Everything is bigger at Padnos
Nathan
Experience Information
Employer: Padnos
Job Title: Engineer Intern
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Received Credit: Yes
Paid: Yes
Abroad: No
Description of the Organization
Padnos is a great company to work for. All the employees there that I interacted with were easy to get along with and i had a great time there. The Padnos family makes a point of making this company a family and it shows in the way they treat their employees and the way their employees interact with one another.
Description of the Tasks/Projects Completed
I did everything from detailing a small handle on a hydraulic line to redesigning a conveyor belt, which included measuring the belt and the guards on the belt, taking the information and processing it in SolidWorks, redesigning the belt, and then sending the work down to the machine shop and finally seeing it taken out as a finished product. I was kept pretty busy throughout the semester with a variety of projects resulting in a variety of experiences for me.
Skills/Knowledge Gained Through The Experience
I became much more adept at using software such as SolidWorks and AutoCAD in design processes. I also learned how to use the software practically with a true end goal in sight. It was different than using the software in school were the goal was just a good grade on a project.
Favorite Part of the Experience
As the engineering intern who was required to work on many of the machines Padnos has, it was important that i knew how the machines all worked. (For those unfamiliar with Padnos, they are a scrap metal processing company and the word "Machine" means a gigantic three story building used in metal processing.)My first week at Padnos then was spent basically touring the various scrap yards they have in the area and seeing the machines and how they all worked. My personal favorite part of this experience and quite frankly the entire summer was when i got to watch them shred cars in the metal shredder. That was a truly unique experience for me.
How the Experience Influenced Future Career Goals
I definitely enjoyed working here and would be happy to work there when I graduate if things work out in that manner.