AI Intern for Smart Manufacturing

Cognizant; Providence (RI); On-site; USD 34,000 - 39,000; Part time

Job summary

Cognizant invites an AI Intern to help develop Industry 4.0 and smart manufacturing solutions at the Innovation Center in MxD, Chicago. You will work with AI/ML, IoT, analytics, and AWS IoT to improve machine performance and quality.

This onsite internship lasts 8 weeks starting October 2026. The role requires part-time commitment (20 hours/week) and a STEM bachelor’s degree pursuit, with hands-on work in MES/SCADA/PLC, data creation for model training, demos for client visits, and

Qualifications

• Enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program 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.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement digital manufacturing use cases with cross-functional teams.
• 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.

Skills

Written communication

Teamwork & leadership

MS Office (Excel/Word/PowerPoint)

Self-motivated

Education

Pursuing bachelor’s degree in STEM

Tools

MES

SCADA

PLC

Sensors & cameras

Cobots/robots

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.

We're excited to meet people who share our mission and can make an impact in a variety of ways. Think about your transferable experiences and unique skills that make you stand out as someone who can bring new and exciting things to this role.

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.