Summer 2027 Mechanical Engineer CoOp

Schneider Electric Corp; Cedar Rapids (IA); On-site; USD 32,000 - 49,000; Full time

Job summary

Schneider Electric seeks a Co-Op Engineer to support the MCB Engineering team through hands-on design, testing and documentation of low-voltage protection products. You will learn electrical and mechanical fundamentals, contribute to investigations, and assist with data analysis and problem solving in a collaborative lab environment.

This 6-month program (May/June–Dec 2027) is based in Cedar Rapids, IA, and emphasizes practical engineering experience, teamwork with multiple groups, and

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a bachelor's or master's degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Electromechanical or related field.
• Strong understanding of engineering fundamentals with coursework in circuits, power systems, mechanics, materials, heat transfer, CAD, statistics or lab methods.

Responsibilities

• Support design validation, optimization, and maintenance of MCB products and electromechanical components.
• Assist evaluations of mechanical components, current-carrying parts, operating mechanisms, assemblies and interfaces.
• Prepare and review drawings, CAD models, specifications, BOMs and design documentation.
• Evaluate current-carrying components, electrical connections, interruption mechanisms, thermal behavior, insulation and creepage for safety.

Skills

Electrical circuits

Circuit analysis

Electrical measurements

Mechanics and mechanical design

Materials and manufacturing

Heat transfer

Engineering drawing

Statistics and data analysis

Engineering laboratory methods

3D CAD modeling

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering

Bachelor's or Master's in Mechanical Engineering

Electromechanical or related field

Tools

3D CAD software

GD&T

Electrical measurement equipment

Laboratory instrumentation

Job description

As a Co-Op Engineer supporting the Miniature Circuit Breaker (MCB) Engineering team, you will gain hands‑on experience in the design, development, testing, validation, and continuous improvement of low‑voltage electrical products.

Working under the guidance of experienced engineers, you will apply electrical and mechanical engineering fundamentals to support product investigations, laboratory testing, engineering analysis, design activities, and technical documentation. You will learn how electrical protection products are designed and validated while developing practical skills in problem solving, testing, data analysis, product design, and engineering standards.

This role is intended for students who demonstrate strong technical curiosity and a solid academic foundation in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electromechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Physics, or a closely related discipline, with particular interest in understanding how electrical and mechanical principles interact within protective devices.

Duration: 6 months, May/June-December 2027

Key Responsibilities

• Support engineers in the design validation, optimization, and maintenance of MCB products and electromechanical components.
• Assist with engineering evaluations of mechanical components, current-carrying parts, operating mechanisms, assemblies, and product interfaces.
• Support the preparation and review of engineering drawings, CAD models, technical specifications, Bills of Material (BOM), and design documentation.
• Support evaluation of current-carrying components, electrical connections, interruption mechanisms, thermal behavior, insulation, electrical clearances and creepage, and product safety requirements.
• Assist experienced engineers in interpreting electrical test results and relating observed behavior to product design.
• Analyze test results using Excel, statistical techniques, graphical analysis, and comparative testing.
• Support structured investigations of product and manufacturing issues using methods such as 5 Whys, Ishikawa/Fishbone, 5M+1D, Six Sigma, and data-driven root-cause analysis.
• Assist with failure of characterization, measurement, sample preparation, data collection, hypothesis testing, and evidence documentation.
• Compare conforming and non-conforming products to identify meaningful differences and potential contributors failure.
• Prepare technical reports and presentations summarizing problem statements, observations, analyses, test results, conclusions, and recommended follow-up activities.
• Work alongside Continuous engineering, Product Development, Manufacturing, Quality, and Laboratory teams.
• Participate in engineering meetings, laboratory reviews, problem-solving sessions, and technical discussions.

Required Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a bachelor's or master's degree in one of the following disciplines: Electrical, Mechanical, Electromechanical or another related field.
• Strong academic understanding of engineering fundamentals, with coursework or practical experience in several of the following areas:
  • Electrical circuits and basic power systems
  • Circuit analysis and electrical measurements
  • Mechanics and mechanical design
  • Materials and manufacturing processes
  • Heat transfer and thermal principles
  • Engineering drawing and CAD
  • Statistics and engineering data analysis
  • Engineering laboratory methods and experimentation
• Based in Cedar Rapids, Iowa
• All applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. The company does not provide sponsorship now or in the future.

Preferred Technical Skills

• Exposure to 3D CAD modeling and engineering drawings
• Basic understanding of GD&T and dimensional tolerancing
• Familiarity with electrical measurement equipment or laboratory instrumentation
• Interest in engineering testing and product validation
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Excel and technical data analysis
• Exposure to statistical analysis and structured root-cause problem solving
• Awareness of DFM/DFA principles
• Interest in low-voltage electrical distribution and protection products
• Prior knowledge of MCBs or UL 489 is not required. Candidates should demonstrate strong engineering fundamentals, technical curiosity, and the ability to learn product technology quickly and connect theoretical concepts with observed product behavior.

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For this U.S. based position, the expected pay range is USD $23.00-$35.50 per hour. Our pay ranges are determined by reviewing roles of similar responsibility and level. Within the pay range, individual pay is determined by several factors including performance, knowledge, job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

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