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45Drives Engineering Co-op - Fall 2026

Position Information

Position Title: Engineering Co-op - Fall 2026
Department: 45Drives Engineering / R&D
Company: 45Drives Ltd.
Location: Sydney, Nova Scotia
Work Arrangement: On-site
Employment Type: Work Term (Co-op) - Full-Time, 16 Weeks
Shift: Day Shift
Level: Co-op

About Us

45Drives is changing the way organizations store data.

Instead of locking customers into proprietary software, we build enterprise storage solutions using open-source software and commodity hardware-giving customers flexibility, transparency, and long-term value without vendor lock-in.

45Drives is part of Protocase Inc., an innovative manufacturing and technology company with more than 400 employees serving over 16,000 customers worldwide, including organizations such as NASA, Boeing, Google, Apple, Microsoft, MIT, and many more.

Learn more:

• 45Drives: https://www.45drives.com

About the Role

We're looking for an enthusiastic Engineering Co-op Student from Dalhousie University to join our Engineering & R&D team for a 16-week work term.

This is an opportunity to gain real-world engineering experience while helping support projects that improve operations across the business. You'll work alongside experienced engineers and cross-functional teams, contributing to meaningful projects that have a direct impact on our products, manufacturing processes, and customer experience.

Rather than observing from the sidelines, you'll play an active role in planning, coordinating, and executing engineering initiatives while developing practical project management and problem-solving skills in a collaborative, fast-paced environment.

What You'll Do

• Work with team members and stakeholders to identify and deliver projects that support plant operations.
• Assist with planning, executing, and monitoring project scopes of work.
• Monitor and help maintain project schedules and key milestones.
• Identify, monitor, and help address project risks.
• Help determine the resources required to successfully execute project scopes.
• Communicate project progress, challenges, and performance with stakeholders.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams across Engineering, Software Development, and Manufacturing.
• Assist with engineering documentation, reporting, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Participate in team meetings, brainstorming sessions, and project reviews.

What You Need (Required Qualifications)

Education

• Currently enrolled in an Engineering program at Dalhousie University that includes a required co-op work term.

Experience

• Academic or project experience demonstrating engineering problem-solving, teamwork, and project coordination.

Technical Skills

• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Excellent communication and collaboration abilities.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a team environment.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving mindset.
• Eagerness to learn and contribute in a fast-paced engineering environment.

Certifications / Licences

• None required.

Other Requirements

• Must be legally eligible to work in Canada.
• Must be enrolled in a recognized co-op program.
• Willingness to relocate to Sydney, Nova Scotia for the duration of the work term.
• Ability to work on-site during regular day shift hours.

What Would Be Considered an Asset (Nice-to-Have Qualifications)

• Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline.
• Previous engineering, manufacturing, or co-op experience.
• Experience coordinating projects or working with project management principles.
• Familiarity with CAD software or engineering design tools.
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills.
• Interest in manufacturing, product development, or enterprise hardware.
• Curiosity, initiative, and a passion for solving real-world engineering challenges.
• Interest in pursuing full-time, permanent employment after graduation.

What Success Looks Like

By the end of your co-op term, you will:

• Successfully contribute to operational engineering projects from planning through execution.
• Build strong working relationships with engineers, software developers, manufacturing teams, and business stakeholders.
• Gain practical experience managing project timelines, coordinating resources, and solving engineering challenges.
• Improve your communication, organization, and project management skills in a real-world engineering environment.
• Contribute ideas that improve engineering processes and project outcomes.
• Leave the work term with meaningful project experience that prepares you for a successful engineering career.

Why Us?

At 45Drives, we believe in providing meaningful work experiences where students can make a real impact from day one.

This position pays $19.50 CAD per hour.

In addition, you'll enjoy:

Meaningful Work: Take ownership of real engineering projects that directly support innovative open-source storage solutions used around the world.

Mentorship: Learn from experienced engineers, software developers, and technical leaders who are invested in your success.

Professional Development: Build practical experience in engineering, project management, enterprise hardware, and collaborative product development.

Workplace Culture: Participate in team lunches, company events, and a workplace where innovation, curiosity, and continuous learning are encouraged.

Cape Breton Lifestyle: Experience life in beautiful Sydney, Nova Scotia, with affordable living, short commutes, breathtaking scenery, and a welcoming community.

Full-time, permanent employment may be possible following completion of your degree-for the right fit!