Co-op Program
Heatcraft Refrigeration values engineering
Not only for product development, but also as the ultimate solution to improving manufacturing processes and maintaining safety. As a co-op, you will be exposed to a rich and challenging variety of engineering-related work. We are proud to say that all of our co-ops have had rewarding experiences during their career at Heatcraft Refrigeration.
Meet our Co-ops
“The Heatcraft Refrigeration Co-op Program was a great jump-start for my engineering career. ”
Luke Wuthrich, Technical Support Manager
“The Co-op Program at Heatcraft Refrigeration is unlike any other.”
Ben Gambrel, Manufacturing Engineer/Production Manager
“Choosing to participate in the Co-op Program...is one of the best decisions...”
Karina Wong, Product Engineer & Co-op Program Director
“Heatcraft Refrigeration is an excellent company...for an engineering Co-op...”
Laura Misiuk, Purdue University
“Working as a Co-op Engineer at Heatcraft Refrigeration is an incredibly rewarding experience.”
David Carson, University of Illinois
“Heatcraft Refrigeration works hard to integrate its Co-ops into the engineering environment...”
Daniel Welch, Rose Hulman Institute of Technology
“My participation in the Co-op Program...has been an incredible opportunity.”
Faye Hellman, University of Illinois
“Joining the Co-op Program...was the best educational decision I have ever made.”
Bobby Atkinson, University of Illinois
Luke Wuthrich
The Heatcraft Refrigeration Co-op Program was a great jump-start for my engineering career. Every work term I was assigned new projects that stretched my engineering and business skills. Through the variety of experiences during my time in the program, I discovered the facets of engineering that really interested me, and brought a clearer focus to my studies when I was back at school. My success in the Co-op program ultimately allowed me to get an introductory management position in this growing and exciting company. As the current director of the Co-op program, I encourage engineering students who are driven to succeed and looking for a challenge to seriously consider our program.
Luke Wuthrich - Technical Support Manager & Former Co-op Student
University: University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Graduation: May 2002
Co-op Work Term: Completed
Ben Gambrel
The Co-op Program at Heatcraft Refrigeration is unlike any other. The program offers an incredible variety of opportunities and experiences. Because the program was designed by former Co-op students, it offers the perfect level of challenge and responsibility. All 4 semesters I participated I felt that I was pushed just beyond the edge of my capabilities, which really helped me grow. Due to my Co-op experience, Heatcraft Refrigeration was able to offer me a very exciting position--one with far more responsibilities than I could have found anywhere else. After graduation, my role is to help lead Heatcraft Refrigeration's Six Sigma and Lean Manufacturing initiative. I will help to drive down leadtimes and improve quality throughout our company. In addition, I will have extensive international responsibilities in Europe, Asia, Australia and especially in Brazil. Our Co-op Program is designed to turn out future leaders--people that can take the company to new levels. Because of the huge amount of time and money we invest in each of our Co-op students, we only select the best candidates. I encourage students with a strong work ethic, good attitude, and a desire to improve their skills to explore Heatcraft Refrigeration's program - I can promise you won't be disappointed.
Ben Gambrel - Manufacturing Engineer, Production Manager, & Former Co-op Student
University: University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign
Major: General Engineering
Graduation: December 2002
Co-op Work Term: Completed
Karina Wong
Choosing to participate in the Co-op program at Heatcraft Refrigeration is one of the best decisions I've made. As a Co-op here, I've gained much valuable insight towards the type of work that I'll be doing when I graduate. After my first semester of work, I returned to school with a better sense of direction - more confident about the field of study I chose, and also more interested. I've also gained a lot of work experience by working on challenging engineering projects, and being held responsible to meet deadlines and expectations for projects. Even though this Co-op will extend my graduation, I feel that the experience I've gained here is more than enough to make up for the extra time that it will take me to finish school.
Karina Wong - Product Engineer, Co-op Program Director, and Former Co-op Student
University: University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Graduation: Fall 2004
Co-op Work Term: Completed
Laura Misiuk
Heatcraft Refrigeration is an excellent company to choose for an engineering Co-op opportunity. Heatcraft Refrigeration spends a considerable amount of time and resources training Co-ops the first two semesters. I have traveled to Connecticut, Georgia, Iowa, and various other places for training as well as special projects I have been involved with. I feel that I have gotten a "real world" experience here. I have received a wide variety of projects including supervising other employees, designing mechanisms for improving machinery and reorganizing areas of the plant. I think this Co-op has been an excellent way to get work experience before I graduate.
Laura Misiuk - Former Co-op Student
University: Purdue University
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Graduation: Spring 2004
Co-op Work Term: Completed
David Carson
Working as a Co-op Engineer at Heatcraft Refrigeration is an incredibly rewarding experience. During my first two semesters at Heatcraft Refrigeration I have received valuable training in several of the most up-to-date engineering softwares. The company has also provided me with the opportunity to work on projects in several areas of engineering including manufacturing, safety, and design. The experience and confidence I have gained here has given me new focus and direction toward school and my eventual career as an engineer. Overall, Heatcraft Refrigeration has continued to provide me with the tools, skills, and knowledge that will serve as a foundation for future success in the field of engineering.
David Carson - Former Co-op Student
University: University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Graduation: Spring 2006
Co-op Work Term: Completed
Daniel Welch
The co-op program at Heatcraft Refrigeration is a very involved program that combines thorough technical training with hands on engineering experience, which is what makes this program stand a cut above others that I’ve seen. On my way to completing this challenging program, I was exposed to both the manufacturing and the design aspects of engineering. Heatcraft Refrigeration works hard to integrate its Co-ops into the engineering environment by giving them project management responsibilities, time deadlines, and opportunities to train and work with other knowledgeable engineers. Throughout my nearly two years with the company, I’ve learned many valuable lessons that cannot be taught in the classroom, and I’ve vastly improved my communication, time management, and technical skills. I feel that participation in the Heatcraft Refrigeration Co-op program has not only supplemented my class work, but it has also laid the foundation for my engineering career. Heatcraft Refrigeration has developed an excellent recipe for success, and I encourage students with the willingness to work hard and the desire to achieve great things to explore this program.
Daniel Welch - Former Co-op Student
University: Rose Hulman Institute of Technology
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Graduation: Spring 2006
Co-op Work Term: Completed
Faye Hellman
My participation in the Co-op program at Heatcraft Refrigeration has been an incredible opportunity. This program, which is geared toward motivated engineering students, provides many challenges that have helped me to grow not only as an engineer, but also as a person. I have been involved in many important projects that have given me insight into the engineering profession. Heatcraft Refrigeration's Co-op program invests many resources into educating and training Co-ops to prepare them for their semester projects and for their future careers. In the short time I have been working for Heatcraft Refrigeration, I have traveled to many places for training that benefits me at work and at school. Heatcraft Refrigeration has helped me to determine where I want to focus my studies and, ultimately, what I intend to accomplish in my future.
Faye Hellman - Former Co-op Student
University: University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign
Major: General Engineering
Graduation: Spring 2007
Co-op Work Term: Completed
Bobby Atkinson
Joining the Co-op program at Heatcraft Refrigeration was the best educational decision I have ever made. Throughout my first semester with the company, I received valuable training in several engineering software packages. I was also able to improve my organizational and time management skills. Not only does this program train students to be engineers, but it also exposes them to leadership opportunities within a growing organization. The Co-op program here at Heatcraft Refrigeration has been an opportunity for me to incorporate my classroom experience into real world engineering applications, thereby rekindling my passion for the classroom. At Heatcraft Refrigeration, I am more than just a Co-op; I am an engineer in training and a future successful leader. This program is a fantastic experience, and am anxious to return for my second semester.
Bobby Atkinson - University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
University: University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign
Major: General Engineering
Graduation: Spring 2008
Co-op Work Term: Second