Automation Engineering Co-op

Promega Corporation; Madison (WI); On-site; USD 41,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Promega Corporation in Madison, Wisconsin is seeking an Automation Engineering Co-op to support design, programming, commissioning, and validation of automated process and machine control systems. You will gain experience with Rockwell PLC and HMI programming, control panel design, BOM development, network design, and system documentation during an eight-month, full-time co-op.

The role emphasizes hands-on experience in a regulated manufacturing environment and cross-functional collaboration

Qualifications

• At least 1 year of instruction towards a BS in Engineering.
• Base electrical circuit and problem solving skills.
• Excellent organization, communication, and presentation skills.
• Driven individual with a track record of being a self-starter.
• Ability to handle multiple and changing priorities.
• Some CAD (preferred AutoCad) training.
• Proficiency with Microsoft applications and willingness to leverage emerging technologies.

Responsibilities

• Plan, develop, program, and implement methods of control and automation to improve operations, minimize costs, maximize efficiency, and improve labor/material utilization.
• Support the commissioning and validation of automated process and machine control systems.
• Investigate and analyze manufacturing processes for automation potential and identify equipment for automation.
• Conceptualize, plan, design and execute Capital Projects related to Industrial Automation, Process Controls and Electrical Distribution.
• Support OT network design and related SCADA software maintenance.
• Assist with GMP documentation and tasks related to engineering projects.

Skills

Communication

Self-starter

Organizational skills

Problem solving

Team collaboration

Education

Engineering BS (in progress)

Tools

AutoCAD

Job description

OUR TEAM The Process Engineering team is made up of Process Engineers, Automation Engineers, and an OT Engineer with varied industry experiences and lengths of service. Our team also includes several co-ops each year. The Process Engineering team regularly collaborates with other internal engineering disciplines such as mechanical, electrical, industrial, and packaging, as well as with IT and OT partners supporting our control system network.

YOUR ROLE As an Automation Engineering Co-op, your role is to support the design, programming, commissioning, and validation of automated process and machine control systems. You will gain experience with Rockwell PLC and HMI programming, control panel design, BOM development, communication network design, and system documentation, while supporting day-to-day operations, continuous improvement initiatives, and capital projects alongside a broad array of teams within Promega. This is an eight-month, full-time co-op, and offers hands‑on experience applying industrial automation and control system technology to real problems in a regulated manufacturing environment.

YOUR EXPERIENCE We are looking for a dynamic self‑starter with excellent communication skills and a demonstrated ability to work in cross‑functional teams to achieve our department and company objectives. Experience in a regulated industry is a plus. A solid foundation in electrical fundamentals, controls concepts, and problem solving are important.

*This is an 8-month co-op position with two possible start dates: January through August, or May through December. Candidates must be able to commit to the full 8-month term for their selected timeline.

CORE DUTIES

1. Plan, develop, program, and implement methods of control and automation to improve operations, minimize operating costs, maximize efficiency and effect greater utilization of labor and materials.
2. Support the commissioning and validation of automated process and machine control systems.
3. Investigate and analyze manufacturing processes for automation potential. Research and identify appropriate equipment for automation of processes in operations, both in manufacturing and product finishing.
4. Conceptualize, plan, design and execute Capital Projects relating to Industrial Automation, Process Controls and Electrical Distribution.
5. Support design and maintenance of OT network and related SCADA software.
6. Basic activities:

• Control system design and programming.
• Control panel design and assembly.
• Development of Bill of Material (BOM).
• Rockwell PLC & HMI programming.
• Communication network design.
• System documentation and manual creation.

7. Assist, as required, with GMP documentation and tasks associated with engineering projects.

8. Understands and complies with ethical, legal and regulatory requirements applicable to our business.

9. Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

10. Demonstrates inclusion through their own words and actions and is accountable for a safe workspace. Acts with kindness, curiosity and respect for others.

11. Embracing and being open to incorporating Promega’s 6 Emotional & Social Intelligence (ESI) core principles in daily work.

12. Understands and complies with ethical, legal and regulatory requirements applicable to our business.

KEY QUALIFICATIONS

1. At least 1 year of instruction towards a BS in Engineering.
2. Base electrical circuit and problem‑solving skills.
3. Excellent organization, communication, and presentation skills.
4. Driven individual with a track record of being a self‑starter.
5. Ability to handle both multiple and changing priorities.
6. Some CAD (preferred AutoCad) training.
7. Demonstrated proficiency in digital tools and technology, including Microsoft applications and mobile platforms, with the ability to adapt and leverage emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, to improve efficiency, automation, and collaboration.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

1. Rockwell PLC & HMI Programming.
2. Motion control via Servo or VFD.
3. OT network experience.
4. Junior or senior status towards a BS degree in Electrical Engineering.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

1. Ability to observe and inspect equipment and operations for proper operation and compliance to safety and housekeeping standards.
2. Ability to work in a production environment around automated equipment.
3. Ability to work in an office environment utilizing a computer workstation.
4. Ability to work in a lab environment with chemical, biological and packaging materials.
5. Ability to remain stationary for several hours at a time.
6. Ability to position oneself in low positions.
7. Ability to move objects up to 20 pounds.
8. Ability to transport items between buildings.

At Promega, we value diversity and strive to create an inclusive workplace. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer, making employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.