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