Automation Engineer Associate – Intern

ESCO Group; Marion (IA); On-site; USD 13,000 - 20,000; Full time

Job summary

ESCO Group is a diversified electrical and automation services provider seeking an Automation Intern to join ESCO Automation. This internship offers exposure to real-world automation projects within a multi-discipline team.

You will learn PLC/HMI programming, system integration, and safety practices while contributing to design, testing, and commissioning under supervision. ESCO values curiosity and continuous improvement for hands-on experience.

Qualifications

• Enrollment in or completion of an associate or bachelor’s degree program in engineering.
• Interest in PLC programming and HMI technologies.
• Familiarity with Allen-Bradley product lines (preferred).

Responsibilities

• Assist in designing and implementing process control system integration projects.
• Support tasks under supervision while adhering to scope, schedule, and budget.
• Program, configure, test, and commission PLC and HMI-based control systems.
• Promote ESCO standards and continuous-improvement initiatives.

Skills

Automation concepts

Learning mindset

Education

Associate or Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Tools

Allen-Bradley

PLC Programming

HMI Technologies

Job description

Automation: Automation Engineer Associate – Intern

ESCO Group is structured into three core business units: ESCO Automation, ESCO Electric, and ESCO Power & Safety. We provide a comprehensive array of services, including plant automation, electrical construction, electrical design, and electrical safety training.

Our team of over 400 dedicated professionals is committed to enhancing our services and supporting our clients in achieving their objectives. We prioritize the development of solutions that promote efficiency and drive success.

ESCO Group serves various markets, such as industrial, food and beverage, seed/agriculture, oilseed, municipals, and OEM, making it a versatile and reliable partner for a wide range of clients.

AUTOMATION INTERN

The Automation Intern is a position for students within the technical delivery structure of ESCO Automation. This internship is focused on learning and gaining practical experience within a multi-discipline automation team, requiring the acquisition of various automation skills and technologies.

The responsibilities of the Automation Intern include but are not limited to:

• Supporting the development and execution of process control system integration projects, contributing to real-world automation solutions from design through implementation.
• Performing project tasks under direct supervision while adhering to scope, schedule, and budget constraints.
• Programming, configuring, testing, and commissioning PLC and HMI-based control systems as assigned under the direction of others.
• Monitoring personal quality measures to ensure they are being met.
• Utilizing, supporting, and enhancing ESCO’s standards and best practices.
• Understanding and following all safety, conduct, and policy requirements established by ESCO and clients.
• Demonstrating curiosity and a continuous-improvement mindset by exploring emerging technologies (including AI-enabled tools) that can improve automation workflows, troubleshooting, and system performance.

Intern candidates should have:

• Enrollment in or completion of an associate or bachelor’s degree program in engineering or a related discipline from an accredited college, technical school, or university.

Preferred:

• Education or training in PLC Programming, HMI Technologies.
• Education or training in electrical fundamentals such as voltage, current, and resistance.
• Education or training in the use of Allen Bradley product lines.

Resumes submitted will be considered for ESCO's 2027 Summer Internship Program

www.theESCOGroup.com

ESCO Group is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants, and we do not discriminate based on race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, genetic information, gender, gender identity or expression, or veteran status.