How co-op students are contributing to engineering excellence at Neutron Controls
By: Christie Zeb (she/her)
From designing electronic units to meeting tight deadlines, co-op students drive innovation and enhance operations at the engineering design services company.
Neutron Controls' first experience with Waterloo students began with one co-op hire in the summer of 2023. The impact of the co-op student, Noor Bansal (she/her), a mechanical engineering student, was felt almost immediately. She quickly became an integral team member and contributed to projects that served actual customers.
Bansal’s energy and fresh perspective benefited the projects and infused the workplace with a sense of growth, inclusion and development.
It started as one Waterloo student, and she made a great impact. We could only imagine what it would be like to have five more young bright minds. So, we opened five positions and had over 750 applications.
Josh Campbell, project manager at Neutron Controls
Neutron Controls develops advanced battery management systems and electronic control units in the automotive sector. The company hires co-op students from mechanical engineering, software engineering, mechatronics engineering and electrical engineering to support its multiple large-scale projects.
Students have made valuable contributions in delivering innovative and high-quality software solutions to Neutron Controls' clients. "Students enter their co-op work terms with new ways of approaching problem-solving and cutting-edge knowledge. They bring diverse experiences, curiosity and an eagerness to prove themselves. We've seen that in all our co-op students and that's been fantastic," says Campbell.
Students influence client projects and enhance company efficiency
Recently, the team faced tight deadlines on a project involving the design of custom electronic units for testing battery packs and modules. As a small company managing complex projects, Neutron Controls handles everything internally—from development to documentation, packaging and shipping. Despite this work demand, with the support of co-op students, the team delivered all units to clients on schedule and with time to spare.
Having our co-op students on that project gave us the extra capacity we needed to stay ahead of the deadline and deliver the units on time,” says Campbell.
Marcos Mori-Chinen, Mechanical Engineering student
Marcos Mori-Chinen (he/him), a third-year Mechanical Engineering student, worked as an automotive engineer at Neutron Controls.
During his co-op term, Mori-Chinen used CAD software to design 3D models, that were 3D printed for immediate use, and to generate technical drawings for manufacturing. He also learned about different automotive industry standards and regulations.
Mori-Chinen’s most notable experience at Neutron Controls includes learning about topics unrelated to his field of study.
“I have been learning about embedded firmware programming and hardware testing, which I knew little about before my co-op placement. While embedded systems are more relevant to a computer or electrical engineer, developing knowledge outside your field of study is important. It helps you discover what you’re passionate about,” says Mori-Chinen.
Mori-Chinen also worked on a project for a global automotive original equipment manufacturer (OEM). He helped with mechanical development, including technical drawings and optimizing the board's design.
"My co-op placement at Neutron Controls has allowed me to grow into a professional individual. It's an invaluable experience for any student who intends to start working after graduating,” says Mori-Chinen.
Students contributed significantly to developing a new product that communicates with battery modules in electric vehicles. When a large client order came with a tight deadline, co-op students were ready to take on the challenge.
"Our Waterloo co-op students contributed to everything, from software and hardware integration to testing and packaging. Without their support, hitting our tight deadlines would have been very difficult,” says Campbell.
How Neutron Controls supports students
Neutron Controls prioritizes hands-on experiences for students. During their work term, students take ownership of their tasks and see them through to completion. Campbell emphasizes the importance of being prepared for a valuable and fulfilling work term for students and their employers.
“We spent four months preparing for our students including arranging workstations, mentorship structure and top-of-the-line personal equipment for every student,” says Campbell.
“We also established a flexible management structure to allow students to think outside the box. When students walk away from this kind of experience, they can hold their heads up high knowing they've influenced some real projects with real clients.”
The energy of co-op students and their roles in client-facing and internal development projects has enhanced the company’s efficiency and further strengthened its commitment to engineering excellence. The company’s experience with these students has also given the leadership team a glimpse into the future of work.
Neutron Controls looks to hire more co-op students, leveraging their fresh perspectives to drive growth and enhance client success.