Fall 2026 Engineering Co-Op

As an Engineering Co-Op, you will work under the supervision of an Engineering Manager or senior Engineer. Your responsibilities will include conducting and documenting laboratory tests, assisting with various engineering tasks, and supporting product engineering activities such as product development, modifications, and technical service.

Sophomore Co-Op Experience (Laboratory Technician)

• Conduct mechanical, electrical, fiber optic, environmental, and vibration testing according to PLP ISO procedures, including writing summary reports on testing conducted. Analysis of data as required.
• Perform test gauge calibration.
• Perform preventative maintenance and minor repairs on test equipment.
• Other items incidental to the functioning of PLP's Lab Operations.

Junior Co-Op Experience (Engineering Assistant)

• Plan and write test procedures; coordinate testing with lab personnel, witness and assist with testing; make verbal and written reports with appropriate recommendations to product engineers (pertains to in-house and "external" testing.)
• Have a working knowledge of PLP products; assist in developing prototypes and tooling manufacturing processes. Make prototype products using wood, metal, or plastic in combination with simple model shop equipment. Assist in producing prototype products.
• Prepare preliminary product drawings, charts and graphs, and other layouts used in product development, technical presentations, and reports.
• Under the guidance of an Engineer, perform technical support activities for existing products.
• Assist Quality Assurance in setting up inspection procedures on new products and on existing products when changes are made. Check samples from vendors produced from preliminary and final tooling. Help with on-site inspections and modifications necessitated by shipment of out-of-specification products.
• Prepare product test samples.
• Assist with visitations. Participate in product demonstrations and product applications.
• Assist with designing products using tools such as Auto-Cad or Pro-E.

Senior Co-Op Experience (Engineer)

• Assist with new product development, including the consideration of regulatory issues, safety regulations, application procedures, quality acceptance criteria, verification analysis, and design review requirements, and product modification work.
• In conjunction with your supervisor, help prepare product development plans with corresponding cost estimates.
• Assist in developing product parameters, specifications, and engineering drawings.
• In conjunction with your supervisor and Purchasing Department, work with vendors concerning tooling and part fabrication issues.
• Assist in providing technical performance data necessary to support the sale of new and modified products.
• Provide technical support for Production, Sales, Marketing, and International as required.
• Assist in modifying products to do specialized jobs required by customers and deemed necessary by Marketing or Engineering.
• Assist in addressing field complaints and product failures by analyzing problems and providing solutions or recommendations after proper engineering and laboratory studies.

Qualifications and Requirements

• High School Diploma required and a minimum of one year completed toward a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering.
• No experience required for Sophomore level responsibilities. Responsibilities/experience will build during Co-Op relationship in Junior and Senior years.
• Computer literate, including working knowledge of Spreadsheets and computer software.
• Ability to take accurate measurements.
• Ability to document logs and write test reports.
• Very good written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work well with others, a team player.