Automation & Controls Engineer Co-op/Intern

Re:Build Manufacturing; City of Rochester (NY); On-site; USD 29,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Job summary

Re:Build Optimation is seeking an Automation & Controls Engineer Co-op/Intern to contribute to real-world industrial automation projects. You'll work with engineering, design, trades, and project management teams on client-facing projects across industries, gaining hands-on experience from concept to commissioning.

You'll collaborate with a senior engineer, develop control system architectures, and apply CAD tooling while supporting the lifecycle of automation tasks in Rochester and Rush, NY.

Qualifications

• Pursuing or completed BS/MS in Mechatronics, Electrical, Computer Engineering or related field.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Willingness to learn and work independently within a project team.

Responsibilities

• Support automation projects from requirements gathering through design and troubleshooting.
• Develop control system architectures, P&IDs, and equipment specs.
• Create electrical drawings and schematics using AutoCAD Electrical.
• Develop PLC code and configure HMI applications with guidance from senior engineers.
• Create bills of materials and support equipment selection.
• Research electrical codes (NEC, NFPA 70E, UL508A) and apply them.
• Support fabrication, assembly, testing, and troubleshooting activities.
• Prepare technical reports and project documentation.
• Participate in meetings and design reviews with project teams.
• Collaborate with engineers and managers to plan tasks and development goals.
• Mentor with a senior engineer to advance technical/professional growth.

Skills

CAD experience

Strong communication

Independent teamwork

Curiosity and learning

Education

BS or MS in Mechatronics or EE or CE

Tools

AutoCAD Electrical

PLC platforms (Rockwell, Siemens, Beckhoff, Schneider)

Job description

About Re:Build

At Re:Build, our mission is to ensure the next generation of important products are made, at scale, in America. We are laying the foundation for a better future for our customers, employees, and communities by revitalizing America's manufacturing base and creating meaningful jobs across the country, including in historically deindustrialized regions.

About Re:Build

At Re:Build, our mission is to ensure the next generation of important products are made, at scale, in America. We are laying the foundation for a better future for our customers, employees, and communities by revitalizing America's manufacturing base and creating meaningful jobs across the country, including in historically deindustrialized regions.

About Re:Build Optimation

At Re:Build Optimation, we specialize in delivering custom-engineered process equipment and automated systems to clients across the globe. With nearly 40 years of experience in complex chemical process systems, we have built a reputation for precision, reliability, and innovation. Our multidisciplinary team of 70+ engineers, designers, and programmers, combined with 150,000 square feet of fabrication space and over 70 skilled tradespeople, allows us to provide full turnkey solutions—from initial concept through fabrication, installation, and commissioning.
As part of Re:Build Manufacturing, we leverage the strength of a national industrial powerhouse while maintaining the agility and personalized service of a specialized firm. We serve industries ranging from traditional and green energy to chemicals, pharmaceuticals, food & beverage, glass, and advanced manufacturing, offering tailored solutions that optimize efficiency and performance.
At Re:Build Optimation, we believe in a collaborative approach, working closely with our clients to develop solutions that align with their unique operational goals. Our deep industry expertise and end-to-end capabilities make us the ideal partner for companies seeking cutting-edge automation, process control, and engineered systems.

Who We Are Looking For

Re:Build Optimation is seeking an Automation & Controls Engineer Co-op/Intern who is eager to apply their engineering education to real-world industrial automation projects. You’ll work alongside engineering, design, trades, and project management teams while gaining hands-on experience supporting client-facing projects across a range of industries.
You’ll thrive in this role if you’re curious, organized, and comfortable learning through both technical problem-solving and hands-on project work. You’ll have the opportunity to contribute across the automation project lifecycle while working closely with a senior or principal engineer who will support your technical and professional development.
This opportunity is available for Spring, Summer, and Fall 2027 and requires the ability to work on-site in Rochester, NY and/or Rush, NY.

What You Get To Do

• Support automation projects from requirements gathering and functional specifications through design, programming, fabrication, and troubleshooting.
• Develop control system architectures, P&IDs, and instrumentation and automation equipment specifications.
• Create electrical drawings and schematics using AutoCAD Electrical.
• Develop PLC code and configure HMI applications with guidance from experienced engineers.
• Create bills of materials and support equipment and component selection.
• Research and apply relevant electrical codes and standards, including NEC, NFPA 70E, and UL508A.
• Support fabrication, assembly, testing, and troubleshooting activities.
• Prepare technical reports, specifications, and other project documentation.
• Participate in internal and client project meetings and design reviews.
• Collaborate with engineers and project managers to plan and execute project tasks.
• Partner with a senior or principal engineer mentor to establish and work toward technical and professional development goals.

What You Bring To The Team

• Currently pursuing a BS and/or MS degree in Mechatronics, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field from an accredited college or university.
• Strong written and verbal communication, organization, and time-management skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaborate effectively within a project team.
• Curiosity, adaptability, and an eagerness to learn.
• Experience with CAD software or tools.
• Ability to work on-site in Rochester, NY and/or Rush, NY.
• Preferred: Experience with AutoCAD Electrical.
• Preferred: Experience with PLC platforms such as Rockwell, Siemens, Beckhoff, or Schneider and/or industrial robotics.
• Preferred: Previous co-op, internship, academic project, or other relevant experience supporting industrial equipment or automation engineering and design.
• Preferred: Familiarity with ISO 9001, CSIA, or similar quality systems.
• Preferred: Exposure to Lean, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies.
• Preferred: Minimum 3.0 GPA.

Compensation

The hourly rate for this position is $21.00- $25.00. This range represents the Company’s good faith estimate of the base compensation for this role at the time of posting. Actual compensation will be determined based on several factors, including but not limited to relevant experience, skills, qualifications, internal equity, and geographic location. In addition to hourly rate, this role may be eligible for annual incentive compensation and/or long-term incentives, subject to Company plans. The Company offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, retirement, paid time off, and other benefits.

The BIG payoff

We are a company who is going to make a difference in the industries and the communities in which we choose to operate. Every employee of Re:Build will share ownership in the company and will share in the financial rewards of the success we achieve together, at all levels of the company!

We want to work with people that reflect the communities in which we operate

Re:Build Manufacturing is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affluent Action employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, marital status, parental status, cultural background, organizational level, work styles, tenure and life experiences. Or for any other reason. Re:Build is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities in our job application procedures. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at [e-mail] or you may call us at 617.909.6275.