Platform Engineer/ Performance Engineer Review

The placement was based on 3 rotation in 3 different teams so every experience will be different depending on the teams. My most common day to day tasks was data analysis to prepare for technical reviews, developing MATLAB codes, managing prototype assembly and handling in special products and laboratories or helping out with various smaller very project specific tasks. The role involved extensive communication with engineers from different teams as well as engineers from other regions of the company (Asia, USA, Europe).

The year in Cummins has been by far the most developmental year for me during my university years. I obviously developed my technical knowledge on engines and turbocharges. I also improved my handling of programs like MATLAB, ANSYS CFD or Creo. However, maybe most importantly I got the opportunity to engage and understand real engineering environment. I would say as an introvert my biggest and most visible progress was improvement of my soft and interpersonal skills all across the board.

Yes, First month is spent mostly on training and learning the Cummins internal systems but already from the 2nd month onwards you are responsible for technical reviews, investigations into various issues and other. Later on in the placement around 6-8 months you might even start leading your own projects. Your opinion on things and feedback is valued at every step and you can always ask subject matter experts about your issues. After a year in Cummins I feel I made a real and significant contribution to some of their high profile projects.

Any time you requested help you received it. All relevant trainings are automatically assigned to you. I believe Cummins strikes a good balance where you are left to figure things out on your own and learn yourself but also receive all the support that you need, whenever you need it. You never have to be scared of asking a question.

Company culture is very warm and friendly. I almost want to say "relaxed" but that very much depends on the amount of workload at hand. You are generally trusted with your time and allowed to use hybrid and flexi working however you want. I would say the approach is "as long as the job is done" you can do your job in the most fitting and comfortable way to you. Having said that you are very much encouraged (rightfully so) to attend on site as it provides much better learning and integration opportunities.

I enjoyed it greatly. There are up and downs for sure. Tasks that suit you more and less as well as teams have different "vibes" so you might feel in different ways during the rotation. However, figuring out what works for you is part of the experience. As mentioned earlier if you would be struggling to much with anything you will get help so overall the experience was very developmental and enjoyable! Worth recommending for sure

Yes

READ ABOUT THE COMPANY! Such an obvious advice but genuinely assuming you have solid academic fundament the absolute best way to get a place is to display genuine interest in the company. People here care a lot about work environment and you will have to learn a lot on the placement anyway so displaying you are excited and passionate is most important in the application process in my opinion. Read about turbochargers, engines or other relevant component to your job before application