Manufacturing Engineering Co-Op

Aprilaire; Wisconsin; Hybrid; USD 25,000 - 36,000; Part time

Job summary

Aprilaire in Wisconsin is seeking a Manufacturing Engineering Co‑Op to design mechanical components, create technical documentation, and assist with feasibility studies. The role is 100% onsite at the Poynette facility and spans six months from January to July 2027, offering hands-on experience and exposure to cross-functional engineering teams.

You will work with CAD tools, develop documentation, and participate in lean projects while aligning with university co-op policies for academic credit.

Qualifications

• Pursuing BS in Mechanical, Manufacturing, or Industrial Engineering.
• GPA 3.0+ required.
• Proficiency in CAD software and engineering tools.
• Ability to communicate effectively at all levels.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop mechanical systems and components using CAD software (SolidWorks/AutoCad).
• Create technical drawings, specifications, and reports.
• Assist feasibility and capability studies for performance, cost, and reliability.
• Support lean and continuous improvement projects with multiple departments.
• Aid safety team with ergonomic improvements in the plant.
• Participate in new product launch activities including line setup.
• Contribute to prototype reviews and provide feedback on manufacturability.

Skills

CAD proficiency

SolidWorks

AutoCAD

Communication

Teamwork

MS Office

Education

Bachelor’s in Mechanical/Manufacturing/Industrial Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

AutoCAD

Visio

Job description

Overview

Our Manufacturing Engineering Co‑Op will play a hands‑on role in supporting how products move from concept to production at our Poynette facility. They’ll work directly with engineers to design mechanical components in CAD, create technical documentation, and assist with feasibility studies that evaluate performance, cost, and reliability.

Our co‑op program provides the opportunity to connect with industry professionals, expand their network, and build essential problem‑solving and communication skills that set them up for early‑career success.

• Students must be able to commit to a six‑month term spanning January–July 2027.
• Students must be able to be 100% onsite at our Poynette, WI location.
• Co‑Op will result in academic credit based on each student’s specific university co‑op policies.

Responsibilities

The exact duties of the co‑op engineer will vary based on past educational and work experience but will include many of the following:

• Design and develop mechanical systems and components using CAD software including SolidWorks and AutoCad
• Create technical documentation including drawings, specifications, and reports.
• Assist in conducting feasibility and capability studies to evaluate performance, cost, and reliability of mechanical designs.
• Participate in lean and continuous improvement projects while working with multiple departments including production, human resources, and quality
• Assist our safety department in implementing ergonomic improvements to improve safety within plant
• Participate in new product launch activities including line setup/startup, troubleshooting, and equipment development.
• Participate in prototype reviews, providing feedback to product engineers on ways to improve manufacturability.

Qualifications

• Authorization to work in United States required.
• Undergraduate student pursuing BS in Mechanical, Manufacturing, or Industrial Engineering,
• Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above required.
• Proficiency in CAD software and other engineering tools.
• Ability to identify problems and formulate solutions.
• Good communication skills; verbal, written and able to effectively communicate with all levels of the organization
• Ability to work with minimal supervision and participate positively within a team environment.
• Proficiencies in: Microsoft Office Suite including Excel, PowerPoint, Word and Visio
• Reliable transportation to our manufacturing facility in Poynette, WI (about 20 minutes from Sun Prairie, 30 minutes from downtown Madison)