Description
We are seeking an enthusiastic and detail-oriented Automation Engineer Interns to join our candle manufacturing facility. This role will assist with automating repetitive processes using robotics, mechanical design, electronics, and engineering principles. You will work closely with our production and engineering teams to develop innovative solutions that enhance productivity, efficiency, and quality across various stages of candle production.
Key Responsibilities
- Collaborate with engineering teams to identify repetitive tasks and processes suitable for automation.
- Assist in designing and developing robotic systems to streamline manufacturing processes such as palletizing, packaging, and labeling.
- Develop and implement mechanical designs to improve production workflows and reduce manual intervention.
- Work to design and integrate control systems, sensors, and actuators for automated equipment.
- Perform troubleshooting and maintenance on automated systems to ensure optimal performance.
- Assist in programming and configuring robotics and automation software to meet production needs.
- Conduct testing and validation of automated solutions, ensuring they meet safety and efficiency standards.
- Document automation processes and provide detailed reports on progress and improvements.
- Support the team with day-to-day operations and contribute to brainstorming sessions for process improvement.
- Follow all health, safety, and environmental guidelines.
Requirements
- Currently pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Robotics, Automation Engineering, or a related field.
- Basic knowledge of robotics, mechanical design, electronics, and programming (e.g., Python, C++, or similar).
- Familiarity with CAD software for mechanical design (e.g., AutoCAD, SolidWorks).
- Understanding of industrial automation technologies, PLCs, and control systems is a plus.
- Strong problem-solving skills and a hands-on approach to engineering challenges.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
- Strong attention to detail and a passion for continuous improvement and innovation.
- Excellent communication and organizational skills.
Benefits
- Gain practical, hands-on experience in automation within a manufacturing environment.
- Opportunity to work on real-world engineering projects contributing to the company’s productivity and growth.
- Mentorship and guidance from experienced engineers and professionals.
- Potential for full-time employment upon completing the internship and based on company needs.
Physical Requirements
- Able to continuously use hands to finger, handle, feel, or grip; reach within hands and arms length; twist/turn.
- Able to frequently sit, walk, stoop, kneel, climb stairs.
- Able to occasionally crawl.
- Able to frequently lift up to 20 pounds and occasionally lift up to 50 pounds.
- Able to stand for up to 10 hours; increments of 4 hours.
- Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
- Work Environment: Employees are frequently exposed to fragrances and moving mechanical parts.
This job description is not designed to contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties or responsibilities. Additional duties, responsibilities and activities may be assigned or change with or without notice.
Skills Required
- Currently pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Robotics, Automation Engineering, or a related field.
- Basic knowledge of robotics, mechanical design, electronics, and programming such as Python or C++.
- Familiarity with CAD software such as AutoCAD or SolidWorks.
- Understanding of industrial automation technologies, PLCs, and control systems.
- Strong problem-solving skills and a hands-on approach to engineering challenges.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
- Strong attention to detail and passion for continuous improvement and innovation.
- Excellent communication and organizational skills.
- Ability to continuously use hands, fingers, and arms; sit, walk, stoop, kneel, climb stairs, and occasionally crawl.
- Ability to frequently lift up to 20 pounds and occasionally lift up to 50 pounds.
- Ability to stand for up to 10 hours in increments of four hours.
- Required visual abilities include close, distance, color, peripheral, and depth vision, plus focus adjustment.
What We Do
Milkhouse Creamery (Milkhouse Candle Co.) is a family-owned Iowa manufacturer of candles and home-fragrance products. Janet and Eric Sparrow began making candles at home in 2002, and the business grew from that hobby into a thriving candle company. Its signature soy-based wax blend uses American-grown soybeans; the company highlights candles without artificial dyes, with lead-free cotton wicks, and emphasizes clean-burning, paraffin-free home fragrance.
