Applications Engineering at JR Automation
Jackson
Experience Information
Employer: JR Automation
Job Title: Applications Engineer
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Received Credit: Yes
Paid: Yes
Abroad: No
Description of the Organization
JR Automation is a large automation integration company that designs and builds machines to aid in the manufacturing process. JR is a large company that has multiple locations, called business units, that act as their own company focusing on their own clientele.
Description of the Tasks/Projects Completed
As an applications engineer, I was tasked with quoting projects for customers. I organized and led meetings attended by different departmental management and leads focused on introducing requests, brainstorming and developing concepts, putting costs to a project, and reviewing proposals with business management and executives. Applications engineers also meet with customers and vendors, working together to create the best possible solution to a problem introduced by the customer. In between meetings, I was tasked with further concept development, drawing up concept imagery, doing preliminary design work, creating concept simulations, and writing the proposals that were to be sent to the customer.
Skills/Knowledge Gained Through The Experience
During this rotation, I learned a lot about the different costs associated with automation. I also learned to think about what is required from different departments when designing a machine. I learned how to use Visual Components to create a 3-D representation of a machine and how to simulate robotic movements in the software.
Favorite Part of the Experience
My favorite part about this co-op experience was how much I was able to learn about automation. Applications engineers need to know about how each department functions in order to provide costs, timelines, and accurate concepts to a potential customer. I was able to learn more about how mechanical design, controls design, electrical design, and fluid power are implemented over the lifetime of a project.
How the Experience Influenced Future Career Goals
This experience has definitely confirmed my desire to work in automation in the future. I would also like to continue with JR Automation after I'm done with school. Each interaction and connection I have made during my co-op rotations with this company have been positive. The work environment is something that makes me want to continuously improve and learn more about the industry.
Internship Format
In Person