Design Engineer Co-op

Crane Company; Spartanburg (SC); On-site; USD 28,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

Crane Company is seeking a Design Engineering Co-op to support product design, testing, and manufacturing process improvement. You will gain hands-on experience in both the engineering lab and on the production floor while collaborating with cross-functional teams to develop innovative, high-quality products.

The role focuses on using SolidWorks for design, supporting new product development, conducting tests, and contributing to cost-reduction initiatives through VAVE and documentation efforts.

Qualifications

• Sophomore standing or higher in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Industrial Engineering, or related discipline.
• Experience with CAD software, preferably SolidWorks.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple projects with minimal supervision.
• Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Comfortable on a production floor when required.
• Proficient with Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Eagerness to learn, take on challenges, and contribute to a team environment.
• Ability to work a full-time internship schedule (40 hours per week) throughout the internship period.

Responsibilities

• Create and modify product designs using SolidWorks.
• Support new product development and existing product improvement through testing, analysis, and documentation.
• Conduct laboratory testing and evaluate product performance.
• Participate in Value Analysis/Value Engineering (VAVE) initiatives to reduce manufacturing costs.
• Develop and maintain manufacturing, assembly, and engineering documentation.
• Assist in evaluating ergonomics, manufacturability, and safety considerations.
• Support development and documentation of assembly processes for new products.
• Analyze data, identify trends, and make design/manufacturing recommendations.
• Investigate design alternatives to simplify assembly and reduce costs.
• Troubleshoot manufacturing issues and assist with corrective actions implementation.
• Collaborate with engineering and operations to meet project objectives.

Skills

CAD software

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Independence

Time management

Education

Sophomore standing or higher in Mechanical/Manufacturing/Industrial Eng

Tools

SolidWorks

MS Office

Job description

The Design Engineering Co-op will support product development and continuous improvement initiatives by assisting with product design, testing, manufacturing processes, and cost-reduction projects. This role provides hands‑on experience in both the engineering laboratory and production environment while working closely with cross‑functional teams to develop innovative, high‑quality products.

Key Responsibilities

• Create and modify product designs using SolidWorks.
• Support new product development and existing product improvement projects through testing, analysis, and documentation.
• Conduct laboratory testing and evaluate product performance.
• Participate in Value Analysis/Value Engineering (VAVE) initiatives to improve product value and reduce manufacturing costs.
• Develop and maintain manufacturing, assembly, and engineering documentation.
• Assist in evaluating product ergonomics, manufacturability, and safety considerations.
• Support the development and documentation of assembly processes for new product introductions.
• Analyze data, identify trends, and make recommendations to improve product designs and manufacturing processes.
• Investigate design alternatives that simplify assembly, enhance performance, and reduce component costs.
• Troubleshoot manufacturing issues, recommend solutions, and assist with implementation of corrective actions.
• Collaborate with engineering and operations teams to achieve project objectives and support departmental goals.

Qualifications

• Sophomore standing or higher in a Mechanical, Manufacturing, Industrial Engineering, or related scientific discipline at an accredited four‑year college or university.
• Experience with CAD software, preferably SolidWorks.
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and attention‑to‑detail skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and work independently with minimal supervision.
• Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Comfortable working in a fast‑paced environment and on the production floor when required.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Eagerness to learn, take on challenges, and contribute to a team environment.
• Ability to work a full‑time internship schedule (40 hours per week) throughout the internship period.

This Co‑op offers valuable hands‑on engineering experience through real‑world projects focused on product design, manufacturing processes, cost optimization, and continuous improvement. #CPE

This description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work being performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.

Crane Company. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, general identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.