Spring 2027 Mechanical Engineer Co-Op

Schneider Electric • Cedar Rapids, IA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

As a Co-Op Engineer supporting the Miniature Circuit Breaker (MCB) Engineering team, you will gain hands-on experience in designing, developing, testing, validating, and continuously improving low-voltage electrical products. Working under experienced engineers, you will apply electrical and mechanical engineering fundamentals to product investigations, laboratory testing, engineering analysis, design activities, and technical documentation. The role provides an opportunity to learn how electrical protection products are designed and validated while building practical skills in problem solving, testing, data analysis, product design, and engineering standards.

This position is intended for students with strong technical curiosity and an academic foundation in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electromechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Physics, or a closely related discipline, particularly those interested in how electrical and mechanical principles interact in protective devices. The co-op is based in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and runs for six months, January through June 2027. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States; sponsorship is not provided now or in the future.

Requirements

• Currently pursuing a bachelor's or master's degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Electromechanical, or another related field.
• Strong academic understanding of engineering fundamentals, with coursework or practical experience in several relevant areas, including 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; or engineering laboratory methods and experimentation.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States; the company does not provide sponsorship now or in the future.

Nice To Haves

• 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.
• Strong engineering fundamentals, technical curiosity, and ability to learn product technology quickly and connect theoretical concepts with observed product behavior. Prior knowledge of MCBs or UL 489 is not required.

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 characterization, measurement, sample preparation, data collection, hypothesis testing, and evidence documentation.
• Compare conforming and non-conforming products to identify meaningful differences and potential contributors to 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.

Benefits

• Career development support through performance discussions, global opportunities, the Schneider Career Hub, and learning platforms such as Coursera.
• Inclusive workplace that encourages collaboration, recognition, and sharing your voice.
• Volunteer leave, programs with the Schneider Electric Foundation, youth education initiatives, and military leave benefits.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Intern