On-Site Mechanical Product Co-Op (West Lafayette)

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

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.