Co-op Controls Engineer

Melton Machine & Control Company; Washington (MO); On-site; USD 28,000 - 34,000; Part time

Job summary

Melton Machine & Control Company is a leading designer and builder of custom automated welding machines and fixtures. The Controls Engineering Co-Op provides hands-on involvement in design, programming, integration, testing, and documentation of control systems, offering practical experience in automation, robotics, and safety.

The role collaborates with Controls Engineers and cross-functional teams on electrical design, PLC/HMI programming, system integration, and startup activities, building

Qualifications

• Pursuing a degree in electrical or controls engineering or related field.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Effective communication and teamwork abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple assignments and work independently.
• Interest in industrial automation and manufacturing systems.

Responsibilities

• Assist with electrical schematics, control layouts, and documentation using AutoCAD Electrical.
• Support BOMs and project documentation packages.
• Assist updates to controls documentation during projects.
• Support organization of engineering files and records.
• Assist PLC and HMI programming, testing, and troubleshooting.
• Support integration, checkout of automated equipment and robotics.
• Verify I/O wiring and assist with functional testing.
• Participate in troubleshooting during build and integration.
• Assist with equipment startup, commissioning, and validation.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Manufacturing, Setup, and Operations teams.
• Participate in team meetings, project reviews, and continuous improvement.
• Assist with technical support for internal teams and customer support.
• Support adherence to project schedules and engineering standards.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Communication

Teamwork

Multitasking

Interest in automation

Education

Pursuing Electrical/Controls/Computer Engineering degree

Tools

AutoCAD Electrical

PLC/HMI programming basics

C++, Python, Java basics

Job description

Description

Melton Machine and Control Company (MMCC) is a leading designer and builder of custom automated welding machines and fixtures. We are dedicated to providing innovative solutions for factory automation across various industries.

The Controls Engineering Co-Op supports the Controls Engineering Department through hands‑on involvement in the design, programming, integration, testing, and documentation of automated manufacturing equipment and control systems. This role provides students with practical engineering experience in industrial automation, machine controls, robotics, and machine safety within a collaborative project‑based environment.

The position works closely with Controls Engineers and cross‑functional teams to support control system development activities including electrical design, PLC and HMI programming, system integration, troubleshooting, and equipment validation. The Controls Engineering Co-Op contributes to active automation projects while developing technical skills and operational knowledge related to industrial automation systems and engineering processes.

Controls Design & Documentation

• Assist with development of electrical schematics, control layouts, and engineering documentation utilizing AutoCAD Electrical and related software tools.
• Support creation and maintenance of bills of material and project documentation packages.
• Assist with updates and revisions to controls documentation throughout project execution.
• Support organization and maintenance of engineering files and project records.

Programming & Integration Support

• Assist with PLC and HMI programming, testing, and troubleshooting activities.
• Support integration and checkout of automated equipment, robotic systems, and control system components.
• Verify I/O wiring and assist with functional testing of machines and fixtures.
• Participate in troubleshooting electrical, controls, and automation‑related issues during build and integration phases.
• Assist with equipment startup, commissioning, and validation activities as assigned.

Project & Operational Support

• Collaborate with Engineering, Manufacturing, Setup, and Operations teams to support project execution and integration activities.
• Participate in team meetings, project reviews, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Assist with technical support activities for internal teams and customer support efforts where applicable.
• Support adherence to project schedules, engineering standards, and operational expectations.

Safety & Continuous Improvement

• Support machine safety validation activities and compliance with engineering and operational safety standards.
• Participate in development and completion of safety checklists and related documentation.
• Maintain organized workspaces, engineering files, and project documentation.
• Stay informed on emerging technologies, engineering tools, and automation practices related to controls engineering and industrial automation.

Requirements

Required:

• Currently pursuing a degree in Electrical Engineering, Electrical Engineering Technology, Computer Engineering, Controls Engineering, or related technical field.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Effective communication and teamwork abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple assignments and work independently when required.
• Interest in industrial automation, controls engineering, robotics, or manufacturing systems.

Preferred:

• Familiarity with AutoCAD Electrical or similar design software.
• Exposure to PLC and HMI programming concepts.
• Familiarity with electrical schematics, control systems, or industrial automation equipment.
• Knowledge of programming languages such as C++, Python, Java, or similar.
• Experience through coursework, projects, internships, or labs related to automation or controls engineering.