Automation Engineering Intern - Summer 2027 (Hands-On)

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

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.