Automation Engineering Intern

Novonesis; West Allis (WI); On-site; USD 26,000 - 37,000; Full time

Job summary

Novonesis in West Allis, WI seeks an Automation Engineering Intern to join the automation team onsite. You will support maintenance, troubleshoot, and optimize automated manufacturing systems, working with PLC, DCS HMI, SCADA, and process control projects.

You will analyze data, assist with upgrades, and contribute to projects that improve reliability and efficiency. Candidates must be pursuing a degree in Engineering or CS with strong analytical and communication skills.

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 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 thinking

Troubleshooting

Problem solving

Industrial automation interest

Batch programming

OT networks

Control system design

Communication

Independence

Organization

GPA 3.0

Sophomore+

Housing/transport arrangements

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Computer Science

Tools

PLC

DCS HMI

SCADA

Process control systems

Job description

Interested in a career that matters?

Interested in a career that matters?

At Novonesis, we use biology to transform how the world produces food, beverages, household products, renewable fuels, and more. As an Automation Engineering Intern , you will join our automation team in West Allis, WI, where innovation, technology, and continuous improvement drive manufacturing excellence.

This is an opportunity to gain hands‑on experience supporting automated manufacturing systems that enable safe, reliable, and efficient production. You’ll work on real-world projects while learning how automation and control systems help power the future of biotechnology.

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 West Allis, WI.

• 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

Our purpose guides the way

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. If our purpose resonates with you, we encourage you to apply.

Opportunities for everyone

We are committed to an inclusive recruitment process and equal opportunity for all applicants. Therefore we ask you to apply without a cover letter or photo and instead include a few sentences in your CV explaining your motivation for applying.

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.

Explore other openings

If this position isn’t the right fit, you may still find other opportunities with us. You’re welcome to explore open roles or create a job agent to stay connected with future opportunities at novonesis.com/Career