AI Intern for Smart Manufacturing

Cognizant; Cheyenne (WY); On-site; USD 28,000 - 40,000; Part time

Job summary

Cognizant is hiring an AI Intern for its Manufacturing Innovation Center in Chicago. The role is onsite with a 3-day-per-week in-office requirement, 20 hours weekly, and an 8-week duration starting in October 2026.

You will collaborate with cross-functional teams, design and test digital manufacturing use cases, and help train AI models using real data and media. The internship emphasizes hands-on work with MES/SCADA/PLC, sensors, cobots, and demo support for client visits, while staying current

Qualifications

• Enrolled in a bachelor's degree program in STEM fields (CS, IS, DS, SE).
• Ability to work part-time, 20 hours per week for the duration of the internship.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proven teamwork and leadership, with a client-service mindset.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement digital manufacturing use cases with cross-functional teams.
• Gain hands-on experience with MES, SCADA, PLC, machines, sensors, and cobots.
• Train AI models by creating data, documents, images, and videos.
• Support client visits by preparing demos and assisting with AV and streaming.
• Stay current with advancements in digital manufacturing technologies.

Skills

Communication skills

Teamwork & leadership

MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)

Education

Bachelor's degree student in STEM

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

About the role

As an AI Intern, you will make an impact by supporting the development of Industry 4.0 and smart manufacturing solutions that leverage AI, ML, IoT, analytics, and AWS IoT cloud services to improve machine performance and quality. You will be a valued member of the Manufacturing Innovation Center team and work collaboratively with cross-functional teams, clients, and partners at Cognizant's Innovation Center in MxD, Chicago.

In this role, you will

• Develop and implement digital manufacturing use cases with cross-functional teams, including designing, configuring, testing, and documenting innovative solutions.

• Gain hands‑on experience with MES, SCADA, PLC, machines and equipment, wireless sensors, cameras, and cobots/robots.

• Train AI models by creating data, documents, images, and videos for model training.

• Support client visits and tours by preparing and running demos, documenting topics, and helping control AV and streaming.

• Stay current with the latest advancements in digital manufacturing technologies while contributing to solutions that meet client and market needs.

Work model

At Cognizant, we strive to provide flexibility wherever possible, and we are here to support a healthy work-life balance through our various well‑being programs. Based on this role's business requirements, this is an onsite position requiring 3 days a week in a client or Cognizant office in Chicago, Illinois.

The working arrangements for this role are accurate as of the date of posting. This may change based on the project you're engaged in, as well as business and client requirements. Rest assured; we will always be clear about role expectations.

What you need to have to be considered

• Enrolled in a bachelor's degree program pursuing a degree in a STEM field such as Computer Science, Information Systems, Data Science, or Software Engineering.

• Ability to work part-time, 20 hours per week for the duration of the internship

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Proven teamwork and leadership capabilities, with a self-motivated, strong work ethic and dedication to client service excellence.

• Proven Microsoft Office skills, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.

These will help you stand out

• A strong curiosity about technology and digital modernization.

• Ability to work as part of a cross-cultural team, including flexibility to support multiple time zones when necessary.

Start Date

The internship will last 8 weeks, starting in October 2026.

Hourly rate and other compensation

The hourly rate for this position is $25.00 per hour, depending on experience and other qualifications of the successful candidate.

Disclaimer

The hourly rate, other compensation, and benefits information is accurate as of the date of this posting. Cognizant reserves the right to modify this information at any time, subject to applicable law.

Work Authorization

Due to the nature of this position, Cognizant cannot provide sponsorship for U.S. work authorization (including participation in a CPT/OPT program) for this role.

Cognizant is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.