Wabtec Corporation

Operations Intern - Project Engineering

May - July 2024 • Grove City, PA

What I liked

Arguably the most beneficial and enjoyable part of this role was the responsibility required - this role had me performing roles similar to the other engineers on our LCC (Life Cycle Cost) team at the diesel engine remanufacturing plant in Grove City PA. Our office worked a series of projects to determine and run the validation plans for requalifying parts to live another 10 years in field. I got to work on projects regarding high pressure fuel lines and parts of the combustion air system. I enjoyed that the company had me working on real engineering projects, as well as the time they invested into teaching me about how both the company and our products work. There was a definitive air at our reman plant that everyone wanted me to learn and enjoy my time - everyone on site is pretty much working towards similar goals, so we're all trying to help one another out. For being part of a small town, the shop had a lot of pride in what they do. Most importantly, I appreciate that the company took the time to receive feedback so they can improve as well.

What I wish was different

In all honesty, I really can't imagine much that could be different. Pretty much the only wishes I had were if the company had spent more time teaching us about the general business model, as well as a bit more floor etiquette. The only other differences would be location - given I ended up in a small town in PA. Coming from Cincinnati, I wouldn't have minded another city location (Erie), but it's always a good experience to change your living experiences too. The final aspect would just be company structure - recently, the company has gone through a lot of moving man power and location of manufacturing, and, in a way, I wish they had kept it as before just to honor the historical significance of some of the major sites like Erie.

Advice

Definitely meet people and don't be afraid to reach out and forge your own path. I ended up working with Wabtec by calling HR and begging for a job. A number of the experiences I got (for example, getting onto a locomotive) were all as a result of my asking and my forging of that path. If you want something, chase after it, whether it be a post-graduate position, a certain job, or a chance to do something fun or different.

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Supply Chain Finance Intern

June - August 2023 • Grove City, PA

What I liked

The independence and freedom to do work by myself, the feeling of doing work that matters and had an impact.

What I wish was different

I wish my boss would have been there more to develop a better relationship.

Advice

Talk to as many people as possible.

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Additive Manufacturing Intern

May - July 2021 • Erie, PA

What I liked

Very structured internship program. Long legacy of excellence with GE, and transition to Wabtec seems to have been a positive. Lots of opportunities/events in addition to exciting intern assignments

What I wish was different

Boring locations

Advice

Be open to exploring different parts of the company/site besides just you function! It's a massive business with lots of different avenues to learn from.

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Engine Cooling and Lubrication Intern

May - July 2022 • Erie, PA

What I liked

I enjoyed working on many different projects, ranging from thermal to mechanical to control systems to component testing and validation. I also enjoyed presenting a design review to a Principal Engineer after wrapping my primary project.

What I wish was different

I wish I had more work to do!

Advice

Wabtec is a great company to work for and you have at the end of your internship to interview for a two-year rotational program that starts after you graduation. It's a big company too! There's plenty of opportunities for different roles.

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Additive Manufacturing Intern

May - July 2021 • Erie, PA

What I liked

Innovative team, start-up feel within a large corporation

What I wish was different

Advice

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Mechanical Engineering Intern

March - August 2018 • Boise, ID

What I liked

Designing locomotives with an excellent engineering team.

What I wish was different

More time away from my desk.

Advice

Always carry a notebook.

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IT Infrastructure Intern

May - August 2018 • Wilmerding, PA

What I liked

I really enjoyed the variety of tasks to which I was assigned.

What I wish was different

I wish that there had been cross training in different areas of IT.

Advice

I would advise students to find a mentor within the company who can aid you.

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Marine and Stationary Engines Intern

June - August 2019 • Grove City, PA

What I liked

There is great work-life balance within the corporation. In the Grove CIty plant, we are placed with a small group of around 10-12 interns working at various different departments so we had a close-knit community feeling with the interns. Our housing was also located only 10 minutes from the plants so that is a huge plus. The Lunch and Learns that they also provide are pretty informational to me and was very insightful to the industry

What I wish was different

Although the engineers were very willing to teach you the ropes of the various functions of the Wabtec Company (GE Transportation), the projects are sometimes underwhelming. Of course, this can be due to me being a rising sophomore and them being wary about it, but I'd wish that I was more proactive and taken much more challenging engineering projects.

Advice

Network. Network. Network! There are quite a few engineers who are pretty outgoing and are willing to bring you up to speed with certain projects. This will also be important, as you will be required to report-out during the end of your engineering internship. Also, definitely go for the company's outing activities, you won't regret it!

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Mechanical Engineering Intern

May - August 2019 • Erie, PA

What I liked

shown the company opportunities

What I wish was different

more initiative from assignment leader, did no show much interest in me or work , felt distant

Advice

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Traction and Auxiliary Controls Intern

June - August 2019 • Erie, PA

What I liked

The team, my manager, and the scope of work I found very interesting and improved my skills. They consider rising seniors for their LEAD Engineering positions, which is a rotational program with courses to help you solidify your engineering skills.