Mechanical Engineering Co-Op

About the role

The Henderson Technical Laboratory (HTL) Co-op supports the re-establishment and development of in-house mechanical testing capabilities for metallic materials. The primary focus of this position will be returning existing mechanical testing equipment to operational service and establishing repeatable laboratory capabilities for basic tensile, low-cycle fatigue, and related mechanical testing. Working alongside engineers and laboratory technicians, the co-op will evaluate existing test equipment, computer hardware, software, instrumentation, fixtures, and supporting systems; assist with equipment startup and troubleshooting; execute initial test programs; and develop the documentation necessary to support continued laboratory operation. This position provides a unique opportunity for a student to take ownership of a capability-development project from equipment assessment through successful testing while gaining hands-on experience with mechanical testing, instrumentation, metallic materials, laboratory equipment, and pilot-scale engineering operations.

Responsibilities

• Support the return to service of existing servo-hydraulic mechanical testing systems and creep testing equipment.
• Assess existing equipment, instrumentation, controllers, computers, software, fixtures, and supporting systems to determine operational status and identify needs for return to service.
• Assist with inspection, basic maintenance, troubleshooting, and functional verification of mechanical testing equipment in accordance with applicable procedures and manufacturer requirements.
• Configure and verify computer hardware, test-control software, data acquisition systems, and associated instrumentation used for mechanical testing.
• Develop familiarity with tensile, dwell low-cycle fatigue (DLCF), creep, and other relevant mechanical testing methods.
• Establish and execute basic mechanical test methods, initially emphasizing tensile and dwell low-cycle fatigue testing of metallic specimens.
• Prepare test specimens and coordinate specimen requirements with HTL's machining capabilities.
• Install specimens, extensometers, grips, fixtures, and other test hardware as training and qualifications permit.
• Collect, review, organize, and analyze mechanical test data and identify potential equipment, instrumentation, or test-method issues.
• Document equipment configurations, startup procedures, test methods, troubleshooting activities, maintenance requirements, and test results.
• Develop or revise Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Job Safety Assessments (JSAs), work instructions, equipment documentation, and other materials needed to support sustained laboratory operation.
• Prepare technical summaries, presentations, and reports documenting project progress and mechanical testing