45Drives Engineering Co-Op - Fall 2026

Location: Sydney, NS
Term: 16-week work term, full time
Type: In Office

Full transparency: we work a little differently around here.

This isn’t just another job where you punch in and punch out. We come to work every day because we strive to earn a living in a meaningful way. Too many people exist without finding joy or purpose in their work, and we believe that’s just wrong. After all, we spend at least a third of our lives working, so why not create workplaces where people want to come to work in the morning and feel good when they leave at the end of the day?

At 45Drives, your ideas don’t just matter, they shape our future. We thrive on collaboration and innovation, where every voice is heard, valued, and makes a real impact.

Does this sound like something you’d want to be a part of and help grow?

👉 Learn more about us here: https://workdifferently.info/

About Us

45Drives is a division of Protocase Inc., a rapidly growing manufacturing and technology company based in Sydney, Nova Scotia. We design and build enterprise storage solutions that help organizations manage massive amounts of data efficiently and affordably. Our customers include research institutions, media companies, government organizations, and businesses around the world.

What makes us different is our focus on openness, customization, and community-driven innovation. Our team works across engineering, software development, manufacturing, and operations to bring ideas from concept to reality—all under one roof.

As part of the 45Drives team, you’ll gain hands-on experience in a fast-paced environment where learning, collaboration, and problem-solving are part of everyday life.

About the Opportunity

This co-op term is an opportunity to gain real-world engineering experience while helping support projects that improve operations across the business.

Under the guidance of experienced team members, you will:

• 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


• Identify, monitor, and help address project risks


• Help determine the resources required to execute project scopes


• Communicate project progress and performance with stakeholders


• Collaborate with cross-functional teams in engineering, software, and manufacturing

About You

Our ideal candidate is organized, motivated, and excited to gain hands-on experience in a collaborative engineering environment. Here’s what you’ll need to succeed:

• Currently enrolled in an Engineering program at DALHOUSIE UNIVERSITY with a co-op work term requirement


• Strong organizational and time management skills


• Excellent communication and collaboration abilities


• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team


• Strong problem-solving mindset and willingness to learn


• Willingness to relocate to Sydney, NS for the duration of the work term.

Compensation & Term Details

• Wage: $19.50/hour


• Hours: 40 hours/week


• Term Length: 16 weeks

Full-time, permanent employment may be possible following completion of the student's degree – for the right fit!

Why You'll Love Working Here

🛠️ Hands-On Experience: Work on real projects that directly impact operations and manufacturing

🎓 Training and Growth: Gain guidance from experienced engineers and technical professionals
to build valuable skills in project coordination, operations, and engineering processes
🤝 Collaborative Environment: Work closely with teams across engineering, software, and manufacturing
🎉 Team Culture: Participate in company events, lunches, and social activities
🌄 Lifestyle of Cape Breton, Nova Scotia: Enjoy quick commutes, affordable living, beautiful scenery, and a welcoming community

Ready to Join Us?

If you’re looking for a co-op opportunity where you can gain meaningful experience, contribute to real projects, and work alongside a passionate team, we’d love to hear from you. Apply today and help us build the future of open-source storage solutions!