1st Co-Op at JR Automation
James
Experience Information
Employer: JR Automation
Job Title: Controls Engineering Intern
Major: Electrical Engineering
Received Credit: Yes
Paid: Yes
Abroad: No
Description of the Organization
JR Automation is a fairly large (~1000 employees) company that specializes in the automation of manufacturing processes with operations spread across nine different buildings, or business units.
Description of the Tasks/Projects Completed
Over the course of my co-op rotation, I completed a good deal of programming in both HMI (Touchscreen) and PLC (Ladder Logic) formats. I also helped troubleshoot issues with electrical, pneumatic, and mechanical problems on various projects at my business unit.
Skills/Knowledge Gained Through The Experience
I learned HMI and ladder logic programming, as well as practical applications of sensors, servos, and pneumatic systems, which I had not been able to experience before my co-op.
Favorite Part of the Experience
My favorite part of my co-op experience was seeing my programs in action doing exactly what they were supposed to do. It takes time to get all of the bugs out, but when a project is finished it is immensely satisfying.
How the Experience Influenced Future Career Goals
It has definitely opened my eyes to the rewarding nature of controls engineering. It is very satisfying to see a program physically move machinery, rather than just seeing the output on a screen.