Automation Engineering Co-op

Boston Beer Co.; Upper Macungie Township (PA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 34,000; Part time

Job summary

Boston Beer Co. seeks a co-op student in engineering to support PLC/HMI programming, commissioning, and data analysis within a manufacturing setting. You will help document electrical and controls systems and assist with device integration and preventive maintenance.

You will collaborate with engineering and operations teams to drive process improvements focused on safety, quality, throughput, and OEE, gaining hands-on experience in automation and data analytics.

Qualifications

• Pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering with automation focus, or related engineering discipline.
• Must remain enrolled in school during the co-op.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills required.

Responsibilities

• Assist with PLC and HMI programming, troubleshooting, and documentation.
• Support commissioning and validation of automation projects.
• Collect and analyze production, downtime, and equipment performance data.
• Develop and maintain electrical, network, and controls documentation.
• Assist with industrial network troubleshooting and device integration.
• Support preventive and predictive maintenance initiatives.
• Participate in root cause analysis and corrective action activities.
• Help implement process improvements focusing on safety, quality, throughput, and OEE.
• Create visualizations for operational performance metrics.
• Support upgrades and integrations involving sensors, barcode readers, printers, vision systems, and other plant automation equipment.
• Partner with engineering and operations to support process improvements and data accuracy initiatives.
• Assist with troubleshooting and continuous improvement efforts related to manufacturing and automation systems.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure successful completion of project deliverables.
• Maintain documentation and project records.
• Participate in engineering projects and special initiatives as assigned.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Teamwork

Communication

Education

Pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering/Automation Engineering/Computer Engineering/Mechanical Engineering with automation focus

Tools

PLC programming

Industrial automation systems

Workfront

Job description

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with PLC and HMI programming, troubleshooting, and documentation.
• Support commissioning and validation of automation projects.
• Collect and analyze production, downtime, and equipment performance data.
• Develop and maintain electrical, network, and controls documentation.
• Assist with industrial network troubleshooting and device integration.
• Support preventive and predictive maintenance initiatives.
• Participate in root cause analysis and corrective action activities.
• Help implement process improvements focused on safety, quality, throughput, and OEE.
• Create visualizations for operational performance metrics.
• Support upgrades and integrations involving sensors, barcode readers, printers, vision systems, and other plant automation equipment.

JOB DESCRIPTION

• Assist with PLC and HMI programming, troubleshooting, and documentation.
• Support commissioning and validation of automation projects.
• Collect and analyze production, downtime, and equipment performance data.
• Develop and maintain electrical, network, and controls documentation.
• Assist with industrial network troubleshooting and device integration.
• Support preventive and predictive maintenance initiatives.
• Participate in root cause analysis and corrective action activities.
• Help implement process improvements focused on safety, quality, throughput, and OEE.
• Create visualizations for operational performance metrics.
• Support upgrades and integrations involving sensors, barcode readers, printers, vision systems, and other plant automation equipment.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with engineering and operations teams to support process improvements and data accuracy initiatives.
• Assist with troubleshooting activities and continuous improvement efforts related to manufacturing and automation systems.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure successful completion of project deliverables.

Administrative & Project Work

• Maintain documentation and project records.
• Participate in engineering projects and special initiatives as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Pursuing a Bachelor's degree in:
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Automation Engineering
  • Computer Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering with automation focus
  • Related engineering discipline
• Must continue to be enrolled in school upon completion of the co-op.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with PLC programming and industrial automation systems.
• Experience working with cross-functional teams and operational stakeholders.
• Excellent communication and teamwork.
• Self-starter with a continuous improvement mindset.

What You'll Gain

• Hands-on experience with PLC troubleshooting and programming in a manufacturing environment.
• Opportunities to collaborate with engineering and operations teams to solve real-world manufacturing challenges.
• Experience using workflow and project management tools, including Workfront, to manage and execute deliverables.
• Development of technical, analytical, and professional skills that support future careers in electrical engineering, controls engineering, and industrial automation.
• Mentorship and networking opportunities with engineering professionals and business leaders.
• Manufacturing data analytics.
• Capital project execution.
• Equipment commissioning and startup support.
• Continuous improvement and operational excellence programs.