U of A Senior Completes International Internship at Swiss Engineering Firm

Dillon Hines

Dillon Hines, a senior at the U of A, has successfully completed an internship with Rychiger, a renowned mechanical engineering firm based in Steffisburg, Switzerland. Hines, who is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in computer science and a Bachelor of Arts in German through the university's International Engineering Program, gained invaluable experience during his time abroad.

Hines spent the 2024-25 academic year studying at the Technical University of Darmstadt in Germany before securing the internship at Rychiger, a company known for its innovative smart packaging technologies. Rychiger is renowned for developing machinery that packages Nespresso capsules, the European equivalent of Keurig cups. The company is currently expanding its operations into the life sciences sector, focusing on diagnostics, pharmacology and the packaging of medical products like vaccines.

During his internship, Hines contributed to the foundational software development that will support Rychiger's future endeavors. "I had the opportunity to work on projects that involved interfacing high-level systems with low-level controllers for factory machines," Hines remarked. "This experience not only enhanced my technical skills but also taught me the importance of teamwork and communication in multidisciplinary environments."

Hines' time at Rychiger has shaped his career aspirations. "This internship showed me that I want to work with more complex systems that involve more than just software. I'm seriously considering returning to Switzerland after graduation to continue working in such an innovative environment," he said.

Hines also shared advice for students considering international internships. "Keep an open mind when searching for opportunities abroad. Many European languages are spoken in multiple countries. If you're learning German, for example, don't limit yourself to Germany — explore all the countries where German is an official language," he advised.

As Hines approaches the completion of his dual degrees, he looks forward to leveraging his international experience and skills in a global career.