Engineering Co-op Job Suggestions

Hi NSMB,

I'm reaching out to the users of this board to see if anyone has suggestions on where to apply for an engineering related co-op job in the Lower Mainland, or works at a company that is offering them. It does not have to be bike related, however, it would be awesome if it was!

I am studying in the Mechatronic Systems Engineering program at SFU, and am seeking a 4 or 8 month long co-op to take place starting in Summer 2015 (roughly May). Mechatronics is a combination of mechanical and electrical engineering, with some computer science as well. Think automated systems or robotics, but I am more heavily focused on the mechanical side.

If anyone has any suggestions etc, please post your thoughts! I can provide more details if needed.

Thanks,

Jonathan
Foxwood Films

I just completed an MET diploma so I'm all too familiar with your hunt for a co-op job. I found that the ASTTBC's website has the best listing of technical positions, the Government of Canada Job Bank was also quite good.

You may have already checked those though, so if you have, here's a free bump. Sorry I don't have any specific suggestions for you, good luck!

Sorry, I don't know if they are hiring, but companies that I've worked with that should be on your radar:

http://www.cbvl.com
http://www.greenlightinnovation.com
http://www.westport.com
http://arthomson.com/about/
http://www.seastarsolutions.com
http://www.ballard.com
http://www.mantechenterprises.com
http://www.afcc-auto.com
http://burnabyboardoftrade.chambermaster.com/list/member/mercedes-benz-fuel-cell-division-6985

Ok, enough, that'll keep you busy for a bit. ;)

Remember, just because there isn't a posting, doesn't mean there isn't a job. Network, network, network. (Not just online though - in person)

Check out Triumf too. I worked with a bunch of Co-Ops over the years.

http://www.triumf.ca/undergraduate-student-program

Garrett Thibault (Cheez1ts) just got back from a mechanical engineering co-op job in Saskatchewan. I'm sure he has some tips or two.

junior told me 2 tips for coop selection

if you gotta go someplace that would be a cold and shitty place in winter for a coop make sure you make it the 4 month and do it in summer

On the 4 month short stint maybe the company takes care of the lodging but on longer stint its probably up to you … which sucks if its say ft mac in winter

Rocky Mountain bikes has a coop position available every 4 months. Not sure if we filled our summer position yet. You can apply through your school's co-op job board once the posting goes live.

Thanks everyone. A few of the places heckler listed I have seen postings for.

kperrras, will Rocky for sure send a posting to the schools if the position hasn't been filled yet? Or would sending a cover letter and resume to them myself be best? SFU uses Symplicity so it may appear there.

Not being intimate with the process, you're best sending an email to [email protected] and you will get directed to the right place to apply.

Garrett Thibault (Cheez1ts) just got back from a mechanical engineering co-op job in Saskatchewan. I'm sure he has some tips or two.

Yes, I'm doing Mechatronics as well, but at UBC. I've previously discussed school with Jonathon.
I'm pretty much in the same boat as him at the moment, looking for a four month co-op May-August. Previously, I've only found success going through my school's co-op job board.
My first co-op term I put out 40 applications, got 1 interview and 1 job offer.
Second co-op job I put out 40, got 4 interviews and 4 job offers.

As a result, my suggestions are apply to as many jobs related to your field of study that come up through your school's co-op postings as you can.
Do not apply for only your ideal job. Apply for anything that vaguely interests you, don't get discouraged by rejections, and make the most of your first co-op experience wherever it is.

As a result, my suggestions are apply to as many jobs related to your field of study that come up through your school's co-op postings as you can.
Do not apply for only your ideal job. Apply for anything that vaguely interests you, don't get discouraged by rejections, and make the most of your first co-op experience wherever it is.

I don't do anything remotely similar but this was VERY true when I was in school. First one was a nightmare to get but it opened the doors to many more.

UBC mechatronics grad here. My advice is to apply for everything that remotely interests you. Unfortunately a lot of companies do their initial screening based on your academic results, so unless you're in the top quartile or so of your class mates (and if you are, congrats), you might not even get an interview for a lot of jobs. Backwards and ineffective? I think so. But I guess if you have 100 students apply for a position, you've gotta narrow them down somehow.

I also think co-op is a good time to take chances: apply for jobs out of town, jobs that are a little outside of your comfort zone, jobs that you aren't sure you'll be interested in. Worst case you spend 4 months doing something you don't like, but it will help you focus your job search in the future. Of course still apply for the jobs you think you want, but don't limit yourself - you don't want to be in the situation where you've only applied to 3 jobs and none of them result in an offer.

Rocky Mountain bikes has a coop position available every 4 months. Not sure if we filled our summer position yet. You can apply through your school's co-op job board once the posting goes live.

What kind of jobs do they offer co-ops at Rocky, and what kind of school programs do they get the students from? Not for me and not for now, for future reference for someone I know who is crazy into MTB.