Second Co-op Rotation at Herman Miller
Robin
Experience Information
Employer: Herman Miller
Job Title: Machine Design Engineer
Major: Product Design and Manufacturing Engineering
Received Credit: Yes
Paid: Yes
Abroad: No
Description of the Organization
Herman Miller is on of the flagship furniture design companies on the world for over 100 years. According to CNN Money, as of March 2011, Herman Miller was ranked as the second most admired company in the Home Equipment, Furnishing division. They also scored first in Innovation, People Management, Use of Corporate Assets, Social Responsibility, and Quality of Products/Services. In Quality of Management they scored second place, third in Long Term Investments, fourth in Financial Soundness, and ninth in Global Competitiveness. The company takes in about $2 billion annually and is comprised of over 5,000 employees.
Description of the Tasks/Projects Completed
- Designed a 200 ft. steel cord guard for factory floor - Created a specialized actuator tool for Smart Desk assembly machine - Re-designed arm pad assembly station for Aeron chair - Designed and tested pneumatic hold down machine for screens assembly area, to reduce occupational overuse injuries - Designed 8' x 8' extending pack table - Designed a safety guard for lubrication area within Smart Desk work station - Developed and designed new brand specific asset tags for all Herman Miller machines - 3D modeled existing vacuum lifts for re-release
Skills/Knowledge Gained Through The Experience
Machine design, pneumatics, advanced Solidworks skills, time management, material selection, resourcing.
Favorite Part of the Experience
Truly Herman Miller has some of the friendliest employees I have ever encountered in my 20 years in the work force. The internal structure is such that each department governs themselves, while collaborating with parallel departments. There is a nice sense of autonomy given to each employee, with hard work being rewarded instead of taken advantage of.
How the Experience Influenced Future Career Goals
Machine design was not on my top 10 list for future career goals, but after just 7 months here at Herman Miller, my mind has been changed. I could see myself doing this for a long while.