Working at Steelcase
Mark
Experience Information
Employer: Steelcase
Job Title: Product Design Engineer
Major: Product Design and Manufacturing Engineering
Received Credit: Yes
Paid: Yes
Abroad: No
Description of the Organization
Steelcase is the world's leading office manufacturing in the world. Ther create high-quality office space environments which includes chairs, desks, lounges, and "third space" furniture. They transform the way people work through their products.
Description of the Tasks/Projects Completed
-Worked on and involved in multiple different projects involving a variety of existing and new products - Chairs and Tables. -Worked on a sustainability project for a single product by organizing a full Bill of Materials for both EMEA and NA. -Worked on multiple projects with life cycle management (LCM) -> Cost reducing existing products by changing materials or changing the design by reducing the material used, but not decreasing the strength and integrity of the product. -Worked on developing mechanism plate for a new products chair - Worked on CAD modeling, prototyping, and organized and evaluated all FEA and physical testing to comply Steelcase standards. -Worked on a power management for a new table product - brainstorming, modeling, and testing to follow codes and compliance. -Organized, packed, and attained the materials for large important shipments to Europe for trade shows. -Created prints/drawings for a variety of products for supplier quotes and manufacturing. Worked on a HOT customer complaint issue by scientifically testing and proving multiple solutions.
Skills/Knowledge Gained Through The Experience
I developed and forged the following skills through my coop: - Time management skills - Product design skills - PRO/E CAD skills - Deeper understanding and application of engineering properties of Materials - Design for manufacturing - Understanding/exposure of new manufacturing processes - Developed a better applicable understanding of FEA. - I have developed a large understanding of designing to recycle and end of life design engineering. - How to make professional prints the include weld call outs - Gained understand of the standards and requirements that Steelcase requires for their products. - Gained how to effectively pursue and continue redesign of existing products.
Favorite Part of the Experience
Having the many opportunities to be a part of product development and knowing that my work would be in a real-world product gave great satisfaction. Additionally, the people I worked with are all supportive and very respectable making the job much more approachable.
How the Experience Influenced Future Career Goals
I have realized that I am not suitable for the "corporate world" after working with one of the best companies in Michigan and arguably the world. I have come to realize that am driven to be my own boss and entrepreneurship is where my heart lies. Don't get me wrong, I liked the time I spent here with such a great company...it's just not for me. I have a passion for building my own business.