Automation Engineer Intern

Hoffman & Hoffman Inc; Raleigh (NC); On-site; USD 21,000 - 39,000; Part time

Job summary

Hoffman & Hoffman, Inc. seeks an Automation Engineer Intern to support design, programming, and commissioning of industrial control systems for building automation projects.

You will work under senior engineers, gaining hands-on experience in control system design, HMI/SCADA development, and field testing. The role focuses on learning BAS concepts, reading schematics, and applying standard templates while adhering to company standards.

Qualifications

• Pursuing Bachelor’s or Associate degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Mechatronics, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
• Trade school certificates or equivalent training with experience may be considered.
• 0–1 years in industrial automation, instrumentation and controls, PLC/DDC programming, or related field.
• Familiarity with PLC/DDC and HMI configuration, industrial networking, and HVAC systems is a plus.
• Familiarity with construction site environments and field devices is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Assist with product selection for common automation systems and applications and support generation of accurate control system drawings.
• Instantiate graphics and configure HMI/SCADA screens in alignment with company standards.
• Support basic PLC and DDC programming tasks such as tag configuration and control logic using standard templates or reusable code libraries.
• Assist with testing, device verification, and troubleshooting during bench testing, FAT, and site startup activities; travel to client locations may be possible.
• Assist with development of project documentation, including IO lists, SOPs, test protocols, and redline markups.
• Follow all safety procedures and participate in mandatory safety training (e.g., OSHA-10).
• Ensure all deliverables meet quality standards for right‑first‑time accuracy and on‑time delivery.

Skills

Systems Knowledge

Control System Design

HMI/SCADA

PLC/DDC

Networking & Infrastructure

Testing

Learning Mindset

Problem-Solving

Attention to Detail

Communication

Leadership

Ladder Logic

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering; Mechanical Engineering; Mechatronics; Chemical Engineering

Associate degree in a related technical discipline

Tools

Rockwell

Ignition

Wonderware

P&IDs and electrical schematics

Job description

An Automation Engineer Intern is a student or recent graduate who works in a temporary role as an entry-level engineering professional responsible for supporting the development, design, and implementation of industrial control systems for building automation projects. This role will help the candidate gain practical, real-world experience by combining control system design, HMI/SCADA development, PLC/DDC programming, and/or field commissioning to ensure the successful delivery of projects under the guidance of senior engineers. An Automation Engineer Intern will learn how a business runs while focusing on learning company standards, control system architecture, and software integration which contributes to a real client project.

Education

• Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree (preferred) or Associate degree in any of the following fields: Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Chemical Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• Trade school certificates or equivalent technical training combined with relevant experience may also be considered.

Experience

• 0–1 years of experience in industrial automation, instrumentation and controls, PLC/DDC programming, or a related industrial engineering field.
• Familiarity with PLC/DDC and HMI configuration, industrial networking, and/or HVAC systems is a plus.
• Familiarity with construction site environments and field devices (instrumentation, valves, drives) is a plus.

Skills

Technical Skills:

• As an Automation Engineer Intern, you will build your technical skills and gain hands‑on experience in several of the following areas.
  • Systems Knowledge: Basic understanding of HVAC and building automation systems (BAS).
  • Control System Design: Ability to read electrical schematics, P&IDs, control system documentation, and network architecture drawings.
  • HMI/SCADA: Basic experience with HMI and SCADA platforms (e.g., Rockwell, Ignition, Wonderware) and the ability to instantiate standard graphics, alarms, and trends.
  • PLC/DDC: Basic understanding of PLC platforms (e.g. Allen-Bradley, Siemens) and at least one industrial automation programming language, such as Ladder Logic.
  • Networking & Infrastructure: Basic understanding of industrial protocols (Modbus, BACnet, Ethernet/IP) and OT network design.
  • Testing: Familiarity with troubleshooting techniques and tools such as simulators and multimeters for software testing and point‑to‑point device verification.

Soft Skills:

• Learning Mindset: A strong eagerness to learn new technologies and adapt to evolving engineering standards.
• Problem‑Solving: A solution‑oriented mindset with the ability to perform strategic debugging and know when to elevate issues.
• Attention to Detail: High commitment to accuracy in technical drawings, naming conventions, and project documentation.
• Communication: Ability to provide concise status updates and define technical challenges to project leads and team members.
• Leadership: Ability to collaborate effectively within multi-disciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

• Control System Design: Assist with product selection for common automation systems and applications and support generation of accurate control system drawings.
• HMI/SCADA Configuration: Instantiate graphics and configure HMI/SCADA screens in alignment with company standards.
• PLC/DDC Programming: Support basic PLC and DDC programming tasks such as tag configuration and control logic using standard templates, reusable code libraries, or custom code.
• Testing and Commissioning: Assist with testing, device verification, and troubleshooting during bench testing, Factory Acceptance Testing, and site startup activities. Travel to client locations may be possible.
• Documentation: Assist with development of accurate project documentation, including IO lists, Sequence of Operations, Functional Specifications, test protocols, and redline markups.
• Safety & Compliance: Follow all office and site safety procedures and participate in mandatory safety training (e.g., OSHA-10).
• Quality Control: Ensure all document and code deliverables meet established quality standards for right‑first‑time accuracy and on‑time delivery.