Design Engineer CoOp (Winter 2027)

About the role

Vollrath’s Engineer Co-Op position offers a hands-on opportunity for an engineering student to gain practical, real-world experience in the full product design lifecycle, from concept and detailed design to prototyping and testing. The co-op will support our engineering team in developing innovative and reliable products that meet performance, cost, and manufacturing requirements.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the design, modeling, and drafting of mechanical or electrical components and assemblies using Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD, CATIA, PCB designer, Firmware IDE’s).
• Conduct engineering analysis (e.g., stress, thermal, tolerance, electrical) to ensure designs meet specifications and safety standards.
• Prepare detailed engineering drawings and specifications following industry standards and Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) principles.
• Build, test, and validate prototypes and test fixtures, analyzing test data and making design modifications as needed.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including manufacturing, quality, and supply chain, to ensure designs are cost-effective and manufacturable (Design for Manufacturing/Assembly – DFM/A).
• Participate in design reviews and contribute technical documentation for projects.
• Research new materials, components, and manufacturing processes to improve product performance and efficiency.
• Perform root cause analysis on design-related issues and propose effective solutions.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in a Bachelor's or Master's degree program in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Industrial Design, or a closely related field.
• Completion of at least two years of engineering coursework prior to the co-op start date.
• Demonstrated proficiency with at least one major 3D CAD software package.
• Strong understanding of fundamental engineering principles (mechanics, materials science, thermodynamics).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly present technical information.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.

Benefits

• Gain practical experience working on commercial products and projects.
• Mentorship from experienced senior engineers.
• Networking opportunities with industry professionals.
• Competitive hourly wage.