2027 Mechanical Product Engineering Co-Op

Wabash; Lafayette (IN); On-site; USD 25,000 - 33,000; Part time

Job summary

Wabash in West Lafayette, IN is seeking a Mechanical Product Development Co-Op to assist on a variety of product development projects, including design, testing, and validation of Van Trailers and Truck Bodies. You will work with cross-functional teams to improve quality and reduce cost.

This on-site role runs January–December 2027 with a flexible split: 10–15 hours weekly in spring, 40 hours weekly in summer, and 10–15 hours weekly in fall.

Qualifications

• Pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering (ME), Mechanical Engineering Technology (MET), or equivalent.
• Some experience in product development and 3D CAD software (preferably SolidWorks).
• Fundamental knowledge of basic manufacturability processes and material properties.
• Fundamental knowledge of Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and structural design.
• Fundamental knowledge of thermodynamics / heat and mass transfer.
• Working knowledge of statistics and data analysis.
• Familiarity with sensors, strain gauges and thermocouples is a plus.
• Proficiency in MS Office.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; punctuality and self-motivation.
• SAP and PLM experience is a plus.
• Basic sub-assembly in test labs; familiarity with hand tools is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Engineering, testing and validation as it relates to Van Trailers and Truck Bodies.
• Assist in solving customer problems by identifying and developing product solutions in terms of form, fit and function.
• Collaborate to specify product functional requirements, assist in identifying DFMEA and development of testing strategies (DVP&R) per user needs and standards, while managing cost and weight initiatives.
• Assist in the creation of testing methods and interpreting testing results.
• Support department initiatives through Product Change Process.
• Assist in manufacturing quality-related process improvements, lean projects, and equipment qualification/validation by reviewing protocols and reports.
• Assist in warranty issue resolution in a timely manner.
• Assist with internal and external corrective and preventive actions.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

SolidWorks

MS Office

Statistics

Sensors

Communication skills

SAP/PLM experience

Time management

Hand tools familiarity

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering Technology

Tools

SAP

PLM

Job description

As a Mechanical Product Development Co-Op, you will assist on a variety of product development projects, as well as assisting adjacent team projects. Activities include, but are not limited to designing, optimizing, and testing new and existing products to complement and enhance product offerings, continually improve quality, reduce warranty risk, and minimize production cost while sustaining a competitive advantage in the transportation industry. This position will also collaborate cross-functionally to integrate the needs of adjacent engineering, quality, and warranty departments.

Time Commitment and Location:

• This will be a 1 year commitment starting in January 2027 and ending in December 2027. Expected hours include 10-15 hours per week during the Spring semester, 40 hours per week during the summersemester, and 10-15 hours per week duringthe Fall semester
• This position will be on-site at our Railyard location (1281 Win Hentschel Blvd, West Lafayette, IN 47906) so reliable transportation is needed

Your Responsibilities:

• Engineering, testing and validation as it relates to Van Trailers and Truck Bodies
• Assist in solving customer problems by identifying and developing product solutions in terms of form, fit and function
• Collaborate to specify product functional requirements, assist in identifying design failure mode risk (DFMEA), assist development of testing strategies (DVP&R) according to user needs based on internal and external standards and regulatory requirements, while assisting in managing cost and weight initiatives
• Assist in the creation of testing methods and interpreting testing results
• Support department initiatives (e.g., VA/VE, and new products) through Product Change Process
• Assist team members with manufacturing on quality related process improvement projects, lean manufacturing projects, and equipment qualification/validation, through review of protocols and reports
• Assist team members with warranty to solve customer related issues in an effective timely manner
• Assist team members in internal and external corrective and preventive actions
• Other duties as assigned

Let’s Talk About Your Qualifications:

• Pursuance of a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering (ME), Mechanical Engineering Technology (MET), or equivalent
• Some experience in product development and 3D CAD software (preferably SolidWorks)
• Fundamental knowledge of basic manufacturability processes
• Fundamental knowledge of material properties and Design for Manufacturability (DFM)
• Fundamental knowledge of structural design
• Fundamental knowledge of thermodynamics / heat and mass transfer
• A working knowledge of statistics and data analysis
• An understanding of sensors, strain gauges and thermocouples a plus
• Proficiency in MS Office
• Demonstrated written and verbal communication skills, including practicing good emotional intelligence
• Any SAP and PLM experience is a plus
• Good character and work ethical attributes including being punctual, a self-starter, good time management skills, and able to record instructions and deliver on expectations in a timely manner .
• Basic sub-assembly in our test lab will be required so experience with basic hand tools will be preferred .

Leadership Attributes:

At Wabash, we pride ourselves on being empowering, and there are some things we feel very strongly about:

• Embrace Diversity and Inclusion – Solicit and respect the input of others, celebrate differences, and strive for transparency and inclusiveness
• Seek to Listen – Actively listen to reach the best solution and make the strongest decisions
• Always Learn – Strive to improve; do not quit or settle for the status quo
• Be Authentic – Demonstrate honesty, incredible energy, and grit in everything you do
• WinTogether – Collaborate, seek alignment, and excel at cross-group communication to success as one team and One Wabash

Join us in turning ideas into world-changing realities. Curate and build your high-impact professional career at Wabash!

Affirmative Action/EEO Statement:

Wabash is committed to providing equal employment opportunity for its associates and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, veteran status, disability, or other protected class or activity under federal, state, or local law. All employment decisions must be based on neutral, legitimate criteria. All employment policies and rules shall be applied equally to similarly situated associates.