Engineering Co-op

Protocase Inc.; Sydney; On-site; CAD 27,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

Protocase Inc. in Sydney, Nova Scotia invites engineering co-op students from Dalhousie University to join for a 16-week term. You will work with engineers and software developers in a fast-paced manufacturing environment, taking ownership of an operational project under guidance.

This on-site role offers hands-on experience in project planning, problem solving, and communication, with exposure to manufacturing challenges. You may have potential for full-time employment after graduation.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in an Engineering program with a co-op requirement at Dalhousie University.
• Mechanical Engineering students are preferred.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with team members and stakeholders to identify and deliver operational projects.
• Plan and execute a project from initial concept through completion.
• Define and monitor project scope, objectives, and timelines.
• Track project schedules and milestones to help keep work on track.
• Identify potential risks, challenges, and roadblocks throughout the project.
• Determine the resources required to successfully execute your project.
• Communicate project progress, challenges, and results to relevant team members and stakeholders.
• Work alongside engineers and software developers to gain practical experience in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Skills

Time management

Organizational skills

Project planning

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Independent work

Education

Engineering co-op enrollment

Mechanical Engineering preferred

Job description

Engineering Co-op

Position Information

Position Title: Engineering Co-op

Department: Research & Development

Company: Protocase Inc.

Location: Sydney, Nova Scotia

Work Arrangement: On-site

Employment Type: Full-Time, 16-Week Work Term

Shift: 40 hours per week

Level: Junior

Compensation: $19.50/hour + $3.50/hour incentive target

Full Transparency: We Work a Little Differently Around Here.

This isn't just another job where you punch in and punch out. We come to work every day because we strive to earn a living in a meaningful way. Too many people exist without finding joy or purpose in their work, and we believe that's just wrong. After all, we spend at least a third of our lives working—so why not create workplaces where people want to come to work in the morning and feel good when they leave at the end of the day?

At Protocase, your ideas don't just matter—they shape our future. We thrive on collaboration and innovation, where every voice is heard, valued, and makes a real impact. Does this sound like something you'd want to be a part of and help grow?

Protocase specializes in custom sheet metal enclosures, panels, and parts for engineers and innovators worldwide, built with unmatched speed and quality. We take the impossible and make it possible for some of the brightest minds on the planet.

Learn more about us: https://workdifferently.info/

About the Role

We're looking for a motivated and ambitious Engineering Co-op Student from Dalhousie University to join Protocase for a 16-week work term at our Sydney, Nova Scotia location.

You’ll work alongside our engineers, software developers, and other team members in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. With guidance from the team, you’ll have the opportunity to take ownership of an operational project and help move it from concept through execution.

This is an opportunity to take what you've learned in the classroom and apply it to real-world engineering and manufacturing challenges. You’ll gain hands-on experience in project planning, collaboration, problem solving, and communication while contributing work that can have a tangible impact on our operations.

Full-time, permanent employment may be possible following completion of your degree.

What You’ll Do

• Collaborate with team members and stakeholders to identify and deliver operational projects.


• Plan and execute a project from initial concept through completion.


• Define and monitor project scope, objectives, and timelines.


• Track project schedules and milestones to help keep work on track.


• Identify potential risks, challenges, and roadblocks throughout the project.


• Determine the resources required to successfully execute your project.


• Communicate project progress, challenges, and results to relevant team members and stakeholders.


• Work alongside engineers and software developers to gain practical experience in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

What You Need

Education

• Currently enrolled in an Engineering program with a co-op requirement at Dalhousie University.


• Mechanical Engineering students are preferred.

Experience

• Previous professional engineering experience is not required.


• Ability to apply engineering concepts and problem-solving skills in a practical work environment.

Technical Skills

• Strong organizational and time-management skills.


• Ability to plan work, manage priorities, and meet project timelines.


• Strong written and verbal communication skills.


• Ability to work independently while also contributing effectively as part of a team.

Other Requirements

• Ability to work on-site at our Sydney, Nova Scotia facility for the full 16-week term.


• Willingness to relocate to Sydney, Nova Scotia for the duration of the work term, if required.


• Availability to work full-time at 40 hours per week.

What Would Be Considered an Asset

The following qualifications are not required, but would be considered an asset.

• Enrollment in a Mechanical Engineering program.


• Experience working on engineering, manufacturing, design, or operational improvement projects through coursework, student teams, previous work terms, or other hands-on experience.


• Exposure to project planning or project management.


• Interest in manufacturing, process improvement, and solving real-world operational challenges.

What Success Looks Like

By the end of your 16-week work term, you will:

• Understand how engineering projects are planned and executed within a fast-paced manufacturing environment.


• Build productive working relationships with engineers, software developers, stakeholders, and other team members.


• Take ownership of an assigned operational project with guidance from the team.


• Effectively manage project scope, timelines, resources, and potential risks.


• Communicate project progress and challenges clearly and consistently.


• Deliver meaningful project work that contributes to Protocase's operations.


• Leave the term with practical engineering experience you can apply throughout your studies and future career.

Why Us?

At Protocase, we believe in recognizing and rewarding hard work and dedication.

For this 16-week Engineering Co-op position, the wage is $19.50 per hour plus an incentive target of $3.50 per hour, based on a 40-hour work week.

In addition, you can look forward to:

• Training & Growth: Build practical skills through hands‑on experience, guidance from experienced team members, leadership development, and opportunities to grow your capabilities.


• Wellness Support: Take part in wellness initiatives and activities such as skiing, skating, wildlife park visits, and other team events.


• Social Events: Enjoy regular social activities, including Protojams, seasonal parties, team lunches, office events, and celebrations with your coworkers.


• Rewards & Recognition: Celebrate individual and team accomplishments through recognition programs such as Performer of the Month.


• Community Discounts: Access exclusive discounts at local businesses and restaurants.


• Lifestyle of Cape Breton, Nova Scotia: Experience beaches, hiking trails, skiing, live music, beautiful scenery, friendly communities, and everything Cape Breton has to offer.

If you're ready to take your engineering skills beyond the classroom and gain hands‑on experience making a real impact, we’d love to hear from you. Apply today and spend your co‑op term building, creating, and innovating with us at Protocase.