GVSU Controls Engineering Intern Co-op

Controls Engineer Intern

- Position Description

Position Overview: The Controls Engineering Intern learns and applies foundational automation skills while supporting internal and customer projects under close supervision. The intern works closely with other interns and the Controls team to complete tasks in PLC/HMI/robotics documentation and basic commissioning while building good engineering habits in safety standards and communication.

Rotational Development Path:

• Rotation 1 Foundations: Gain familiarity with electrical schematics PLC coding basics HMI structure standards and documentation. Contribute to Axis internal projects and update documentation for existing customer programs.
• Rotation 2 Expansion: Tackle more advanced internal projects; begin supporting customer projects (electrical design tasks and code edits). Intro to robot programming and simulation.
• Rotation 3 Application: Provide hands-on support to customer projects: schematics updates programming commissioning debug and runoffs with supervision.

Key Responsibilities:

• Completes structured training/checklists; seeks feedback; applies lessons on subsequent tasks.
• Performs small scoped PLC ladder edits basic structured-text tweaks HMI tag routing and simple screens within established architecture and standards.
• Reads and updates prints with redlines; maintains I/O lists tag maps device tagging and device databases under review.
• Assists I/O checkout device bring-up and online debug; follows test procedures; supports FAT/SAT with supervision.
• Runs provided simulations; adjusts simple parameters; safely jogs/teaches points with guidance.
• Keeps backups change logs and manuals current; practices disciplined version control.
• Works constructively with Mechanical Electrical Build and PM; communicates status/risks early.
• Gathers accurate technical details and relays them to the project lead.
• Follows LOTO/site rules; maintains organized benches panels and work areas.
• Learns and practices our Operating Principles daily; asks for feedback; shows timeliness accountability and safe execution on small tasks.

Qualifications:

• Education: Currently enrolled in or recently graduated from a university program in Electrical/Controls/Mechatronics (or related field).
• Technical Skills:
  • PLC/HMI: Basic ladder logic simple ST edits tag creation and implementation simple screens/alarms.
  • Robotics: Safe jogging point teaching basic tool/frame setup.
  • Electrical Basics: Reads schematics/wire lists; verifies wiring against prints.
  • Networks & Devices: Basic device/IP setup and commissioning.
  • Documentation/Tools: Uses templates checklists and version control per team process.
• Communication: Clear timely communicator with project teams and other interns; asks clarifying questions early; provides crisp status and thorough hand-offs.
• Problem-Solving: Demonstrates critical thinking and a structured troubleshoot-verify-document approach; knows when to escalate with clear context.
• Teamwork: Collaborative coachable and respectful; supports peers during busy phases and shares what they learn.
• Reliability: Punctual meets commitments follows procedures/standards and keeps documentation current.
• Travel: Occasional supervised visits to customer sites or supplier facilities as assigned