Automation Engineering Intern

pieperautomationcareers; New Berlin (WI); On-site; USD 25,000 - 30,000; Part time

Job summary

Pieper Automation is seeking a motivated Automation Engineering Intern to support engineers and project teams. You’ll gain hands-on exposure to industrial automation, controls, robotics, and manufacturing technologies through structured learning and real-world projects.

You will shadow engineers, participate in technical training, and rotate through functions like automation programming, design, vision inspection, and safety.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Pursuing 1+ year in Electrical/Mechanical/Robotics or related field.
• Previous internship or hands-on projects are a plus.

Responsibilities

• Shadow Automation Engineers and related professionals to learn processes and project execution.
• Assist with engineering and project tasks within automation and controls.
• Support design of control systems, electrical schematics, and automation networks.
• Assist with PLC and HMI software development and testing.
• Rotate through functions to gain broad exposure to automation business.

Skills

Safety-first mindset

Team collaboration

Strong communication

Problem solving

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Pursuing Associate's/Bachelor's in Electrical/Mechanical/Robotics

Tools

Microsoft Office

PLC basics

Job description

Automation Engineering Intern

Job Description

Role, Function & Organization

The Automation Engineering Intern supports the Pieper Automation team by assisting engineers and project teams with technical and project-based tasks. This role offers hands-on exposure to industrial automation, control systems, custom machines, robotics, and manufacturing technologies through structured learning, mentorship, and real-world project involvement. Automation Engineering Interns gain practical experience with automation tools, safety systems, and engineering workflows while contributing meaningfully to active projects and broader business initiative-based tasks.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Learning & Development

• Shadow Automation Engineers and related professionals to gain insight into engineering roles, processes, and project execution

• Participate in technical training, team meetings, and jobsite visits (as applicable)

• Learn and apply industry standards, tools, and best practices related to automation, controls, and machine safety

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to strengthen communication, teamwork, and overall professional skills.

Engineering & Technical Support

• Assist Automation Engineers with engineering and project tasks

• Support the design of control systems, including control panels, electrical schematics, and automation networks, and/or a focus on mechanical and robotic cell design

• Review, check, and edit electrical and/or mechanical drawings

• Assist with the development and testing of PLC application software

• Assist with the development and testing of HMI application software

• Participate in system testing, troubleshooting, and documentation activities

• Rotate through various functional groups (automation programming, design, vision inspection systems, machine safety, panel building, etc.) to gain broad exposure to the business

Departmental & Project Support

• Assist teams with day-to-day administrative and project-based tasks.

• Support document control, data entry, and reporting for active projects or internal initiatives

• Help prepare technical and project materials as assigned

• Participate in meetings, jobsite visits, and other learning opportunities to gain exposure to the department, company, and industry

Research & Business Insight

• Conduct research on automation technologies, tools, and industry trends

• Learn about company services, operations, and departmental workflows

• Apply research findings to support engineering projects and continuous improvement efforts

Safety / Hazard Recognition & Elimination

• Pre-plan work tasks and identify methods to eliminate hazards before work begins

• Observe work habits and conditions, identify hazards, and communicate concerns appropriately

• Uphold safety as the company's top priority and support the goal of zero accidents

• Promote open communication between field and office regarding safety concerns, improvements, and PPE needs

• Complete required safety training as expected of all company personnel

Qualifications and Requirements

• High School Diploma (or equivalent) required

• Currently pursuing and completion of at least one year in an Associate's or Bachelor's program in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Robotics Engineering, Automated Manufacturing, Electromechanical Design, or a related field

• Previous relevant experience is a plus

Experience, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong commitment to safety, with safety prioritized above all else

• Positive safety attitude and personal integrity (non negotiable)

• Interest in industrial automation, controls integration, and factory automation technologies

• Experience with computers, electrical circuits, or automation related technology preferred

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook, Teams)

• Strong written and verbal communication skills

• Ability to work effectively in a team-based environment and contribute immediately

• Ability to build trust and effective working relationships at all organizational levels

• Strong problem solving and logical reasoning skills

• Detail-oriented with the ability to prioritize, organize, and multitask

• Self-motivated with a strong work ethic and desire to learn and grow professionally

Pieper Automation serves as a turnkey automation controls partner to companies that are in need of innovative solutions, strategies & support and is a full solution & services provider for industrial design and integration of machines and systems, including process development and improvement, new equipment design and machine enhancement to help our customers compete successfully in today’s highly competitive global environment. We are a leader in providing complete Industrial automation solutions to manufacturers throughout North America. This includes small, mid-size and Fortune 100 companies in virtually every industry. We pride ourselves in our unique ability to provide control, mechanical and process engineering, along with custom assembly machine manufacturing and panel building, allowing us to deliver your solution seamlessly – from one supplier. This allows us to deliver the best value to your company through efficiencies in both cost and time management. With thousands of successfully completed projects in our portfolio, we provide an unprecedented breadth of expertise, service, and experience to meet all your needs.