Design Engineer CoOp (Winter 2027)

POSITION DESCRIPTION

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.

ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

We're seeking a highly motivated and enthusiastic Engineer Co-op to join our team. This 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.

Key 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.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES/DIRECT REPORTS

• None

TRAVEL

• Less than 5%

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 OF THE CO-OP PROGRAM

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

VOLLRATH’S CORE VALUES

Treat All People with Respect: Our intention is to recognize the diverse experiences, styles, and backgrounds of others, treating everyone with dignity.  We aim to foster an inclusive culture where all team members can be their authentic selves and feel safe in voicing their perspectives.

Take Ownership: Our intention is to match our actions with our words, building trust with others.  We are united in taking responsibility for the success of Vollrath as a whole.

Empower Action: Our intention is to create a workplace where every member can thrive in their growth and contributions with excitement, confidence, and psychological safety.  We support each team member with resources and tools to strengthen collaboration and performance.

Commitment to Those Who Count on Us: Our intention is to drive innovation and practical solutions through understanding the needs of our coworkers, customers, owners, and communities.  We are dedicated to proactively addressing those needs and delivering results.

Life Beyond Work: Our intention is to care for the well-being of every individual we engage with, understanding them as a whole person.  We strive to keep people mentally and physically safe, sending each person home in a condition to build a fulfilling life beyond work.  We encourage balance, allowing our colleagues to pursue their passions.