Mechanical Engineering Co-op: Prototyping, CAD & Testing

Aprilaire; Town of Sun Prairie (WI); On-site; USD 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Aprilaire is seeking a Mechanical Engineering Co-Op in Sun Prairie, WI, to support advanced concept development, prototype design, and product testing within the Innovation & Expansion team.

You will build CAD models, run experiments, analyze data, and prepare reports while collaborating with cross-functional teams. This six-month internship runs January–July 2027 and offers hands-on learning in new product development and engineering methods.

Qualifications

• Authorization to work in the United States is required.
• Undergraduate student working towards a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering.
• GPA 3.3 or above.
• Interest in product innovation, new product development, and emerging technologies.
• Basic understanding of engineering testing principles and experimental methods.
• Ability to interpret and analyze technical data.
• Experience with CAD software such as SolidWorks or equivalent.
• Familiarity with laboratory equipment, instrumentation, or data acquisition systems is preferred.
• Experience through coursework, projects, internships, research, robotics, or engineering competitions is a plus.
• Interest in prototype development, rapid experimentation, and hands-on engineering work.

Responsibilities

• Assist with development of advanced concepts, feasibility studies, and proof-of-concept prototypes for new products.
• Create CAD models, drawings, and engineering documentation to support concept development, prototype design, and product refinement.
• Build, assemble, and evaluate prototypes to assess fit, form, function, and performance objectives.
• Assist engineers in evaluating adjacent technologies, product architectures, and expansion opportunities.
• Support competitive product evaluations, benchmarking studies, and failure analysis investigations.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Product Management, Manufacturing, Quality, and Industrial Design teams.
• Support laboratory testing activities for product performance, durability, safety, and feasibility evaluations.
• Assist in developing and executing engineering test plans and documenting test procedures and results.
• Support design verification activities and correlate test results with engineering analyses.
• Collect, analyze, and present engineering data through reports, presentations, and recommendations.
• Assist with instrumentation, data acquisition systems, and development of laboratory methods and test fixtures.
• Document findings, recommendations, and lessons learned from engineering investigations and testing activities.
• Support pilot builds, development builds, and other engineering projects as assigned.

Skills

CAD/Analytical thinking

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Teamwork

Problem solving

Education

B.S. in Mechanical Engineering

GPA 3.3+

Tools

SolidWorks

Job description

Aprilaire is seeking a Mechanical Engineering Co-Op in Sun Prairie, WI, to support advanced concept development, prototype design, and product testing within the Innovation & Expansion team.

You will build CAD models, run experiments, analyze data, and prepare reports while collaborating with cross-functional teams. This six-month internship runs January–July 2027 and offers hands-on learning in new product development and engineering methods.