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Overview
Overview
This page highlights my co-op experiences, where I had the opportunity to apply my engineering skills in real-world environments while continuing to grow through hands-on challenges. These roles helped me see how technical work contributes to larger projects and cross-functional teams, and they pushed me to become a more effective problem solver and communicator.
Below, you’ll find summaries of the companies I worked for, the projects I contributed to, the tools and technologies I used, and how each experience shaped my development as an engineer. I am thankful to say that with my 2 Co-op, I have over a year of full-time engineering experience under my belt before graduating. Huge thank you to my manager, Michael Short, and some HR representatives, Brandy Miller and Carolynn Sollars, at Altec. Also, to my manager, Andrew Reiff, at Collins Aerospace.
Some Collins Aerospace staff after the Introduce A Girl to Engineering Day event.
Collins Aerospace - IE Co-Op
Collins Aerospace - IE Co-Op
01/15/2024 - 08/01/2024 in Manchester Iowa: (Avionics)
During my co-op with Collins Aerospace, I supported industrial engineering efforts within the avionics production division, primarily focused on the assembly and testing of LCD display units. My work took place across various environments, including a clean room, and involved both hands-on problem solving and process improvement.
Key highlights from the role:
Conducted root cause analyses on production issues affecting avionics assembly, helping reduce downtime and improve reliability.
Designed, built, and tested custom fixtures to streamline operator workflow and increase consistency in part handling and placement.
Created and revised standard operating procedures (SOPs) to ensure safe, clear, and consistent documentation for technicians and engineers.
Used laser cutting and 3D printing tools to rapidly prototype fixture designs and operator aids for production use.
Supported clean room operations, ensuring compliance with handling requirements and documentation practices for sensitive avionics hardware.
This experience gave me a strong appreciation for precision-driven manufacturing and how thoughtful engineering design directly impacts efficiency, ergonomics, and quality control, especially in high-stakes aerospace environments.
High Voltage Guarding Project
High Voltage Guarding Project
Over the course of two months, I led a targeted safety initiative at Collins Aerospace as part of a company-wide response to an electrical shock incident at another site. The goal: identify and correct guarding violations on all components exceeding 50 volts within our avionics assembly area. Specifically, PCB components and LCD units, to meet updated internal safety standards.
Key responsibilities and results:
Audited all relevant systems and assemblies to identify components over 50V lacking proper guarding, with an emphasis on display units used in avionics.
Designed and prototyped custom guarding solutions in SolidWorks, ensuring clean room compatibility and production feasibility.
Fabricated and tested physical guards using 3D printing and laser-cutting tools, verifying proper fit and safety performance.
Documented all guarding solutions and their classifications to maintain full traceability and compliance.
Implemented approved designs across multiple assemblies, improving both on-floor safety and audit readiness.
This fast-paced project gave me end-to-end responsibility over a safety-critical effort and emphasized the value of proactive, well-documented engineering solutions. All components were fully guarded, documented, and implemented by the project deadline.
© 2025 Tyler Norris and Collins Aerospace. All rights reserved. Content related to my work at Collins Aerospace is shared with the intent of demonstrating engineering experience only. Proprietary or confidential details have been excluded. This content may not be reused or redistributed.
Altec - Design Co-Op
Altec - Design Co-Op
01/15/2023 - 07/15/2023 in St. Joseph Missouri: (Specialty products)
As a Design Engineer Co-op at Altec, I was heavily involved in CAD modeling and technical drawing creation using SolidWorks to support the development of custom equipment and platforms. My role required both technical accuracy and practical thinking, especially when translating concepts into manufacturable designs.
Key contributions during my time at Altec included:
Created and revised 3D part and assembly models, ensuring they met customer requirements, safety standards, and production feasibility.
Generated detailed engineering drawings for manufacturing, with accurate GD&T annotations and bill of materials (BOMs).
Collaborated closely with production engineers, machinists, and welders to troubleshoot and refine designs based on shop feedback.
Balanced multiple design projects under tight timelines, developing efficient workflows to stay organized and deliver on schedule.
Participated in Rapid Continuous Improvement (RCI) events, helping identify and implement process improvements across the design department.
This co-op sharpened my SolidWorks proficiency and gave me direct experience in the full design-to-production pipeline. It also reinforced the importance of clear communication, fast iteration, and attention to detail in a fast-moving engineering environment.
Fellow Co-Ops and some HR representatives are volunteering at a food drive that Altec supports at Second Harvest.
Custom Platform Storage Solution – Duke Energy Project
Custom Platform Storage Solution – Duke Energy Project
During my co-op at Altec, I was given a unique, one-off design request from Duke Energy (Fortune 500 Company) to develop a custom platform storage solution (specifics not given), a project I owned from concept through delivery. Spanning over four months, this was a full-cycle engineering challenge with real constraints, a fixed budget, and direct customer involvement.
Key responsibilities and outcomes:
Received a request with design requirements and a set budget from Duke Energy to create a field-ready storage solution.
Developed and pitched three distinct design concepts using SolidWorks, presenting their feasibility and functionality to internal stakeholders.
After receiving approval for one concept, began prototyping Version 1, capturing build photos and videos for internal documentation.
Used testing and feedback to make iterative improvements, resulting in a refined Version 2 with enhanced functionality and finish.
Managed all material sourcing, revisions, and documentation while working within time and cost constraints.
Completed the co-op by painting and preparing the final product for shipment to Duke’s facility in North Carolina, where it would undergo field testing and feedback.
This long-term, hands-on project gave me complete ownership of a design from concept to deployment. It strengthened my ability to manage technical tasks while collaborating across departments, and ultimately deliver a real solution to a real customer.
Initial CAD Model - Early V1
Initial CAD Model - Early V1
An early CAD model that I enventually improve upon.
Prototype V1 Tested off unit, with no platform.
Prototype V1 Tested off unit, with no platform.
No weight-bearing, testing only the concept.
V1 Tested with platform off unit
V1 Tested with platform off unit
A more vigorous test for weight-bearing on bolts and with the platform secured.
V2 trial on unit testing for unit clearance and ease of installation
V2 trial on unit testing for unit clearance and ease of installation
Video of me testing it on the unit! >
IMG_4408.mov© Tyler Norris and Altec Industries, Inc. All rights reserved. This page presents work completed during my co-op experience. All CAD models, engineering documentation, and company-specific information remain the property of Altec Industries and are not to be reproduced or distributed.
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