Engineer Co-Op
Cascade Engineering is a Family of Companies that invests in our triple bottom line philosophy - People, Planet and Profit. We have been in business for over 50 years in Grand Rapids, Michigan. We manufacture injection molding/plastic products for automotive, office furniture, polymer compounding, waste and recycling industries. We focus on driving organizational excellence through a people centered leadership culture based on the principles of 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.
Are you looking for a positive and encouraging environment? Are you seeking a position where you are included, recognized and celebrated? You belong here! Are you excited for what is ahead? We are too!
Scope of Responsibility
Build it. Test it. Improve it. As an Engineering Co-Op, you’ll put your classroom knowledge to work on real products and real engineering challenges. You’ll gain experience with product design, prototyping, testing, injection molding, and continuous improvement while learning from engineers and collaborating with teams across the business. Come ready to ask questions, solve problems, and turn ideas into solutions.
Location: West Plant (5055 36th St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49512)
Shift: Day shift
Target Pay: The target starting pay for this position is 23.00/hour for rotation 1
What You'll Be Doing
Support new product development for injection molded parts
Assist in the design and development of products, components, and assemblies
Work with cross-functional teams to build relationships for implementing new products and product changes
Assist in appropriate documentation completion
Conduct product testing and prototyping activities
Support continuous improvement and efficiency efforts
Work with cross-functional teams to troubleshoot molding issues and propose engineering solutions
Understand the manufacturing environment and how to collaborate with different stakeholders to solve problems
Perform additional responsibilities as requested to achieve business objectives
Culture Bearer
Understands and supports the values of the Triple Bottom Line (TBL)
Exhibits high moral and ethical standards and high integrity
Values people regardless of their background
Exhibits the traits of a servant leader
Exhibit the principles of 7 Habits and Emotional Intelligence
Encourages open dialogue and communication
Develops high trust relationships within all levels of the organization
Pursues Excellence
At Cascade Engineering, we welcome and celebrate diversity and inclusion. We are committed to fostering an authentic workplace where everyone belongs and thrives, and we look forward to welcoming candidates who are enthusiastic about contributing to our community. If you are passionate about this role, we encourage you to apply. We recognize that women and people of color are often underrepresented in manufacturing and want to see this change. When making hiring decisions, we believe in considering the whole person and the life experiences they bring to our teams. Our diversity drives our innovation and has been integral to our success.
· Currently enrolled at Grand Valley State University Co-Op and pursuing a four-year Bachelor’s degree in an Engineering major including (but not limited to) Mechanical, Product Design and Manufacturing Engineer programs
· Able to start rotation #1 May of 2026
· Have a GPA of 3.2 or higher
· Complete EGR 289 class prior to starting rotation #1 in May of 2027
· Introductory knowledge of CAD software
· Experience with manufacturing and engineering design process
· Sophomore, Junior or Senior status
· A willingness to learn
· Proficient in Microsoft 365
Preferred
· Prior internship/work experience in a manufacturing setting
· Machine shop qualifications – welding, endmills and lathes
· Advanced Excel skills
· Have an interest in plastics, using data to solve problems, improve processes or work in manufacturing setting
· Strong communication and interpersonal skills
· Strong organizational and time management skills
· Must be able to work exceptionally well independently and with minimal supervision
Benefits/ Perks
Onsite Medical Clinic
Paid Time Off
Employee Assistance Program
Weekly Pay
Flexible Hours & Scheduling
Employee Discount Programs
Employee Resource Groups