GVSU 3rd and Final Co-op W15' Semester
Cody
Experience Information
Employer: Magna Mirrors of America, Inc.
Job Title: Mechanical Engineering Intern or Co-op - Advanced and/or Product Engineering
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Received Credit: Yes
Paid: Yes
Abroad: No
Description of the Organization
Magna Mirrors of Holland specializes in the automotive industry manufacturing inside and outside rear view mirror assemblies. Magna Mirrors of Holland (128N) manufactures inside rear view mirror assemblies and is a supplier for many major automotive OEM companies.
Description of the Tasks/Projects Completed
During the current semester I completed tasks related to advanced product development and product engineering. At Magna Mirrors in Holland I work mainly with the Inside Mirrors Division. I was involved with some design work and prototyping for the development of new products. I would often be asked to make prototype mirrors either for testing or customer samples. I was also involved with Root Cause Analysis for determining the root causes of problems with specific products. There were some projects that required designing fixtures or components using SolidWorks software, that would aid in the testing, development and manufacturing of products. I often would work with engineering staff to maintain programs: DFMEA's, DVP's, BOM's, benchmarking, design review checklist, tolerance stacks, drawing GD&T, DFM/DFA checklists and any other specified requirements.
Skills/Knowledge Gained Through The Experience
Product engineering processes, advanced product development and design, time management, project management, communication skills, GEO Magic Verify Viewer 3D scanning software for dimensional analysis, vibration analysis and equipment procedures, basic OEM validation test procedures and many other useful skills/knowledge.
Favorite Part of the Experience
This co-op semester I was asked to accompany one of the Program Managers and Quality Engineers on a trip to an automotive OEM assembly plant. I was able to contribute and help out on the project and also gained the experience of seeing where all of the components of the vehicle come together for mass production.
How the Experience Influenced Future Career Goals
This experience influenced my future goals because I now know that I for sure want to go into the automotive industry. Cars have always been a big interest of mine and working for an automotive engineering company has influenced me to pursue this area of engineering after graduation.