Engineering Co-op - Summer 2026
Gordonsville, TN, US, 38563-2143
Dana is a global leader in the supply of highly engineered driveline, sealing, and thermal-management technologies that improve the efficiency and performance of vehicles with both conventional and alternative-energy powertrains. Serving two primary markets – passenger vehicle and commercial truck – Dana provides the world's original-equipment manufacturers and the aftermarket with local product and service support through a network of nearly 100 engineering, manufacturing, and distribution facilities.
Job Purpose
Provide students with an opportunity to develop your technical skills by working alongside Dana's engineers in the completion of departmental oriented tasks/assignments.
Job Duties and Responsibilities
Department Overviews
• Collect data and analyze gear dimensions to make necessary machine adjustments
• Opportunity to learn about gear production.
Materials Lab
The Materials Lab analyzes the metallurgical/chemical composition of materials used in Dana’s products to understand component failures and effects of production process changes.
• Prepare samples for testing (section, mount, polish) and etching solutions.
• Plan and perform testing and material analysis on test samples
• Evaluate and interpret test results. Prepare test reports
Test Lab
The Test lab performs a variety of tests on current production parts and new product designs in order to understand potential failure modes.
• Assist engineers with testing and development of Dana products and processes.
• Assemble, test, and analyze specified products to meet various customer performance requirements.
• Perform process development/documentation of safe manufacturing work instructions.
Samples Department
The Samples Department builds prototype axles and driveshafts that are used for lab and vehicle testing.
• Assist in the building of prototype axle and driveshaft assemblies.
• Review and create safety documentation.
• Assist in implementation of 5S methodology.
Applications Engineering
Application engineers are responsible for interfacing with Dana’s customer. They are the liaison between engineers at the vehicle manufacturer and Dana’s internal engineering departments.
• Analyze vehicle requirements to best determine the correct product for a vehicle application.
• Work with the Product Engineering department to develop new part designs as necessary to fit vehicle needs.
• Interface with the CAD department in order to create assembly prints.
• Assist in managing the building prototype parts that will be used for lab and vehicle testing.
• Oversee lab testing for product assemblies.
• Remain in constant contact with Dana’s customers to ensure superior customer service.
Product Engineering
Product engineers are responsible for new product design of component parts as well as determining how manufacturing process changes affect the integrity of production parts.
• Work with the Application Engineering department to develop new part designs as necessary to fit vehicle needs.
• Interface with manufacturing facilities to navigate production process challenges.
• Communicate with the CAD department in order to create component part prints.
• Oversee lab testing for component parts.
• Work with Dana’s purchasing team to determine suppliers who can best meet product needs.
Benefits
Paid co-op
Opportunity for overtime depending on department
Access to on-demand training & onsite technical education training sessions
Potential visits to assembly & machining plants to learn about manufacturing processes & procedures
Gain valuable work experience & work on diverse teams
Opportunity for long term growth
Education
•Enrollment in a Engineering program.
•Proven work experience (not necessarily technical work experience).
•Computer proficiency in a Windows environment utilizing Microsoft Office.
•Must be capable of performing duties with limited supervision.
•Excellent interpersonal skills to permit effective interaction with all levels of Dana and external customers.
•Self-directed and motivated individual with excellent organizational skills and accepts responsibility.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.
Unsolicited Resumes from Third-Party Recruiters
Please note that as per Dana policy, we do not accept unsolicited resumes from third-party recruiters unless such recruiters were engaged to provide candidates for a specified opening. Any employment agency, person or entity that submits an unsolicited resume does so with the understanding that Dana will have the right to hire that applicant at its discretion without any fee owed to the submitting employment agency, person or entity.