Automation Engineer Co-op Spring 2027

Randstad USA; Bedford (MA); On-site; USD 18,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

6-month co-op

Job summary

MilliporeSigma is seeking an Automation Engineer Co-op to support development, testing, and documentation of automation systems in R&D. The role focuses ~80% on technical documentation and 20% on hands-on testing of automation, PLCs, and HMIs.

Must be actively enrolled in an academic program and available for a six-month period starting January 4, 2027. The position offers exposure to software/hardware engineering, machine control, and regulated documentation practices in a dynamic R&D

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Automation, Software or Mechanical Engineering with automation experience.
• Interest in automation engineering, software/hardware engineering, or machine control.
• Strong technical writing and documentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Execute test protocols to verify automation systems and software meet requirements.
• Develop, update, and maintain technical documentation for automation systems and software.
• Create software and system specifications based on existing automation solutions.
• Develop and/or execute test protocols to verify software functionality and system requirements.
• Reverse engineer existing automation solutions to understand system functionality and translate into documentation.
• Document testing activities, results, and system functionality per quality standards.
• Support documentation following GxP and GAMP 5 methodologies.

Skills

Python

Java

Automation concepts

Technical writing

Documentation

PLC/HMI exposure

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Automation/Software/Mechanical Eng

Tools

PLC

HMI

Job description

***THIS IS A 6-MONTH CO-OP STARTING JANUARY 4, 2027 THROUGH JUNE 25TH, 2027. TO QUALIFY, THE CANDIDATE HAS TO BE ACTIVELY ENROLLED IN AN ACADEMIC PROGRAM- NO RELOCATION STIPEND PROVIDED***

At MilliporeSigma, they are at the forefront of life sciences, working tirelessly to tackle the industry's toughest challenges. By collaborating with the global scientific community, they strive to enhance health access worldwide. Their mission is clear: to equip scientists and engineers with top-notch lab materials, technologies, and services, making research and biotech production simpler, faster, and more successful. With a dedication to shaping the future of drug development, they’re with our customers every step of the way, pioneering tomorrow's possibilities.

Position Summary

We are seeking an Automation Engineer Co-op to support the development, testing, and documentation of automation systems used within R&D. This role will work closely with the Automation and Applications teams and will provide hands-on exposure to software/hardware engineering, machine control, PLCs, HMIs, and system testing.

Approximately 80% of the role will focus on technical documentation, including developing and updating software specifications, test protocols, and other controlled documents. The remaining time will involve hands-on testing and execution of automation systems to verify that they meet defined requirements.

Responsibilities

• Execute test protocols to verify that automation systems and software meet specified requirements.
• Develop, update, and maintain technical documentation for automation systems and software.
• Create software and system specifications based on existing automation solutions.
• Develop and/or execute test protocols to verify software functionality and system requirements.
• Reverse engineer existing automation solutions to understand system functionality and translate that information into accurate technical documentation.
• Document testing activities, results, and system functionality in accordance with established quality and documentation standards.
• Support documentation activities following GxP and GAMP 5 methodologies.
• Ensure official documentation is complete, accurate, traceable, and suitable for use within a regulated environment.
• Work directly with R&D software and automation systems supporting Millipore products.
• Collaborate with the Applications team to understand system functionality, product applications, and how customers/users interact with the technology.
• Work with Automation Engineering and cross-functional teams to identify documentation gaps and support improvements to existing documentation.

Required Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a Bachelor's or Master's degree in: Automation Engineering, Software Engineering or Mechanical Engineering with relevant automation experience
• Strong interest in pursuing a career in automation engineering, software/hardware engineering, or machine control.
• Experience with Python and Java
• Interest or academic exposure to PLCs, HMIs, machine controls, or industrial automation.
• Strong technical writing and documentation skills.
• Ability to understand technical systems and translate technical information into clear, structured documentation.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow established procedures and documentation standards.