Controls Engineer Intern

Job Summary/Objective:

The purpose of Southwire's College Programs is to help early career professionals bring together formal learning and productive work to improve their ability to transition from school to work. Southwire provides interns and co-ops with "real world" applications of their academic studies, helpful feedback and coaching, and consideration for employment after graduation. Each student will have a variety of responsibilities and assigned projects that relate to their field of study and be responsible for developing a timeline, progress updates, and final delivery in a senior leadership expo.

Note: All new interns and co-ops must begin in the summer rotation.

Ready to explore new horizons in your own development as a Southwire Intern or Co-op and help us power what's possible?

Key Responsibilities

• Your intern assignment is generally 10-12 weeks, and co-op assignment is generally 16-18 weeks and will include an assigned project and opportunities to present your work.
• You will also collaborate on other exciting projects and work with talented peers and inspirational leaders, many of whom began as interns and co-ops themselves.
• You will be provided a robust developmental experience through an immersive onboarding and offboarding experience, assigned a mentor, networking opportunities, organized events, activities, and community service /volunteer initiatives.
• You will have the opportunity to impact the future of the organization, all the while being exposed to a world-class program community.
• Finally, our rising senior interns and co-ops are considered for full-time employment opportunities.

Long Description

The Process Controls Engineering Intern will provide hands-on support to the Process Controls Engineer II in designing, implementing, and optimizing control systems for wire and cable manufacturing processes. This internship offers the opportunity to gain practical experience in process automation, data integration, and continuous improvement within a dynamic manufacturing environment. The intern will collaborate with cross-functional teams to support digital transformation initiatives and ensure high standards of safety, quality, and productivity.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in the development, testing, and implementation of process control system enhancements under the guidance of senior engineers.
• Support data collection and analysis efforts to help improve process efficiency and product quality.
• Help integrate and organize data from various sources for use in real-time monitoring and reporting.
• Participate in the documentation of projects, including control system schematics and operating procedures, using AutoCAD and Microsoft Office tools.
• Contribute to troubleshooting and resolving basic control system and networking issues alongside engineering and IT teams.
• Engage in learning activities related to Siemens TIA Portal, Step7, and Rockwell RSLogix 5000 programming environments.
• Observe and assist in the application of safety standards and industry regulations throughout engineering projects.
• Attend cross-functional meetings and support collaboration among engineering, IT, and production teams.

Required Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering, or Mechatronics Engineering or a related field.
• Basic understanding of industrial automation or control systems (coursework or prior experience preferred).
• Familiarity with Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment and manage multiple tasks with supervision.
• Willingness to learn new technologies and tools relevant to process controls and manufacturing automation.
• Flexibility to travel up to 10% if needed for on-site projects.

Preferred Skills

• Exposure to AutoCAD or similar design tools.
• Introductory knowledge of PLC programming or scripting (Siemens, Rockwell, or similar platforms).
• Familiarity with industrial networking concepts and cybersecurity basics.
• Interest in applying data analysis and digital transformation strategies within manufacturing.

Work Environment

This internship is based in a fast-paced, collaborative setting, with opportunities for hands-on learning and meaningful contributions to projects that drive innovation in wire and cable manufacturing. The intern will receive mentorship from experienced engineers and gain exposure to advanced process controls and smart manufacturing practices.

Benefits We Offer:

• 401k with Matching & Pension Plan (Eligible for Pension after 1,000 Hours Worked)
• Flexible Work Schedules