Electrical Engineer Co-op

Job Description

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?

Long Description

Position Summary

The Electrical Engineer Co-Op will gain hands-on experience supporting manufacturing operations through the application of electrical engineering principles. Under the guidance of experienced engineers and maintenance professionals, this role will assist with troubleshooting electrical and control systems, supporting capital and improvement projects, and implementing solutions that enhance safety, reliability, quality, and productivity. The co-op will develop practical skills in industrial automation, electrical design, controls engineering, and project execution while contributing to a culture of safety and continuous improvement.

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.
• Assist in troubleshooting and resolving electrical and control system issues affecting production equipment and facility operations.
• Support efforts to identify root causes of equipment failures and implement corrective actions to improve reliability and performance.
• Gain experience with PLC programming and troubleshooting, including Siemens and Allen-Bradley platforms.
• Assist in the development, modification, and documentation of ladder logic and control system programs.
• Create and maintain electrical schematics, specifications, operating procedures, and system documentation.
• Participate in the installation, startup, testing, and commissioning of new equipment and control system upgrades.
• Assist with the design and implementation of engineered solutions for electrical and automation projects.
• Support the selection, specification, and application of electrical controls equipment and field devices, including motors, drives, relays, sensors, switches, and safety systems.
• Collaborate with operations, maintenance, engineering, contractors, and vendors to complete assigned projects safely and on schedule.
• Provide support for instrumentation, automation, networking, and supervisory control systems, including potential involvement with SCADA applications.
• Assist in training operators, technicians, and other personnel on new equipment, system upgrades, and control processes.
• Develop knowledge of industrial electrical systems, including AC and DC circuits, power distribution, and motor control applications.
• Gain an understanding of applicable electrical codes and standards, including NEC and NFPA 70E requirements.
• Stay informed on emerging technologies and industry best practices and apply them where appropriate.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, quality, productivity, energy efficiency, and equipment reliability.
• Perform additional duties and projects as assigned.

Qualifications

Education

• Currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.

Preferred Knowledge and Skills

• Basic understanding of electrical power distribution, industrial controls, PLCs, HMIs, drives, and communication networks.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and technical documentation.
• Experience with or willingness to learn AutoCAD Electrical or similar electrical design software.
• Interest in industrial automation, controls engineering, and manufacturing systems.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively within a team environment.
• Demonstrated sense of ownership, initiative, and urgency when addressing assignments and project deadlines.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word and Excel.
• Commitment to maintaining a safe work environment and following all safety requirements.

Desired Learning Outcomes

By the end of the co-op experience, the successful candidate will have exposure to:

• Industrial automation and PLC programming
• Electrical troubleshooting and root cause analysis
• Control system design and implementation
• Electrical CAD and schematic development
• Industrial networking and SCADA systems
• Project management and cross-functional collaboration
• Manufacturing reliability and maintenance best practices
• Electrical safety standards and regulatory compliance