Mechanical Engineering Co-Op

Country

United States of America
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* generated inline style */ State / County

Nevada
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* generated inline style */ City

Henderson
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* generated inline style */ Division

Metals
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* generated inline style */ Company

Henderson
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* generated inline style */ Function

Engineering
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* generated inline style */ Workplace Type

On-Site
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* generated inline style */ Position type

Intern
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* generated inline style */ Opportunity /
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Job Description SUMMARY The Henderson Technical Laboratory (HTL) Co-op supports the re-establishment and development of in-house mechanical testing  capabilities for metallic materials. The primary focus of this position will be returning existing mechanical testing equipment to operational service and establishing repeatable laboratory capabilities for basic tensile, low-cycle fatigue, and related mechanical testing. Working alongside engineers and laboratory technicians, the co-op will evaluate existing test equipment, computer hardware, software, instrumentation, fixtures, and supporting systems;

assist with equipment startup and troubleshooting; execute initial test programs; and develop the documentation necessary to support continued laboratory operation. This position provides a unique opportunity for a student to take ownership of a capability-development project from equipment assessment through successful testing while gaining hands-on experience with mechanical testing, instrumentation, metallic materials, laboratory equipment, and pilot-scale engineering operations. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Support the return to service of existing servo-hydraulic mechanical testing systems and creep testing equipment.

- Assess existing equipment, instrumentation, controllers, computers, software, fixtures, and supporting systems to determine operational status and identify needs for return to service.

- Assist with inspection, basic maintenance, troubleshooting, and functional verification of mechanical testing equipment in accordance with applicable procedures and manufacturer requirements.

- Configure and verify computer hardware, test-control software, data acquisition systems, and associated instrumentation used for mechanical testing.

- Develop familiarity with tensile, dwell low-cycle fatigue (DLCF), creep, and other relevant mechanical testing methods.

- Establish and execute basic mechanical test methods, initially emphasizing tensile and dwell low-cycle fatigue testing of metallic specimens.

- Prepare test specimens and coordinate specimen requirements with HTL's machining capabilities.

- Install specimens, extensometers, grips, fixtures, and other test hardware as training and qualifications permit.

- Collect, review, organize, and analyze mechanical test data and identify potential equipment, instrumentation, or test-method issues.

- Document equipment configurations, startup procedures, test methods, troubleshooting activities, maintenance requirements, and test results.

- Develop or revise Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Job Safety Assessments (JSAs), work instructions, equipment documentation, and other materials needed to support sustained laboratory operation.

- Prepare technical summaries, presentations, and reports documenting project progress and mechanical testing results.

- Follow all established safety requirements, procedures, equipment limitations, and laboratory practices while working with mechanical, hydraulic, electrical, and high-temperature equipment.

- Take ownership of assigned capability-development activities and communicate progress, technical challenges, and recommendations to HTL personnel.  ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES
- Support organization, cleaning, inspection, and general readiness of mechanical testing and pilot plant work areas.

- Assist with inventory and organization of mechanical testing fixtures, grips, extensometers, thermocouples, tooling, spare components, and consumable materials.

- Assist with identifying replacement components, maintenance items, software requirements, and other resources necessary to sustain mechanical testing capabilities.

- Support preventative maintenance planning and development of equipment maintenance records.

- Participate in continuous improvement activities related to equipment reliability, test efficiency, data organization, and laboratory workflow.

- Support other pilot plant, materials testing, machining, or laboratory activities based on project needs and student experience.

- Participate in…