About the role#
This is a three-semester cooperative education position for Mechanical Engineering students. You will join the engineering team at PADNOS to work on scrap and recycling processing equipment. You will work alongside degreed engineers, machine shop staff, and millwright crews to design new machinery, build prototypes, and improve existing systems. This role involves a mix of office-based CAD design and hands-on work on the production floor.
What you'll do#
- Create 3D part models, assemblies, and detailed 2D fabrication drawings.
- Design new components and subassemblies for scrap processing operations.
- Perform engineering calculations to validate designs.
- Support R&D projects from concept through testing and full implementation.
- Build, install, and test prototypes in the machine shop.
- Field-measure and reverse engineer existing equipment and wear parts.
- Develop in-house drawings for obsolete or high-cost OEM parts.
- Analyze production, downtime, and wear data to identify improvement opportunities.
- Redesign systems to improve throughput, metal recovery, safety, and maintainability.
- Perform root-cause analysis on equipment failures.
- Collaborate with maintenance, operations, and EHS teams.
What you'll need#
- Enrollment in the GVSU Padnos College of Engineering Mechanical Engineering program in good academic standing.
- Completion of the Engineering Professionalism course and approval from PCE to accept a co-op offer.
- Availability for three alternating semesters at 40 hours per week or the Flex option.
- Working knowledge of 3D CAD software.
- Coursework or interest in machine design, statics, mechanics of materials, and manufacturing processes.
- Strong mechanical aptitude and hands-on problem-solving skills.
- Comfort working in an industrial or manufacturing plant environment.
- Strong communication, teamwork, and documentation skills.
Location & details#
- This role is based in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
- Work is on-site at the industrial recycling plant and machine shop.
- You will be required to wear PPE, including safety glasses, hearing protection, and steel-toe boots.
- The role involves walking, standing for extended periods, climbing stairs or ladders, and occasionally lifting up to 50 lbs.
About PADNOS
PADNOS is a family-owned recycling business founded in 1905. Based in Holland, Michigan, the company manages scrap and recycling programs for industrial and commercial clients. It operates 23 recycling centers across Michigan and Indiana. The firm processes materials including paper, plastics, and various metals.
How to get in at PADNOS
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