Manufacturing Technician Co-Op

MANUFACTURING TECHNICAN CO-OP (MANUFACTURING & TEST)

Location: Detroit, MI
Department: Engineering / Manufacturing
Reports To: Director of Engineering
Daily Technical Leads: Manufacturing Engineer, Lead Mechanical Engineer
Term: Co-Op (Academic term aligned)

POSITION OVERVIEW
Kirlin Lighting is a Detroit-based manufacturer of high-performance architectural and medical lighting fixtures, designing and building products used in hospitals, laboratories, and other critical environments around the world. Our Engineering team works directly alongside production, allowing ideas to move quickly from design to fabrication to testing, often within the same day.

We are seeking a Manufacturing Technician Co-Op to support engineering and manufacturing activities within our in-house test, build, and development environment. This role is intended for students pursuing degrees in Manufacturing Engineering, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, or related technical disciplines who are seeking hands-on experience in a manufacturing environment where testing, fabrication, and product development happen side-by-side.

The Manufacturing Technician Co-Op will support hands-on product builds, fixture and jig development, test setup, and validation work related to new product development and pre-compliance testing. This position emphasizes practical problem-solving, fabrication, and iterative testing performed in close collaboration with manufacturing and mechanical engineers. This is a hands-on role suited for students who enjoy building, modifying, and troubleshooting physical hardware rather than purely analytical or desk-based work.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

LAB TESTING AND SUPPORT

Support pre-compliance testing for lighting products, including UL thermal testing, UL 1598 rain testing, and IP66 environmental testing

Set up and execute repeatable test builds and test setups following established procedures

Install thermocouples and prepare samples using adhesives and precision hand techniques

Document test setups and results using internal test logs and photo documentation

FIXTURES AND FABRICATION

Assist with the design and fabrication of test fixtures, jigs, and build tooling

Create basic CAD models and operate 3D printers to produce custom fixtures

Build and modify test enclosures, racks, and physical support structures

Perform material processing, part preparation, and minor repairs as needed

PROJECT AND BUILD OPERATIONS

Support a supervised project involving modification and enclosure fabrication for an existing solid-state laser system

Assist with shop and test area organization, material handling, and equipment upkeep

Follow ESD handling practices and established procedures

QUALIFICATIONS

Currently enrolled in a Bachelor’s degree program in Manufacturing Engineering, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical field

Hands-on experience in a lab or shop environment through coursework, co-ops, internships, or personal projects

Familiarity with basic fabrication tools, shop practices, and safety procedures

Basic CAD experience and familiarity with 3D printing

Strong attention to detail and ability to follow structured procedures

WHAT YOU WILL GAIN

Hands-on experience supporting real product builds, test setups, fixture and jig fabrication, and tooling used in manufacturing and validation environments.

Practical exposure to lighting product development, including LED light engines, optical systems, housings, drivers, power supplies, dimming methods, and basic lighting control concepts used in architectural and medical applications.

A strong foundation for future roles in manufacturing engineering, test engineering, product development, or junior technical positions through direct involvement in the full build, test, and validation lifecycle of commercial lighting products.