Fall 2026 Mechanical Engineering Co-op

Kaleidoscope Innovation; Cincinnati (OH); On-site; USD 27,552 - 41,328; Full time

Job summary

Kaleidoscope Innovation in Cincinnati, Ohio, is seeking a Mechanical Engineering Co-op to assist the engineering team. The role involves researching, designing, testing, and validating engineering solutions. Candidates should be currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in engineering and have prior experience in a design and manufacturing environment. Key responsibilities include generating ideas, developing design concepts, and conducting experiments. This is a great opportunity to enhance your education while contributing to engineering projects.

Responsibilities

• Assists the engineering team in researching, designing, testing, and validating engineering solutions.
• Generates inventive ideas that meet functional requirements.
• Delivers engineering design excellence.
• Performs experiments and testing supporting product development.
• Participates in project research and brainstorming teams.

Skills

Good analytical and problem solving skills

Intermediate knowledge of SolidWorks 3D CAD

Basic knowledge in geometric tolerance analysis

Proficient in documentation, dimensioning and specification writing

Basic skills in model shop processes and equipment

Intermediate knowledge of Microsoft Office applications

Excellent oral communication skills

Education

Currently pursuing a bachelor’s of science in engineering

Prior experience within an engineering design and manufacturing environment preferred

Tools

Computer workstation

Laboratory instrument and measurement equipment

Job description

Job Summary

Under the supervision of the Engineering Co-Op Supervisor, the Mechanical Engineering Co-op assists the engineering team in the researching, designing, testing, and validating of creative and technically superior engineering solutions appropriate to each project assigned. They use projects as a learning experience to further their collegiate education while continuously improving.

Principal Duties & Responsibilities

• Generates inventive, fresh ideas that meet functional requirements
• Adjusts and/or incorporates changes in design based on feedback
• Develops design concepts for products, parts and assemblies
• Creates detailed 3D CAD models of parts and assemblies
• Develops product documentation that supports high quality production
• Delivers engineering design excellence

Design Solutions (40%)

• Generates inventive, fresh ideas that meet functional requirements
• Adjusts and/or incorporates changes in design based on feedback
• Develops design concepts for products, parts and assemblies
• Creates detailed 3D CAD models of parts and assemblies
• Develops product documentation that supports high quality production
• Delivers engineering design excellence

Quality (20%)

• Manages deliverables and timing for self
• Delivers products that meets Kaleidoscope’s standards and when appropriate, international standards and regulations
• Develops expertise in advanced CAD skills
• Stays abreast of new and evolving technologies as assigned
• Proposes process changes to improve quality, cost and schedule

Laboratory and Facilities Support (15%)

• Performs experiments and testing supporting product development
• Helps maintain the laboratory and other facilities

Documentation/models (15%)

• Develops project documentation including CAD data, reports, minutes and presentations
• Uses model shop and 3D printers to build prototypes and breadboards

Research (10%)

• Participates in project research and brainstorming teams
• Objectively observes and understands user research inputs
• May participate in usability tests and observational research
• Performs targeted secondary research

Qualifications

Education / Experience

• Currently pursuing a bachelor’s of science in engineering
• Prior experience within an engineering design and manufacturing environment preferred

Licenses / Credentials / Certifications

• N/A

Skills / Specialized Knowledge / Abilities

• Good analytical and problem solving skills
• Intermediate knowledge of SolidWorks 3D CAD
• Basic knowledge in geometric tolerance analysis
• Proficient in documentation, dimensioning and specification writing
• Demonstrated ability to synthesize and drive towards appropriate solutions within allotted timeframes
• Basic skills in model shop processes and equipment, also manufacturing processes and tooling requirements
• Basic knowledge of research techniques including moderating and observing
• Intermediate knowledge of Microsoft Office applications: (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Project, Outlook)
• Intermediate ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and clients
• Critical thinker demonstrated by checking thinking for clarity, accuracy, precision, relevance, depth, breadth, significance, logic, and fairness.
• Writes and prepares documents in a concise, logical, grammatically appropriate and detailed format
• Willingness to take direction from others and to accept constructive feedback while being adaptable and flexible
• Excellent oral communication skills that demonstrate a professional demeanor
• Handles sensitive information and maintain confidentiality

Working Conditions

Tools and Equipment Used

• Computer workstation, typical office equipment, Laboratory instrument and measurement equipment

Travel

• Minimal: up to 10% of the time

Physical & Mental Demands

• Frequently required to sit at a desk/workstation for long period of time
• Digital dexterity and hand/eye coordination in operation of office equipment
• Ability to effectively communicate to employees/clients via phone, computer or in person
• Moderate lifting and carrying of supplies, equipment, files, etc.
• Body motor skills sufficient to enable incumbent to move around the office environment
• Ability to analyze unique situations and develop appropriate response

Environment

• Work typically performed in both an office and a laboratory setting.