. There are various departments within the company, but they are constantly interacting with the others.
Description of the Tasks/Projects Completed
I did various controls work on several different machines such as PLC, HMI, vision camera and robot programming. Some of the projects I was involved in produced interior car panels, headliners, as well as other automotive interior components. My work lead me on multiple trips to Louisville, KY for install and support of a line I worked on, which was a great experience with the manufacturing industry.
Skills/Knowledge Gained Through The Experience
I gained a tremendous amount of experience with ladder logic and HMI programming. Also, I gained the knowledge of how to setup and program various types of robotic arms. During the programming of the machines, I also gained experience with electrical panels and the components used within when problem solving issues as well as machine startup.
Favorite Part of the Experience
My favorite part of my experience at Koops has been working with great, friendly people. Everyone at Koops is always willing to help and answer any questions I have which makes the learning process much easier. They are all willing to express their knowledge of the field with me as well as accept my input and work without question. Having those kind of people around me all summer has allowed me to get much more out of my experience than I thought I ever would have.
How the Experience Influenced Future Career Goals
This experience has definitely confirmed that engineering is the path I want to take and has opened me up to loving programming, which is something I would not have said prior to this.