Co-Op Engineer

Engineering, Mechatronics

Posted on 10/1/2025

Cummins

Cummins

No salary listed

Troy, MI, USA

Hybrid

Requires onsite work 4 days a week.

Here are 8 impactful ways you'll contribute in this Cooperative Education Student role, based on the job overview and responsibilities:

Accelerate Innovation Projects
You'll support advanced engineering initiatives by contributing to the design and development of mechatronic and mechanical systems—helping shape the future of Cummins-Meritor products like brakes, axles, and suspensions.

Enhance Testing Capabilities
By assisting with vehicle and lab-based R&D testing, you'll provide hands-on support that ensures product reliability and performance under real-world conditions.

Drive Data-Driven Decisions
Your analysis of sensor data from lab and vehicle tests will help engineers make informed decisions, improving product design and functionality.

Support Design Accuracy
Through clearance studies and CAD modeling, you'll help ensure that components fit and function properly—reducing errors and improving efficiency in the design process.

Contribute to Software Development
Writing code in C/C++, MATLAB, or Python will allow you to automate tasks, analyze data, and simulate systems—bringing a modern, digital edge to engineering workflows.

Deliver Engineering Insights
Your engineering reports and analysis will provide valuable documentation and recommendations that guide design improvements and support compliance.

Advance Product Benchmarking
By assisting in benchmarking activities, you'll help identify strengths and weaknesses in current products compared to competitors—fueling continuous improvement.

Strengthen Simulation and Modeling
Your involvement in FEA and dynamic modeling will support virtual testing and optimization, reducing the need for costly physical prototypes.

Job Flexibility: On-site (with flexibility) Position: The role will allow employee to work remotely but will also require onsite work-based 4 days/week.

Overview:

Cooperative Education Student who is pursuing a bachelor’s degree of Mechanical, Mechatronics or Electrical Engineering. The student works in support of the engineering department by applying knowledge from academic studies, interfacing with project engineers, test labs, production manufacturing facilities, and several internal engineering groups. The intern works under close supervision to learn about aspects of engineering that they can apply after graduation.

Job Responsibilities:

  • Support project and product engineers on advanced engineering & innovation projects. This will include design and development activities in the area of mechatronics, as well as mechanical components and systems used in Cummins-Meritor products (Brakes, Steer Axles, Drive Axles, Suspensions, etc.).
  • Provide hands-on support to R&D tests activities vehicle and laboratory testing.
  • Perform data analysis on sensor data acquired on lab and vehicles.
  • Make clearance studies of static and/or dynamic components.
  • Write code in programming languages such as C/C++, Matlab or python.
  • Provide engineering analysis for new or existing components and write engineering reports as required.
  • Make 2-D CAD drawings or 3-D math models in support or Engineering Change Requests as required.
  • Assist on product benchmarking analysis.
  • Simulation-FEA or Dynamic modeling.
  • Other activities required by the manager.

Qualifications and Skills:

  • Goes beyond task completion, demonstrates a proactive and analytical mindset by actively engaging in understanding the underlying principles of assigned projects and proposing insightful improvements.
  • Demonstrates capability and knowledge of basic mathematics and sciences.
  • Demonstrates written and oral communication skills, including presentation creation.
  • Strong teamwork and ability to interact with all levels of the organizations.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving ability.
  • Understanding of vehicle drivetrain components and their application is a plus
  • Familiarity with design software such as Pro-E is a plus.
  • Familiarity with data acquisition tools and activities is a plus.
  • Experience with C/C++, Matlab or python programming is a plus

Education / Area of Study:

  • Pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Mechatronics, Mechanical or Electrical Engineering, or related field.

To be successful in this Cooperative Education Student role, you'll need a combination of technical skills, mindset, and interpersonal abilities.

Technical Proficiency
Familiarity with programming languages (C/C++, MATLAB, Python), CAD tools (2D/3D modeling), and simulation software (FEA, dynamic modeling) will help you contribute meaningfully to engineering tasks.

Hands-On Curiosity
A willingness to engage in lab and vehicle testing, perform clearance studies, and analyze sensor data will allow you to learn by doing and support real-world engineering efforts.

Analytical Mindset
You’ll need to go beyond task completion—think critically, ask questions, and propose improvements based on your understanding of the project’s goals and data insights.

Communication Skills
Clear written and verbal communication, including the ability to create presentations and write engineering reports, is key to sharing your findings and collaborating effectively.

Team Collaboration
Success will depend on your ability to work well with engineers, lab technicians, and cross-functional teams—being approachable, respectful, and open to feedback.

Adaptability & Initiative
Being proactive, eager to learn, and flexible with tasks assigned by your manager will help you thrive in a dynamic engineering environment.

Understanding of Vehicle Systems
Knowledge of drivetrain components and their applications (brakes, axles, suspensions) will give you context for your work and help you contribute to product development and benchmarking.