An Automation Engineer Intern is a student or recent graduate who works in a temporary role as an entry-level engineering professional responsible for supporting the development, design, and implementation of industrial control systems for building automation projects. This role will help the candidate gain practical, real-world experience by combining control system design, HMI/SCADA development, PLC/DDC programming, and/or field commissioning to ensure the successful delivery of projects under the guidance of senior engineers. An Automation Engineer Intern will learn how a business runs while focusing on learning company standards, control system architecture, and software integration which contributes to a real client project.
Education- Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree (preferred) or Associate degree in any of the following fields: Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Chemical Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
- Trade school certificates or equivalent technical training combined with relevant experience may also be considered.
- 0–1 years of experience in industrial automation, instrumentation and controls, PLC/DDC programming, or a related industrial engineering field.
- Familiarity with PLC/DDC and HMI configuration, industrial networking, and/or HVAC systems is a plus.
- Familiarity with construction site environments and field devices (instrumentation, valves, drives) is a plus.
Technical Skills:
- As an Automation Engineer Intern, you will build your technical skills and gain hands-on experience in several of the following areas.
- Systems Knowledge: Basic understanding of HVAC and building automation systems (BAS).
- Control System Design: Ability to read electrical schematics, P&IDs, control system documentation, and network architecture drawings.
- HMI/SCADA: Basic experience with HMI and SCADA platforms (e.g., Rockwell, Ignition, Wonderware) and the ability to instantiate standard graphics, alarms, and trends.
- PLC/DDC: Basic understanding of PLC platforms (e.g. Allen-Bradley, Siemens) and at least one industrial automation programming language, such as Ladder Logic.
- Networking & Infrastructure: Basic understanding of industrial protocols (Modbus, BACnet, Ethernet/IP) and OT network design.
- Testing: Familiarity with troubleshooting techniques and tools such as simulators and multimeters for software testing and point-to-point device verification.
Soft Skills:
- Learning Mindset: A strong eagerness to learn new technologies and adapt to evolving engineering standards.
- Problem-Solving: A solution-oriented mindset with the ability to perform strategic debugging and know when to escalate issues.
- Attention to Detail: High commitment to accuracy in technical drawings, naming conventions, and project documentation.
- Communication: Ability to provide concise status updates and define technical challenges to project leads and team members.
- Leadership: Ability to collaborate effectively within multi-disciplinary teams.
- Control System Design: Assist with product selection for common automation systems and applications and support generation of accurate control system drawings.
- HMI/SCADA Configuration: Instantiate graphics and configure HMI/SCADA screens in alignment with company standards.
- PLC/DDC Programming: Support basic PLC and DDC programming tasks such as tag configuration and control logic using standard templates, reusable code libraries, or custom code.
- Testing and Commissioning: Assist with testing, device verification, and troubleshooting during bench testing, Factory Acceptance Testing, and site startup activities. Travel to client locations may be possible.
- Documentation: Assist with development of accurate project documentation, including IO lists, Sequence of Operations, Functional Specifications, test protocols, and redline markups.
- Safety & Compliance: Follow all office and site safety procedures and participate in mandatory safety training (e.g., OSHA-10).
- Quality Control: Ensure all document and code deliverables meet established quality standards for right-first-time accuracy and on-time delivery.
Skills Required
- Currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Chemical Engineering, or a related technical discipline
- Associate degree in a related technical discipline
- Trade school certificate or equivalent technical training combined with relevant experience
- 0-1 years of experience in industrial automation, instrumentation and controls, PLC/DDC programming, or a related industrial engineering field
- Basic understanding of HVAC and building automation systems
- Ability to read electrical schematics, P&IDs, control system documentation, and network architecture drawings
- Basic understanding of PLC platforms and at least one industrial automation programming language, such as Ladder Logic
- Basic understanding of industrial protocols including Modbus, BACnet, or Ethernet/IP
- Familiarity with HMI and SCADA platforms
- Familiarity with construction site environments and field devices
- Familiarity with troubleshooting tools such as simulators and multimeters
- Ability to follow office and site safety procedures and complete mandatory safety training
What We Do
Since 1947, Hoffman & Hoffman, Inc. has served the Carolinas and Virginia in the selection and application of commercial and industrial heating, ventilation, air conditioning, filtration and direct digital control (DDC) systems. In Fall 2009, Hoffman & Hoffman, Inc. opened branch offices in Knoxville and Chattanooga, Tennessee. Hoffman & Hoffman represents manufacturers of the highest quality HVAC equipment and controls available on the market today. Through one of our (14) fourteen regional branch offices, our professional sales engineers can assist you in most commercial/industrial HVAC and filtration projects. We employ Certified Energy Managers (CEM), LEED accredited professionals and professional sales engineers dedicated to meeting the heating, filtration, ventilation and air conditioning needs of engineers, owners and contractors. Delivering engineered, flexible, economical and environmentally responsible solutions for commercial, industrial and institutional heating, ventilating, air conditioning and refrigeration requirements is our top priority.
