Second Controls Engineering Co-Op
Katey
Experience Information
Employer: Axis Automation
Job Title: Controls Engineering Intern
Major: Electrical Engineering
Received Credit: Yes
Paid: Yes
Abroad: No
Description of the Organization
Axis Automation is a relatively small company that specializes in designing and implementing automation cells for manufacturers. The controls engineering department in which I worked had three engineers and a few contractors.
Description of the Tasks/Projects Completed
All of the work that I did this semester went towards customer projects. This was certainly different from last semester where much of my work went towards process improvement. I was primarily tasked with working on the human machine interface (HMI) displays for multiple cells. In addition to this, I gained experience working with programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and updated the parts of the PLC programs that involved HMI displays. I also created the lock out tag out (LOTO) documentation for multiple projects and updated many print packages. Overall, much of my job involved paying attention to details, finding, and resolving inconsistencies between the documentation and the programs.
Skills/Knowledge Gained Through The Experience
Through this co-op experience I gained skills using software such as AutoCad Electrical, Studio 5000, and FactoryTalk. I also learned how to commission devices. In addition to all of this, I gained experience interacting with both customers and vendors.
Favorite Part of the Experience
My favorite part of this co-op has been the variety of work that I have been given. In addition to this, I have also enjoyed the hands-on experience of working on HMIs and PLCs on both Axis Automation's floor and a customer site.
How the Experience Influenced Future Career Goals
This co-op has given me experience in communicating effectively with team members within the company as well as with customers and vendors. Without a doubt, this experience will be highly valuable to me in my future career, regardless of what I end up doing. That being said, this experience was very positive and I am certainly interested in a job in controls engineering after I graduate.