Lubrizol Corporation

Process Development Engineer

August - December 2022 • Wickliffe, OH

What I liked

I liked how much responsibility they gave me and how my projects were my own, I really felt like a member of the team. Full time engineers were very interested in getting to know me and were very willing to offer guidance. I felt very integrated into the company and could definitely envision myself working there full time.

What I wish was different

I wish I had more set timelines/expectations at the beginning of my term. I was still able to accomplish what I needed to but external factors often were the cause for delays.

Advice

I would tell people to make sure you network with those you work with, not only that but find out more about their career path to see if there is something you can learn from it rather than experiencing it yourself.

Be the first to mark this as helpful

Manufacturing Co-op

May - August 2023 • Painesville, OH

What I liked

I enjoyed getting to be a part of day-to-day activities in the fast-paced environment of manufacturing. I was able to attend and participate in daily safety walks, discussions about improvements and 5S implementations, and I helped to work on pertinent action items. Some examples of projects I was able to work were implementing a dynamic level indicator for tanks that are used to make multiple materials and therefore require multiple safetop thresholds. I also worked on creating a spreadsheet to populate all of our in-process sampling data, analyzing the trends that are seen for different tests, and making process improvements to reduce the number of failed tests. Lastly, I ran a batch with a modified batch sheet to see if we could increase the yield by adding in the diluent at the end rather than in the middle of the batch.

What I wish was different

During my term I ran into a lot of roadblocks which pushed back the timeline for my projects. Some of these roadblocks were unavoidable, such as mandatory shutdowns and low demand for products. I know that in industry, there are just some situations that you will face that you cannot control and that is just part of being an engineer. This experience taught me how to be patient and continue to work with stakeholders to ensure that the work gets done even in the face of a timeline shift.

Advice

Advice that I would share is to get familiar with data analysis in Excel, learning how to program, and using applications like Osisoft PI and SEEQ. There is a big learning curve coming into the company concerning how they analyze process data, but these applications are extremely useful for the work that you will be doing. I would also recommend having a mindset of curiosity coming in- there is lots to learn and a ton of opportunities to grow if you're willing to ask those questions. Furthermore, I believe seeking feedback from other engineers on how you can develop professionally will allow you to have the most well-rounded experience possible.

Be the first to mark this as helpful

Mechanical Testing Co-op

May - December 2022 • Wickliffe, OH

What I liked

Term 1: At Lubrizol, starting on day one, I was given a large amount of responsibility with the work that I did. Within just a few weeks of starting, I was working on my own on different test stands, with the supervision of other operators who would periodically check on me. Additionally, engineers gave me projects to complete in my free time, when I was not actively performing any operations-related duties. Though the company has not been at its busiest, when I ask around for additional tasks and projects, I am met with high regard, and challenging projects, that are not simply busy work. Every project I have been introduced to, has considerable impact on the company, mostly relating to streamlining and organization, but it is very useful to the company. The engineers and my supervisors put lots of responsibility and trust upon me to work independently without being micromanaged, trusting that I am staying on task. With that being said, I have never felt stressed or worried about finishing something in a short amount of time, the company is very laid back and stress-free. Term 2: Throughout my first project term with Lubrizol, I was given a vast amount of independence, responsibility, and project ownership. I was given several chances, through various projects, to let my creative mind flourish, and make something fully on my own. I worked on various different projects, ranging from those that took a few hours, to those that will be implemented in phases through 2023-2024, and cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. I was never micromanaged or felt like I did not play an important and integral role in any of these projects. Term 3: During my third rotation (Summer 2023) with Lubrizol, I truly felt like I was immersed in the daily life of a test engineer in mechanical testing. My projects were more impactful, more useful, and with that, came higher stakes. Also The projects themselves were much more complex, and required me to continue to develop my engineering related soft skills. These projects included performing data analysis, coding, and scripting a test sequence using a unique-to-Lubrizol program. I greatly enjoyed seeing my projects have a greater impact on the department, from safety to process standardization and workflow efficiency, I feel like my projects were very impactful and important.

What I wish was different

Coincidentally, the co-op coordinator quit about 2 weeks before I began working, so other people have been struggling to gather the loose ends left in his absence, making for much confusion with me. I would not expect this to be much of a problem for the future, however. Had the co-op coordinator not quit, my experience, as I have been told, would be much more organized and streamlined, with many more projects to pick and choose from, but that has not been the case for me, since the ball was dropped in his absence. Additionally, I wish that I could've started working on projects sooner, because I like the challenges that each new project brings, instead of shadowing operators for nearly two months. Term 2: Honestly, as of right now, my only regret was not finding Lubrizol earlier. It has been a wonderful time! Term 3: Going into the term, I did not know that I was going to be switching my role as a co-op (from the driveline area to the Diesel Engine group). This caused slight confusion and disorder on my first few days. However, after I became adjusted, my term went great!

Advice

Work hard, stay focused, and show to everyone that you strive to learn and complete projects. You will be rewarded accordingly. Even when it seems if no one is watching or paying attention to you, they are. When you are working hard, they notice, and when you slack off, they notice. The company likes hard work and rewards their harder-working co-ops with job offers down the road, so if this is a company you could see yourself working for, give them a reason every day you are here for them to hire you when you graduate. Don't be afraid to bond with and joke around with the engineers and operators and supervisors, I have, and since I have, the daily tasks and atmosphere is much more fun and lighthearted knowing I can joke around with everyone when I pass by them in the hallways or eat lunch with them. Term 2: The biggest piece of advice that I could give, and this applies to nearly every co-op role, not just Lubrizol, is that if you seek out independence and greater project ownership, it will be given. Hardwork is rewarded, so if you want more, show that you want more. Term 3: I think that an important piece of advice that I would give to myself last year, or any first or second term co-op, would be to never stop reaching out. I have been applauded for my willingness to accept new projects and responsibilities, just because of my helpful attitude, seeing any free time as an opportunity to help someone out. In my spare time this term, I would walk around the lab, or ask operators or engineers what I could do to help them out, make their life easier, or speed up a process they perform. Not only does this help the efficiency of the company, but it also stood out to my managers that I am always willing to go above and beyond just my assigned projects.

Be the first to mark this as helpful

Metalworking Co-op

May 2021 • Wickliffe, OH

What I liked

The experience was a great learning opportunity and I was surprised by how much I really did get out of the summer. My co-workers were friendly and easy to work with and the labs were very nice as well.

What I wish was different

There were some personnel issues that increased the workload but besides for that it was overall a positive experience.

Advice

I would highly recommend living closer to the plant if possible and using the housing money that the company provides you with to shorten the commute.

Be the first to mark this as helpful

Chemical Engineering Co-op

May - August 2021 • Brecksville, OH

What I liked

I liked how I was given many responsibilities, and the work that I did was seen as important. I did projects that current engineers would do, and was trusted with the outcome of these projects. I felt as if I was a member of the team.

What I wish was different

I wish there was been a better schedule for the projects I had, however the delay of materials is an ongoing global problem that could not have been fixed.

Advice

Take in everything you can, working at the corporate/research headquarters meant there were a lot of kinds of people doing different jobs. It is a great opportunity to see what is out there.

Be the first to mark this as helpful

Chemistry Research Intern

May - August 2018 • Brecksville, OH

What I liked

New experience Learned how to work in a team Led meetings Treated interns like real employees

What I wish was different

Maybe more exposure to other departments, but it was a great experience overall.

Advice

Don’t feel discouraged if you feel like you don’t know how to do something. Ask questions and let yourself think outside the box. This experience is for you.

1 One person found this helpful

Chemical Engineering Intern

April - July 2019 • Rouen, Seine-Maritime

What I liked

The abroad experience and structure of the program

What I wish was different

More support and less logistical issues

Advice

Be sure to speak the language!

Be the first to mark this as helpful

Computer Network Architect Intern

May - August 2019 • Wickliffe, OH

What I liked

The people were great and very helpful. Some of the projects gave me great experience

What I wish was different

More structure on what assignments I would be working on

Advice

Meet everyone around the office right away. If you dont have work there is always someone to go to to find some.

Be the first to mark this as helpful

Continuous Improvement Coordinator

January 2019 • Rockton, IL

What I liked

The culture in this company is amazing. They believe in accountability and continuous improvement. They empower people to make a change and give them the tools to get it done.

What I wish was different

The company is transitioning from years of archaic practices and there is still a bit of the "way we've always done it" mindset that needs to be broken.

Advice

Don't be afraid to talk to senior managers. Many of them love to get direct feedback from the floor and don't hold themselves above everyone else. they can be the best mentors you'd ever find.

Be the first to mark this as helpful

R&D Summer Chemistry Intern

May - September 2019 • Brecksville, OH

What I liked

Teamwork Responsibility

What I wish was different

nothing

Advice

Don't be afraid to ask questions and try to think outside the box.

Be the first to mark this as helpful

Product Safety and Compliance

June 2019 • Wickliffe, OH

What I liked

Great company and wonderful experience in the working world. Expanded my network and resume, made some great friends. The great pay helps too.

What I wish was different

School had been more lenient towards working with me seeing as I’m working a full time job essentially while taking classes — aka making more classes available online, etc.

Advice

If you have the opportunity to dip your feet in what it’s like to work for a large corporation definitely do it. It can help you figure out what you want to do with your life. You’ll expand your network either way.

Be the first to mark this as helpful

Global Communications Intern

May 2019 • Wickliffe, OH

What I liked

I loved the company culture at Lubrizol! My managers, fellow co-ops and interns, recruiters and department welcomed me with open arms and were always willing to help. There was never a day where I dreaded going to work.

What I wish was different

Advice

Be the first to mark this as helpful

Electrical engineering coop

August - December 2019 • Wickliffe, OH

What I liked

Great, professional atmosphere. Treat you with respect that an actual employee would have. Work on relevant and large scale projects. Work very hard to educate you while making sure you have a good experience

What I wish was different

None. Was a very good experience

Advice

Ask questions and network in the company. The people there are your greatest resource

Be the first to mark this as helpful

UI/UX Designer Intern

August 2019 • Wickliffe, OH

What I liked

What I wish was different

Advice

Don’t be afraid to apply because you feel incompetent. If you are willing to learn they are willing to teach and give a great experience!

Be the first to mark this as helpful

Information technology intern

January - May 2018 • Cleveland, OH

What I liked

Good people and good pay

What I wish was different

It has a very old environment style

Advice

Talk to everyone

Be the first to mark this as helpful

Chemical Engineering co-op

May - August 2018 • Bowling Green, OH

What I liked

The projects I worked on had a measurable impact on the company, and they were challenging as well. I was treated almost as though I was a full time engineer, and was expected to seek out and utilize resources myself to help move the projects forward. If I got stuck, however, my supervisor was always willing to help. This experience stretched and improved both my technical and workplace abilities.

What I wish was different

Advice

Don't be afraid to ask questions or bounce ideas off of co-workers, but be respectful of their time.

3 ${count} people found this helpful

Chemistry Intern

May - August 2018 • Brecksville, OH

What I liked

Great group of people to work with. Learned a lot about physical applications of chemistry. Fun, new experience with digital ink allowed me to see the adventurous and creative side of science.

What I wish was different

I wish there were more interns my age to work alongside.

Advice

Be careful taking a chemistry lab opportunity as an engineer. For an internship it shouldn't be a problem, but I met a few OSU chemical engineers who worked at Lubrizol as chemists even years after graduation. They took the lab job for their first job, and now they have been cornered into that field, and companies who want engineers don't want them because they only have experience in a lab.

1 One person found this helpful

Information Solutions intern

May - August 2018 • Wickliffe, OH

What I liked

I enjoyed the company and my coworkers. I got very valuable experience and was treated as if I was a full time employee, not just an intern. I have nothing but good things to say about this company.

What I wish was different

Advice

Do not be afraid to go out of your comfort zone.

Be the first to mark this as helpful

Mech E CoOp

May - August 2018 • Wickliffe, OH

What I liked

Hands on experience with both independent and group work. Participated in projects that affected company on a grander scheme. Learned about both automotive engineering practices and working as an engineer as a whole.

What I wish was different

More opportunities to meet upper staff and managers.

Advice

Do not overload yourself. Lubrizol's CoOp experience is very much a full time job, and working a side job along with the program can prove to be very stressful.

1 One person found this helpful