Mechanical Engineering Associate (Internship)

Date Posted: 8/23/2023

Location: Remote/Corydon, IA

Job Description:

While this is a remote work position, on-site visits would be possible and necessary, not to interfere with class schedules. Applicants must be within one or two years of graduation.

Brief Description of Job:

• Provide technical design of mechanical systems and products.
• Evaluate systems’ safety, reliability, and performance.
• Recommend equipment, new concepts, and techniques to improve performance, simplify processes, and improve material designs or material flaws as related to mechanical systems and components.
• Work collaboratively with the engineering team and various plant personnel to improve electrical/digital component and product designs on existing products or develop new products related to Zero Turn Lawnmowers (ZTR) and Grain Drying Equipment.

Essential Functions:

• Design, prototype, test, implement and improve new products, existing products, and mechanical systems.
• Size and specify mechanical parts and components.
• Assist the design improvements on existing products as related to mechanical systems and components, and new product designs for grain dryers, heaters/burners, fans, controls, material handling equipment, and grain storage.
• Interpret mechanical design drawings for requirements.
• Ensure that installation and operations conform to standards by preparing mechanical systems specifications and technical drawings.
• Use 2D and 3D drafting and modeling skills in product design and development, mechanical schematics/diagrams, and specifications.
• Communicate and coordinate with manufacturing staff and procurement specialists to ensure manufacturability and cost control of the finished product.
• May participate in product development testing to validate the design concepts in the R&D Shop/Area, and often with in-field testing.
• Create detailed manufacturing prints, bill of materials and operating instructions for all products and improvements while interfacing with Sales, Manufacturing, and Procurement to insure an integrated, efficient product roll-out.
• Work with other members of the department as required/needed, including designers and technical drafting support.
• Assist with troubleshooting and problem solving by working directly with the design team, production supervisors/managers, quality personnel, and shop floor production team as needed.
• Maintain consistent communication with the supervisor on the status of assigned tasks. Meet weekly with supervisor via Teams meetings or as needed. Report weekly progress and status of projects.
• Actively participate in continuous improvement activities.
• Follow safety rules and regulations in performing work assignments.

Educational Requirements:

• Pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Agricultural Engineering, or related field. Must be within one or two years of graduation.

Skills/Experience Requirements:

• Previous engineering design experience in mechanical equipment manufacturing preferred.
• Proficiency in 2D or 3D drafting.
• Attention to detail. Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to conceptualize and work from engineering sketches.
• Strong electro/mechanical aptitude.
• Work effectively with limited direction as well as the ability to work in a team environment and multitask effectively.
• Strong written communication skills.
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office programs.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to stand for long periods of time.
• Ability to perform repetitive operations.
• Ability to lift up to 30lbs frequently; occasionally lift and/or move up to 50lbs.
• Ability to perform repetitive motions such as bending, walking, reaching with hands, grasping, pushing, and pulling.
• Ability to wear PPE (personal protective equipment) as needed. Steel-toed shoes and safety glasses are required when working in the factory or testing areas.

Work Environment:

• Environment ranges from an office environment to a manufacturing shop environment, to a field application environment, with various noise levels and temperatures ranging from hot to cold depending on seasons.