Genie in a Bottle
Josh
Experience Information
Employer: Aspen Surgical Products
Job Title: Engineering Intern/Manufacturing Engineer
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Received Credit: Yes
Paid: Yes
Abroad: No
Description of the Organization
Aspen Surgical Products is a producer of (mainly) class 1, single use disposable medical devices for use in hospitals and surgical centers. At Aspen, the majority of the products we produce start with the injection molding process, followed by an assembly and/or marking process and finished with a packaging process (both sterile and non-sterile). We are one of the worlds leading manufacturers of these types of products. To quote our website, "A long history of essential products that enable safety and efficiency. A consultative approach that helps customers achieve optimal results for patients and staff. And vertically integrated North American manufacturing facilities designed to assure critical quality and speed to market." The company is continuously expanding through acquisitions and has an organizational structure similar to other medical device companies.
Description of the Tasks/Projects Completed
Through this semester, I was tasked with the responsibility for several work centers and the capital equipment within these work centers used for production. These work centers included filling, assembly, pick and place applications, automated die punching, packaging, printing, bagging and inspection. Additionally, I was one of the CAD, 3D scanning, CNC programming and fabrication subject matter experts.
Skills/Knowledge Gained Through The Experience
I learned that a University requiring that Engineering students participate in this type of Co-op program are doing the student an outstanding service. Hands on, 'in the world' experience should be required of any academic Engineering program. It provides students with the opportunity to glance into the industry, network with companies and vendors and create relationships with industry Engineers that will last a life time. Aspen has supported 9 GV Engineering students during either an internship or full Co-op program and has hired 4 full-time GV Engineers during my time with the company (2017).
Favorite Part of the Experience
Working with internship and Co-op students and the freedom to be creative with projects.
How the Experience Influenced Future Career Goals
It has been a very interesting and enlightening experience to work within the field and use what is being learned in class in real-time. If I ever retire, I will teach.
Internship Format
In Person