Automation Engineering Intern

Novonesis; Franklinton (NC); On-site; USD 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Novonesis in Franklinton, NC is seeking an Automation Engineering Intern to support and improve control systems across our manufacturing processes. You will work with automation engineers, production teams, and technical specialists to gain hands-on experience with industrial automation technologies and data-driven problem solving.

This 10-week, on-site internship emphasizes collaboration, troubleshooting, and documentation as you help with PLC, DCS, HMIs, SCADA projects, and system upgrades

Qualifications

• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
• Interest in industrial automation, batch programming, OT networks, and control system design.
• Ability to interpret technical information and diagnose system issues.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.
• Ability to work independently while managing project responsibilities.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Minimum 3.0 GPA.
• Sophomore standing or higher at the time of application.
• Ability to arrange your own housing and transportation.

Responsibilities

• Support the maintenance, troubleshooting, and optimization of automated manufacturing systems.
• Assist with PLC, DCS HMI, SCADA, and process control system projects.
• Analyze automation and production data to identify opportunities for process improvement and increased system reliability.
• Support automation upgrades, system modifications, and commissioning activities as part of capital projects.
• Collaborate with operations, maintenance, engineering, and quality teams to improve manufacturing performance.
• Develop technical documentation, programming updates, reports, and system work instructions.
• Assist with testing and validation of automation solutions and process improvements.
• Present project findings, recommendations, and outcomes to site leadership.

Skills

Analytical skills

Troubleshooting

Industrial automation

Batch programming

OT networks

Control system design

Communication

Team collaboration

Independent work

Attention to detail

GPA 3.0+

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Computer Science

Tools

PLC systems

DCS/HMI

SCADA

Job description

Automation Engineering Intern

At Novonesis, we use biology to transform how the world produces food, beverages, household products, renewable fuels, and more.

About The Role

As an Automation Engineering Intern, you will work alongside automation engineers, production teams, and technical specialists to support and improve the control systems that operate our manufacturing processes. You will gain exposure to industrial automation technologies, troubleshoot equipment and process issues, and contribute to projects that improve reliability, efficiency, and operational performance.

Key Responsibilities Include

• Support the maintenance, troubleshooting, and optimization of automated manufacturing systems.
• Assist with PLC, DCS HMI, SCADA, and process control system projects.
• Analyze automation and production data to identify opportunities for process improvement and increased system reliability.
• Support automation upgrades, system modifications, and commissioning activities as part of capital projects.
• Collaborate with operations, maintenance, engineering, and quality teams to improve manufacturing performance.
• Develop technical documentation, programming updates, reports, and system work instructions.
• Assist with testing and validation of automation solutions and process improvements.
• Present project findings, recommendations, and outcomes to site leadership.

What You'll Need To Be Successful

We are looking for students who are currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in:

• Engineering or Computer Science

Required Qualifications And Competencies

• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
• Interest in industrial automation, batch programming, OT networks, and control system design.
• Ability to interpret technical information and diagnose system issues.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.
• Ability to work independently while managing project responsibilities.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Minimum 3.0 GPA.
• Sophomore standing or higher at the time of application.
• Ability to arrange your own housing and transportation.

Ways of Working / Working Conditions

• Full-time internship assignment lasting approximately 10 weeks.
• Located on-site in Franklinton, NC.
• Exposure to industrial manufacturing processes, automation systems, and production equipment.
• Occasional use of required personal protective equipment (PPE) when entering production areas.
• Collaboration with cross-functional teams including operations, maintenance, engineering, and quality.

Compensation & Benefits

Expected salary: $23/hr

Relevant Information

• Program Dates: May 24th, 2027 to July 30th, 2027
• Position Type: Temporary position payrolled through a third-party provider
• Application Deadline: October 15, 2026

In Novonesis, we know that solutions rooted in biology can help solve humanity’s biggest challenges. Since we began more than a century ago, this has been our guide. It’s how we've gotten so far. And it’s how we'll impact the future. Now, more than ever, the world needs change. And with biosolutions, the possibilities for transformation are endless.

Opportunities for everyone

We are committed to an inclusive recruitment process and equal opportunity for all applicants. We make all employment decisions based on business needs and welcome candidates with a wide range of backgrounds, including ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, or veteran status.