Company Description: W5 Engineering is a hybrid technical-sales and engineering services firm specializing in advanced sensing, measurement, and data-acquisition solutions for automotive, aerospace, defense, EV/battery, manufacturing, and research environments. We combine deep application expertise with hands-on integration, offering strain, force, temperature, pressure, acceleration, and thermal-imaging systems from leading global partners such as Kyowa, Kistler, Optris, and Interface. W5 supports customers from concept through deployment—consulting on sensor selection, designing custom harnesses and fixtures, installing complete instrumentation packages, and providing on-site testing support. Our model bridges the gap between distributors and engineering contractors: fast response, technical accuracy, and real-world problem solving. Whether enabling complex R&D programs or production-floor improvements, W5 delivers practical, reliable measurement solutions built for demanding environments.
Primary Responsibilities/ Focus Areas of Internship:
- Sensor & Instrumentation Assembly Support – Assist in assembling, labeling, and preparing strain gages, load cells, thermocouples, IR systems, and custom harnesses for customer projects.
- Test & Measurement Setup Assistance – Help configure DAQ systems, wiring, and bench test setups; support engineers during calibration, troubleshooting, and functional checks.
- Thermal Imaging & Pyrometry Support – Prepare IR cameras, adjust focus/emissivity settings under guidance, and help document thermal test procedures.
- Mechanical & Electrical Drawing Creation – Generate mechanical and electrical drawings from prototype components and devices using CAD tools; capture dimensions, wiring details, mounting geometry, and assembly steps to support documentation and production.
- Lab Organization & Inventory Management – Maintain sensor inventory, adhesives, cables, connectors, and tools; restock consumables; track equipment check-in/check-out.
- Documentation & Data Entry – Update build sheets, test logs, part lists, and project files; create diagrams, labels, and routing documentation for engineering projects.
- Prototyping & Fabrication Assistance – Support the creation of small fixtures, brackets, sensor mounts, and prototype hardware; assist with 3D-printed or machined components.
- Exposure to Customer Projects – Observe engineering project meetings, calibration sessions, sensor selections, and application reviews to build hands-on industry knowledge.
Key Tasks/Projects the intern may be involved with:
- Create Mechanical & Electrical Drawings: Produce detailed drawings from prototype components, assemblies, and wiring layouts to support fabrication and documentation.
- Maintain Engineering Documentation: Update build sheets, part lists, routing diagrams, test logs, and revision-controlled files to ensure accurate project records.
- Build-to-Print Assembly Work: Follow engineering prints and work instructions to assemble harnesses, fixtures, brackets, and instrumentation kits.
- Review & Validate Prints for Accuracy: Check drawings, dimensions, wiring notes, and BOM items for completeness and correctness before builds are released.
- Coordinate With Engineers, Leads & Customers: Clarify requirements, confirm dimensions, and validate design intent by communicating with project leads and, when appropriate, customer contacts.
Required Skills & Level:
- Basic Mechanical & Electrical Aptitude: Understanding of components, wiring, fasteners, sensors, and simple assemblies.
- Ability to Read and Interpret Technical Drawings: Familiarity with mechanical drawings, wiring diagrams, schematics, and build-to-print instructions.
- CAD/Drafting Skills (Preferred): Experience with SolidWorks, Fusion 360, KiCad, or similar tools to create and revise drawings.
- Attention to Detail & Accuracy: Ability to identify errors in prints, measurements, and documentation before builds begin.
- Hands-On Build Skills: Comfort with tools, soldering basics, crimping, measuring, cutting, and assembling prototype parts.
- Documentation & Organizational Skills: Ability to maintain build sheets, notes, labels, part lists, and revision-controlled files with consistency.
- Communication & Collaboration: Capable of coordinating with engineers, shop leads, and occasionally customers to clarify requirements.
- Problem-Solving Mindset: Comfort analyzing issues, proposing corrections, and contributing to continuous improvement of shop processes.
- Computer Literacy: Basic skills with MS Office/Google Suite; ability to learn lab software, documentation tools, and CRM systems.
- ESD & Lab Safety Awareness (Can Be Trained): Understanding of proper handling of electronics, workbench safety, and clean/organized shop practices.
Desirable Skills & Level:
- Basic Soldering & Harness-Building Skills: Crimping, stripping, heat-shrink application, cable routing, and connector assembly.
- Familiarity with Sensors & Instrumentation: Strain gages, load cells, accelerometers, thermocouples, or IR/thermal cameras.
- Understanding of Basic Electronics: Ohm’s law, wiring polarity, troubleshooting simple circuits, reading schematics.
- Measurement Tool Proficiency: Using calipers, micrometers, tape measures, torque tools, and multimeters.
- 3D Printing or Light Fabrication Exposure: Experience with prototyping tools, laser cutters, or small CNC/benchtop machines.
- Documentation or Technical Writing Ability: Creating build notes, simple reports, diagrams, and organized revision tracking.
- Familiarity With Data Acquisition Systems: NI, Dewesoft, HBM, or similar—general understanding of how sensors connect to DAQs.
- Python or Basic Programming Skills: Helpful for automation scripts, data review, or future engineering tasks.
- Prior Engineering Project or Maker Experience: Robotics club, shop class, personal projects, prototyping, or university lab work.
Additional qualifications or requirements for the intern that have not been noted above?
- Preferred Graduation Date: Graduating between 2026–2028 (flexible based on performance and interest in long-term employment)
- At least one full academic year remaining to allow for internship continuation if desired
- Preferred Majors: Mechanical Engineering; Electrical Engineering; Mechatronics Engineering; Aerospace Engineering; Manufacturing Engineering / Industrial Engineering; Engineering Technology Programs (EEET, MET, etc.); Applied Physics or similar technical programs
- Minimum Completed Credit Hours: At least 30 credit hours completed (sophomore standing)
- Preferably 45–60 credit hours completed (strong technical foundation)
- Relevant coursework completed: intro to circuits, CAD/drafting, materials, physics, or manufacturing processes
Work Location & Hours: Flexible mode; Monday-Wednesday-Friday: 8:00-12:00, Tuesday-Thursday: 8:00-14:00.