Koops Inc, Not Your Average Company
Ryan
Experience Information
Employer: Koops, Inc
Job Title: Control Engineering Co-op
Major: Computer Engineering
Received Credit: Yes
Paid: Yes
Abroad: No
Description of the Organization
Koops Inc is an employee-owned producer of industrial automation equipment based in Holland MI, with additional locations in South Carolina and Mexico. Koops has several hundred employees across its multiple campuses and is divided into Systems Integration Unit at these campuses. Each employee is part of a larger division, (Mechanical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Controls Programming, etc), and these larger divisions assign employees to the Systems Integration Units. A unique aspect of Koops is the team flexibility, employees frequently help out other Divisions or Units based on capacity and necessity.
Description of the Tasks/Projects Completed
This semester I worked in the Controls Engineering Division. This meant that my tasks included offline preparatory programming for machines that were still being assembled, online programming and debug on fully assembled machines, and upgrading/adding features based on customer requests throughout the duration of the time that machines were on site at Koops. I worked closely with my mentor, Justin, who taught me the programming standards at Koops and answered any questions I had. In total I worked on 14 machines on the shop floor, and helped with offline programming for an additional 3 machines. 13 of these machines I was able to see from start to finish, through offline, debug, and runoff, and helped crate them up and send them to Mexico, where they are being integrated into a plant.
Skills/Knowledge Gained Through The Experience
I learned a lot about Allen Bradley PLC's this semester. I also learned a lot about Rockwell Automation software, this included setting up communications with PLC's, peripheral devices, sensors, vision systems, barcode readers, automated screwdrivers, RFID readers, etc. It also included writing logic to allow the machine to interface with these peripherals, run cycles, keep track of part types and serial numbers, parse data, error check, etc. All in all I learned a good amount about communications, user interface, syntax, and problem solving with various software and devices.
Favorite Part of the Experience
My favorite part of this co-op was online debug for the machines I worked with. Seeing a machine I did programming for in motion and receiving good feedback was extremely satisfying. Working in the automation industry has been fun as well due to the fact that no two days are ever the same.
How the Experience Influenced Future Career Goals
I am looking into a position as a Field Service Engineer at Koops, and am hoping to start full time there after I graduate! The culture at Koops is a huge part of my decision, I have had zero issues with anyone at Koops and each and every person is kind and willing to work hard. Truly a great experience working at Koops for the past ~2 years!