Design Engineer CoOp (Winter 2027)

The Vollrath Company is offering a hands-on engineering co-op opportunity for an engineering student. The role supports the full product design lifecycle, including concept development, detailed design, prototyping, testing, analysis, and collaboration with cross-functional teams to develop reliable, cost-effective, and manufacturable products.

What you'll do:

• 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

What they're looking for:

• 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.