Scope
Manufacturing Engineering Co-Op supporting production operations for ground maintenance equipment within a high-volume manufacturing facility. Contributed across fabrication and final assembly, leading process standardization, preventative maintenance optimization, and assembly line efficiency initiatives in close collaboration with operators and production leadership.
Automated Welding Cell Preventative Maintenance
Led a comprehensive overhaul of the preventative maintenance schedule for automated welding cells to improve weld quality consistency while reducing unnecessary consumption of welding consumables.
Key actions included:
- Auditing existing maintenance procedures through direct operator engagement
- Reviewing OEM-recommended service protocols
- Identifying gaps between practice and manufacturer guidance
- Developing a standardized Work Instruction (WI) for preventative maintenance
- Training operators to ensure consistent adoption
This initiative improved maintenance clarity, reduced process variability, and aligned shop-floor execution with manufacturer specifications.
Assembly Line Optimization
Led full time-study re-benchmarking efforts for two mass-production assembly lines.
This involved:
- Documenting and timing every assembly operation
- Identifying bottlenecks in task sequencing and material flow
- Engaging directly with operators to understand variability drivers
- Providing data-driven insights to support line balancing efforts
The work established updated cycle time baselines and enabled informed decision-making around production efficiency improvements.
Assembly Line Fixtures
Reviewed and prioritized continuous improvement suggestions from assembly operators to enhance ergonomics and process efficiency.
Designed and released custom assembly fixtures using PTC Creo and Windchill, applying sheet metal design principles to ensure manufacturability within the facility.
These fixtures improved operator experience, reduced process friction, and reinforced a culture of practical continuous improvement.
Summary
This role strengthened my capabilities in manufacturing systems optimization, standard work development, and operator-centered process improvement. Direct engagement on the shop floor reinforced the importance of practical implementation, change management, and designing engineering solutions that integrate seamlessly into real production environments.