Automation Intern | Summer 2027

Van Meter Inc.; Cottage Grove (MN); On-site; USD 25,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

Van Meter Inc. offers an Automation Intern role designed to give you hands-on experience in industrial automation, product applications, and customer-focused project work.

You will work with Automation team members to support internal initiatives and customer projects while building practical knowledge and professional skills. You will participate in visits, trainings, and proof-of-concept activities, shadow specialists, and learn solution development processes.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Currently a college junior pursuing a Bachelor's degree in a technical field.
• Proficient in MS Office; strong written and verbal communication and analytical skills.

Responsibilities

• Shadow Automation Product Specialists to learn products, applications, and customer solutions.
• Support internal initiatives and customer-focused projects within Industrial Automation.
• Participate in product and solution training to develop technical knowledge.
• Assist with proof-of-concept projects and development activities.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support customer projects.

Skills

MS Office

Written & verbal communication

Analytical thinking

Prioritization

Independent work

Team collaboration

Education

High school diploma or GED

College junior status

Bachelor’s degree in engineering/CS or related

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Role Summary

If you're looking to gain hands-on experience in industrial automation, product applications, and customer-focused project work, this internship is for you. As an Automation Intern, you will work alongside Product Specialists and Automation team members to support key internal initiatives and customer-related projects. Throughout the internship, you will gain practical experience with automation technologies, develop technical knowledge, and participate in real-world applications that support customer success.

This internship provides valuable exposure to customer visits, product and solution training, proof-of-concept projects, technical problem-solving, and cross-functional collaboration. Interns will build relationships with internal teams and customers while developing skills that support a future career in engineering, automation, software development, or other technical disciplines.

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:

• Participate in an Electrical and Industrial Automation Distribution Orientation to learn the roles of various departments and understand relationships with key partners and suppliers.
• Job shadow Automation Product Specialists team members to gain an understanding of automation products, applications, and customer solutions.
• Support key internal initiatives and customer-focused projects within the Industrial Automation Business.
• Accompany team members on customer visits to observe applications, identify customer needs, and learn solution development processes.
• Participate in product and solution training to develop technical knowledge of industrial automation technologies.
• Assist with proof-of-concept projects, application development activities, and internal automation team initiatives.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support customer projects and business objectives.
• Demonstrate strong customer engagement, professionalism, and a commitment to continuous learning. Successfully complete assigned projects and present outcomes, recommendations, or key learnings as appropriate.

Requirements

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED
• Currently a college junior
• Currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical field
• 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

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

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/hour