Controls Engineer Intern - Hands-On, Mentored Projects

Apt Inc; Minnesota; Hybrid; USD 29,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Mentorship

Training

Job summary

APT is seeking a Controls Engineering Intern in the Cokato, MN area. You will gain hands-on experience in electrical and automation engineering, working with senior engineers to design, program, and Commission control systems for real customer projects.

You will assist with PLC/HMI programming, build technical skills, and participate in testing, startup, and documentation tasks. A pathway to a full-time role may develop after graduation.

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering.
• Strong attention to detail and mechanical aptitude.
• Problem-solving mindset and willingness to learn.
• Solid written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Assist with PLC and HMI programming and support the creation of custom reports.
• Assist in the design, assembly, testing, and troubleshooting of PLC-based control systems.
• Support system commissioning and start-up both remotely and on customer job sites.
• Redline electrical drawings, test control panels, and configure instruments.
• Participate in Factory Acceptance Testing and help prepare SOPs and training resources.
• Be mentored by senior engineers while sharpening your problem-solving and communication skills.

Skills

Attention to detail

Problem-solving

Communication (written and verbal)

Teamwork

Willingness to relocate

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering

Tools

PLC programming

HMI programming

Electrical schematics

Job description

Description

Associate Controls Engineer - Intern

Cokato, MN

Description

Why Join Us

At APT, our Controls team designs and delivers the automation systems that power food and dairy plants across North America. As an intern, you won’t just be shadowing — you’ll be solving real problems, learning directly from experienced engineers, and seeing your work come to life on customer projects. Many of our interns return as full-time engineers after graduation, making this the perfect way to launch your career in automation.

Job Overview

As a Controls Engineering Intern, you’ll gain hands-on experience in the technical aspects of electrical and automation engineering. You’ll work closely with experienced engineers and the Controls Team Lead to support the design, programming, and commissioning of control systems that keep our customers running smoothly.

What You’ll Do

• Get exposure to programming: Assist with PLC and HMI programming and support the creation of custom reports.
• Learn by doing: Assist in the design, assembly, testing, and troubleshooting of PLC-based control systems.
• Contribute to real projects: Support system commissioning and start-up both remotely and on customer job sites.
• Build your technical skills: Redline electrical drawings, test control panels, and configure instruments.
• Work alongside customers: Participate in Factory Acceptance Testing and help prepare SOPs and training resources.
• Grow as an engineer: Be mentored by senior engineers while sharpening your problem-solving and communication skills.

Qualifications

Required

• Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering.
• Strong attention to detail and mechanical aptitude.
• Problem-solving mindset and willingness to learn.
• Solid written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work as part of a team.
• Willingness to relocate if required.

Preferred

• Previous co-op, internship, or hands-on manufacturing experience.
• Overall GPA of 2.5 or higher.

What You’ll Gain

• Real-world engineering experience you can put on your resume.
• Exposure to automation tools, including PLCs, HMIs, and industrial networking.
• Mentorship and training from experienced Controls Engineers.
• A potential career path into a full-time role with APT.

Compensation:

Pay Range: $21.00 to $28.00 per hour

This pay is based on relevant skills, education level, and prior experience. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and encourage you to apply even if you're early in your career journey.