Automation Engineering Intern | Summer 2027

Van Meter Inc.; Cottage Grove (MN); On-site; USD 25,000 - 30,000; Part time

Job summary

Van Meter Inc. is offering an Automation Engineering Intern role to gain hands-on experience in automation engineering, solution design, and system implementation.

You will work under experienced engineers on defined projects and learn Van Meter's engineering standards, delivery processes, and automation technologies. The internship involves customer-site activities and collaboration with sales, technical, and engineering teams.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• Currently a college sophomore, junior, or senior.
• Pursuing a degree in Computer Science, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, Automation, Robotics, or a related technical field.
• Comfortable utilizing AI tools and technology to support learning and project work.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to organize work, manage priorities, and accept feedback.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Process oriented with strong attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Complete an Electrical Distribution Orientation to understand Van Meter's business, departments, supplier relationships, and customer solutions.
• Work under the guidance of technical experts on defined engineering and project assignments.
• Assist with application research, product selection, technical scoping, project estimation, BOM development, and preliminary solution documentation.
• Prepare draft technical deliverables such as BOMs, drawings, configuration records, test documentation, and application notes for engineer review.
• Support defined configuration, programming, testing, integration, startup, commissioning, and validation activities based on experience and assignment needs.
• Participate in troubleshooting and technical-support activities, document findings, and elevate questions or risks to the assigned engineer.
• Observe and assist with customer training, knowledge-transfer sessions, demonstrations, and technical presentations. Overnight travel is possible.
• Collaborate with customers, suppliers, sales, project teams, and delivery partners while maintaining professional communication and appropriate confidentiality.
• Follow engineering standards, documentation requirements, safety practices, and project processes.
• Contribute to an engineering standard, reusable technical asset, documentation improvement, or process-improvement assignment.
• Build foundational knowledge in selected automation technologies and applications through project work, mentoring, product training, and independent learning.
• Summarize internship learning, technical contributions, and recommendations through a final presentation or documented project deliverable.

Skills

AI tools

Microsoft Office

Communication

Analytical thinking

Team collaboration

Attention to detail

Education

High school diploma or GED

College sophomore/junior/senior

Pursuing STEM degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Description

Role Summary

If you're looking to gain hands‑on experience in industrial automation engineering, solution design, and system implementation, this internship is for you. As an Automation Engineering Intern, you will work under the guidance of experienced Automation Solutions Engineers and technical experts, the intern will contribute to defined project assignments while building foundational knowledge of Van Meter's engineering standards, delivery processes, and automation technologies. Throughout the internship, you will participate in customer‑site activities under the direction of an assigned engineer and in accordance with company, customer, and site‑specific safety requirements.

This internship provides valuable experience working with automation technologies, engineering processes, and customer‑focused solutions. Interns will collaborate with sales, technical, and engineering teams while developing technical expertise in automation systems, controls, integration, and industrial technologies. The role is ideal for individuals who are curious, analytical, team‑oriented, and eager to learn through real‑world project experiences.

Company Overview

At Van Meter, our purpose is to Create Lasting Value for Those We Serve while fostering a high‑performing, employee‑owned organization. The company's culture is built around being \"All-In,\" meaning employee‑owners are encouraged to be the best in their roles, live the company's values, and actively support and protect a strong, people‑centered culture. Employees are empowered through open communication, accountability, collaboration, and a shared commitment to delivering an exceptional employee and customer experience.

Key Responsibilities

The essential duties and responsibilities of this position include, but are not limited to:

• Complete an Electrical Distribution Orientation to understand Van Meter's business, departments, supplier relationships, and customer solutions.


• Work under the guidance of technical experts on defined engineering and project assignments.


• Assist with application research, product selection, technical scoping, project estimation, BOM development, and preliminary solution documentation.


• Prepare draft technical deliverables such as BOMs, drawings, configuration records, test documentation, and application notes for engineer review.


• Support defined configuration, programming, testing, integration, startup, commissioning, and validation activities based on experience and assignment needs.


• Participate in troubleshooting and technical‑support activities, document findings, and elevate questions or risks to the assigned engineer.


• Observe and assist with customer training, knowledge‑transfer sessions, demonstrations, and technical presentations. Overnight travel is possible.


• Collaborate with customers, suppliers, sales, project teams, and delivery partners while maintaining professional communication and appropriate confidentiality.


• Follow engineering standards, documentation requirements, safety practices, and project processes.


• Contribute to an engineering standard, reusable technical asset, documentation improvement, or process‑improvement assignment.


• Build foundational knowledge in selected automation technologies and applications through project work, mentoring, product training, and independent learning.


• Summarize internship learning, technical contributions, and recommendations through a final presentation or documented project deliverable.

Requirements

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED


• Currently a college sophomore, junior, or senior


• Currently pursuing a degree in Computer Science, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, Automation, Robotics, or a related technical field


• Comfortable utilizing AI tools and technology to support learning and project work


• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint


• Strong written and verbal communication skills


• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills


• Ability to organize work, manage priorities, and accept feedback


• Ability to work independently and as part of a team


• Process oriented with strong attention to detail

Physical Requirements

• Frequent use of hands and fingers to operate computer equipment and other office technology.


• Ability to communicate effectively with customers, vendors, and team members in person, by phone, and through digital platforms.


• Ability to sit, stand, and walk throughout the workday.


• Ability to travel to customer locations, company branches, and events as needed.


• Frequent interaction and collaboration with customers and internal teams.

Working Conditions

• Primarily works in a collaborative office and customer‑facing environment.


• Mix of desk‑based work, customer site visits, branch visits, training activities, and event participation.


• Exposure to moderate noise levels typical of professional office, industrial, and customer environments.


• Ability to travel between company locations and customer sites as needed.


• Regular interaction with customers, suppliers, and internal stakeholders.


• Opportunity to participate in community impact initiatives and company‑sponsored development activities.


• Participation in automation projects, proof‑of‑concept activities, technical demonstrations, and product training programs.

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by individuals assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. Other duties may be assigned, changed, or removed at any time, with or without notice, based on business needs and consistent with applicable law. Nothing in this job description alters the at‑will employment relationship, where applicable.

Equal Opportunity Employer, including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities

Van Meter is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to qualified individuals with disabilities. Applicants and employee‑owners who require reasonable accommodation to participate in the application or interview process, perform essential job functions, or access other employment benefits and privileges should contact Human Resources. Reasonable accommodation will be provided in accordance with applicable laws.

Salary Description

$18.00