About the role#
As a Product Development Co-op at Tekton, you will work directly with our team on every phase of the product development process. This includes researching, designing, manufacturing, and refining hand tools. You will join an existing project team during your first rotation to contribute to active work. In later rotations, you will lead full development projects or manage substantial portions of them.
What you'll do#
- Apply engineering principles to design and manufacture tools you believe in.
- Build and test models and prototypes to verify design concepts.
- Schedule and manage the development process for your assigned projects.
- Work with the Manufacturing department to launch new products and refine existing processes.
- Evaluate the manufacturing capabilities of suppliers to ensure they are reliable partners.
- Develop initial product standards to hand off to the Quality Control team.
- Design and perform tests to assess the performance of finished products.
- Collaborate with the Tool Applications and Content department to communicate the story of each tool.
- Follow products into the hands of users to gather feedback and learn from their experiences.
What you'll need#
- Currently pursuing a B.S.E. in an Engineering program.
- Familiarity with CAD, 3-D modeling, and standard industry software.
- Eligibility to work in the United States without visa sponsorship.
- Alignment with Tekton’s philosophy, work style, and ways of thinking.
- Natural curiosity and a habit of asking questions.
- A team-oriented mindset, including the ability to ask for help or change your mind when needed.
- A mechanic's mindset and regular use of hand tools in your personal life.
- High precision with details and a drive to research topics deeply.
- Strong personal values, including honesty, integrity, and empathy.
Location & details#
- This is a full-time, paid, on-site position based in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
- The term begins in Summer 2027.
- Compensation is $22 - $25 per hour.
- Benefits include paid time off, tuition reimbursement, and a 401(K) program.
About Tekton
Tekton is a family-owned manufacturing company based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Founded in 1963, the business produces various hand tools including wrenches, pliers, and sockets. It manages internal operations across design, engineering, and supply chain. The company employs between 51 and 200 people.
How to get in at Tekton
Applying to Tekton early gives you a distinct advantage because recruiters review applications as they arrive. Intern Insider sends an instant alert the moment a role matching your target is published, so you can submit your materials before the applicant pool grows large. This ensures your resume is seen while the hiring team is still fresh. You can also improve your response rates by reaching out to the recruiters behind the roles directly. Intern Insider surfaces the specific people managing these openings, allowing you to ask relevant questions or request a referral. This direct approach often bypasses the standard queue and helps you stand out as a serious candidate.
