General Description:

A Mechanical Engineering Co Op participant will work closely with the engineering team to gain hands-on experience and contribute to various projects. This position will play a crucial role in supporting the establishment and growth of our production operations. This position offers a dynamic environment where you will be involved in various aspects of mechanical engineering within a startup setting, contributing to the development and optimization of manufacturing processes and systems.

Essential Functions:

• Must have the ability & willingness to perform at the expected level of attendance at IKO Glass Fibers, Inc.; to work every day, on time, as scheduled.
• Promote and maintain IKO safety goals and ensure a safe work environment for all employees. Leads safety and housekeeping efforts and corrective actions within department, assigned projects, and areas with goal of zero incidents. Exemplifies safety in all actions and leads by example.
• Collaborate with the engineering team to design and develop manufacturing processes, ensuring efficiency, quality, and cost-effectiveness...
• Assist in the selection of machinery and equipment and participate in the installation and commissioning processes.
• Provide hands on support for the manufacturing floor, troubleshooting mechanical issues and implementing solutions for continuous improvement.
• Work with production teams to streamline workflows and eliminate bottlenecks.
• Collaborate with design and production teams to enhance product performance.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date engineering documentation and reports.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including production engineers and project managers. Communicate technical information to non-technical stakeholders effectively.
• Other duties as required.

Skills:

• Strong academic background in relevant coursework.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (written, verbal and presentation), with the ability to effectively work with others in a team environment.
• Demonstrated initiative and the ability to handle complex assignments with a proactive attitude.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Analytical, data-driven problem solving and action planning skills.
• Ability to make independent and well thought out decisions.
• Organized, self-starter, results oriented, unique problem solver.

 Beneficial Experience and Skills:

• Knowledge of industry standards, regulations, and safety protocols
• Experience in making data-driven decisions and utilization of statistics to solve problems and monitor processes.

Training Requirements:

• All training necessary to stay current in mechanical engineering especially those of the preventive and predictive nature. Stays abreast and informed of all environmental policies and laws as well as any changes.
• Any training required by IKO.

Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee daily to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Occasionally lifts, carries, or otherwise moves objects up to 50 lbs.
• Regularly bends, stoops, stretches, and reaches to stock office supplies, etc.
• Frequently moves about the facility to survey plant and associates.
• Regularly operates computer and other office equipment.
• Occasionally attends meetings away from the office.
• Regularly work outside in various extreme weather conditions.

PPE Requirements:

• No PPE required unless working out of the office area.
• In plant areas, safety shoes, hearing protection, and safety glasses with side shields are required.  Hard hat may be required under some conditions

Education Requirements

• Enrolled in a Bachelor’s degree program in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.