Fall 2024 Mechanical Engineer Co-Op

Vitamix is unquestionably the premium brand of high-performance "blenders," and known for its top-notch company culture and climate. It is an important component of what makes Vitamix unique and successful, and the reason why Vitamix is recognized as a Top Workplace, NorthCoast99 Winner, and Smart Culture Award recipient.

Throughout its 101-year history, Vitamix has encouraged and promoted healthy lifestyles for both its customers and employees. Employees enjoy multiple wellness programs and perks, a free Vitamix machine, and an onsite fitness center. Vitamix also offers a flexible work environment, great work culture, healthy living initiatives like fitness reimbursements, and opportunities for advancement.

For consumers, Vitamix can be found domestically in places like William Sonoma, Sur la Table, Crate & Barrel, Target, Amazon, and at Vitamix.com, and is in over 130 countries around the world.

Ultimately, Vitamix is the Global-leader in high-performance blending solutions for home and commercial use, is preferred by chefs and is found in many of top restaurants around the world. It is relied upon by culinary schools in the U.S. and has been used to train thousands of students and master chefs worldwide. If it is not a Vitamix, it's just a blender.

Vitamix is seeking a Mechanical Engineering, NPD Co-op to support the development of new products. This can include defining customer needs, developing concepts that meet the needs, vetting concepts through analytical and/or empirical means to propose final solutions to the business, and integrating the solution into manufacturing for launch readiness. The Engineering Intern, through their work, will participate in Vitamix's stage gate process, which is the process utilized for developing and commercializing products. Other responsibilities can include modeling and designing in a CAD environment, prototyping, test development, and testing. The Intern will be expected to document their work per department standards, and present results, conclusions and recommendations to project stakeholders. Additionally, the Intern will be expected to collaborate with other departments in the execution of projects.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Support the development of new products including, but not limited to, developing concepts that meet the needs, vetting concepts through analytical or empirical means to propose final solutions to the business, and integrating the solution into manufacturing for launch readiness.

• Participates in Vitamix's stage gate process (process for developing and commercializing products).

• Modeling and designing in a CAD environment, prototyping, test development and testing.

• Supports CAD creation using CREO

• Supports/Leads mechanical analysis of components/sub-systems/systems

• Supports prototype development and construction using a combination of rapid prototyping and machine shop techniques

• Supports the testing including, conducting tests, developing and constructing fixtures to facilitate tests, and developing test procedures

• Co-Ops must be available for full time throughout the spring semester (January-May) and will work onsite at our Corporate Headquarters

The ideal candidate will also possess:

• Alignment with Vitamix's culture and Guiding Principles which defines its Purpose, Mission, and Values.

• Expertise around Vitamix competencies: Adapting to Change, Customer Thinking & Focus, Drive for Results

• Proficient in Microsoft Office, especially Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Excel

• Base knowledge of Thermodynamics, Vibration, Heat Transfer, and Mechanical Dynamics principles

• Possesses and displays excellent verbal and written communication skills with ability to convey information in a clear, focused and concise manner

• Demonstrated ability to interface and maintain effective relationships with all levels of employees in a team-oriented environment

• High level of professionalism and maturity

• Ability to effectively prioritize and execute tasks on time and to required specifications

• A student in process of pursuing a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, at an ABET accredited university, or a student who has completed their B.S. in Mechanical Engineering and who is in the process of completing a Master's Degree in an Engineering discipline

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable Accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.