JR Automation Controls Engineering Co-op
Robert
Experience Information
Employer: JR Automation
Job Title: Controls Engineer
Major: Computer Engineering
Received Credit: Yes
Paid: Yes
Abroad: No
Description of the Organization
JR Automation used to be a small company but due to astonishing growth it has been swelling to a larger and larger size all the time. Its organizational structure alleviates some of the growing pains and allows JR automation to continue to maintain a small company feel despite its growth. The company is split into what are called "business units" which work on projects mostly independently of one another and the managers and employees are divided in a like manner. As such, while JR Automation has hundreds of controls engineers company-wide, my BU only had about 40. In each project I worked on throughout my internship, I worked in a group with 3 or 4 other engineers. As I moved between projects and worked on different teams, each time my coworkers were friendly, respectful, patient, and hard-working, as was everyone else I met at JR! The company is now established as a global systems integrator but still loves providing their employees with numerous perks and lots of food!
Description of the Tasks/Projects Completed
The tasks I completed were largely dependent upon the projects I was placed on, which I am not at liberty to disclose details about. In general terms, I did a great deal of HMI work, configuring and programming of numerous devices, PLC programming, working with robots, 2D CAD work, working with servos and gantries, and debugging. I was trusted with my own small cell to work on independently (though I frequently received help), and was also allowed to travel and play a role in the installation of a project at the customer's location.
Skills/Knowledge Gained Through The Experience
I learned how to use 2 different 2D CAD programs, how to work with Allen Bradley PLCs and Fanuc Robots, C-More HMIs and HMI software, as well as Allen Bradley HMIs and HMI software. I learned a great deal about the initial power-up of a system, as well as how to build the Ethernet network which allows each of the devices in the system to communicate with the PLC. I built upon my debugging and PLC programming skills. I also learned a great deal about the interactions that take place between we the integrator, and our customers. In addition, I learned a lot about welding in the general sense, and different kinds of welding.
Favorite Part of the Experience
Having my efforts recognized and being rewarded with increased responsibility was probably my favorite. I was honored to have been trusted to help install a system at the customer location, which is rare for interns at JR, and felt even more pride as I was given a small project of my own to work on (technically not my project, but I was trusted to complete the controls work from start to finish). Just to add on, I was able to work in a supportive, laid-back environment doing fulfilling work that I enjoyed with people that I like. I enjoyed coming to work every day and JR Automation is a wonderful place to do an internship. I would recommend a controls co-op at JR to all GVSU electrical and computer engineering students.
How the Experience Influenced Future Career Goals
My first rotation altered my plans some and my opinion has changed very little since then. After arriving at JR Automation I have had a wonderfully fulfilling job that I enjoy going to every day. As such, I hope to continue working at JR Automation once I graduate.