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Mechanical Engineering Co-op (Fall 2026) at Emerson in Rockford, IL

InternshipOn-siteFull-timeRockford, IL$42k–$52k/yr

Skills

cadsolid edge

Job Description

Expand your technical and professional skills in a real-world setting. Emerson co-ops are given meaningful work, support, and mentorship from experienced managers and key business leaders. There is the potential to gain knowledge and experience in a variety of ways by exploring opportunities associated with your major and rotating through multiple departments.

Work assignments will rotate through the following areas based on the student’s level of academic achievement:

Engineering Lab – Exposure to a variety of products in our product line working closely with lab technicians and engineers to assist in conducting ‘hands-on’ feasibility studies of new product concepts or competitive evaluations. This will include learning to use a variety of lab equipment and gaining experience analyzing test data and presenting test results.

Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE) – Exposure to the latest computer-aided engineering technology working closely with designers, drafters, and engineers to assist in the design and development of new products.

Product Engineering – exposure to the new product development process working closely with product development engineers on new projects. This will include but is not limited to, engineering analysis, failure analysis, finite element analysis (FEA), etc. The student will gain an increased understanding of all the steps in the process to develop a robust product that meets the customer’s requirements.

In This Role, Your Responsibilities Will:

Assist with setting up and conducting tests and gathering data
Analyze test data and learn data analysis techniques
Write test lab reports
Learn to use CAD (Solid Edge) for 3D modeling of parts and assemblies
Build new design concepts and detailed drawings using CAD
Assist engineers in product development and sustaining engineering activities
Learn to troubleshoot problems and develop creative solutions
The final work period includes a design project where the student is responsible for conceptual design, necessary computations, CAD layout, drawing generation, coordinating prototype build, testing, and debugging design for the assigned project
Every semester includes a final presentation to VP Engineering, engineering leaders, and engineering staff to report on activities and what was learned from assignments

Who You Are:

You stay aligned with your goals and stay productive. You focus on creating an effective collaborative style. You prepare content for communication that is impactful.

For This Role, You Will Need:

Undergraduate student currently pursuing a Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering Technology
Able to work full-time in the scheduled semester
Legal authorization to work in the United States - Sponsorship will not be provided for this role

Preferred Qualifications That Set You Apart:

Able to return for multiple co-op rotations
Cumulative GPA of 3.25 or higher
Demonstrated hands-on mechanical aptitude highly desirable (i.e. auto, lawnmower, go-cart repair, building things, etc.)
Practical experience with hand or power tools

Our Culture & Commitment to You:

At Emerson, we prioritize a workplace where every employee is valued, respected, and empowered to grow. We foster an environment that encourages innovation, collaboration, and diverse perspectives—because we know that great ideas come from great teams. Our commitment to ongoing career development and growing an inclusive culture ensures you have the support to thrive. Whether through mentorship, training, or leadership opportunities, we invest in your success so you can make a lasting impact. We believe diverse teams, working together are key to driving growth and delivering business results.

We recognize the importance of employee wellbeing. We prioritize providing flexible, competitive benefits plans to meet you and your family’s physical, mental, financial, and social needs. We provide a variety of medical insurance plans, with dental and vision coverage, Employee Assistance Program, 401(k), tuition reimbursement, employee resource groups, recognition, and much more. Our culture offers flexible time off plans, including paid parental leave (maternal and paternal), vacation and holiday leave.

Our compensation philosophy is simple: we pay a competitive base salary, within the local market in which we operate, and reward performance during our annual merit review process. The hourly range for this role is $20-$25, commensurate with the skills, talent, capabilities, and experience each candidate brings to a role.

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Company

WHY EMERSON

Our Commitment to Our People

At Emerson, we are motivated by a spirit of collaboration that helps our diverse, multicultural teams across the world drive innovation that makes the world healthier, safer, smarter, and more sustainable. And we want you to join us in our bold aspiration.

We have built an engaged community of inquisitive, dedicated people who thrive knowing they are welcomed, trusted, celebrated, and empowered to solve the world’s most complex problems — for our customers, our communities, and the planet. You’ll contribute to this vital work while further developing your skills through our award-winning employee development programs. We are a proud corporate citizen in every city where we operate and are committed to our people, our communities, and the world at large. We take this responsibility seriously and strive to make a positive impact through every endeavor.

At Emerson, you’ll see firsthand that our people are at the center of everything we do. So, let’s go. Let’s think differently. Learn, collaborate, and grow. Seek opportunity. Push boundaries. Be empowered to make things better. Speed up to break through. Let’s go, together.

Work Authorization

Emerson will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States. This is not a position for which sponsorship will be provided. Individuals with temporary visas such as E, F-1(including those with OPT or CPT) , H-1, H-2, L-1, B, J or TN, or who need sponsorship for work authorization now or in the future, are not eligible for hire.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Emerson is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, age, marital status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, disability or protected veteran status. We are committed to providing a workplace free of any discrimination or harassment.

Accessibility Assistance or Accommodation

If you have a disability and are having difficulty accessing or using this website to apply for a position, please contact: idisability.administrator@emerson.com.

ABOUT EMERSON

Emerson is a global leader in automation technology and software. Through our deep domain expertise and legacy of flawless execution, Emerson helps customers in critical industries like life sciences, energy, power and renewables, chemical and advanced factory automation operate more sustainably while improving productivity, energy security and reliability.

With global operations and a comprehensive portfolio of software and technology, we are helping companies implement digital transformation to measurably improve their operations, conserve valuable resources and enhance their safety.

We offer equitable opportunities, celebrate diversity, and embrace challenges with confidence that, together, we can make an impact across a broad spectrum of countries and industries. Whether you’re an established professional looking for a career change, an undergraduate student exploring possibilities, or a recent graduate with an advanced degree, you’ll find your chance to make a difference with Emerson. Join our team – let’s go!

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