Controls Engineer Intern (Summer 2027)

Charter Automotive; United States; On-site; USD 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Mentorship program

Professional development workshops

Networking opportunities

Intern Kickoff Day

Intern Summer Showcase

Job summary

Charter Manufacturing in Shawano, WI invites applications for a Controls Engineer Internship to gain hands-on experience in industrial automation. You will support daily technical and project work, update PLC/HMI documentation, and analyze production data to drive improvements.

The internship emphasizes mentorship, professional development, and exposure to plant systems. You will learn PLC languages, AutoCAD, SQL, and Wonderware InTouch while collaborating with the Automation & Controls team on

Qualifications

• Enrollment in a four-year degree program in Electrical Engineering, Controls Systems Engineering or related field with Sophomore status.
• Cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office: Excel, Word, PowerPoint.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to succeed in a team environment.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks.

Responsibilities

• Support the Automation & Controls team with daily technical and project work across plant operations.
• Update and organize PLC, HMI, network, electrical, and equipment documentation.
• Collect and analyze data from production systems and develop reports, dashboards, and project updates.
• Support automation projects, including plant demand management, safety controls improvements, and modernization of legacy equipment.
• Assist with controls standardization, OT asset inventory, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement activities.
• Conduct field verification of equipment, drawings, and control system information.
• Research automation solutions and support project planning and implementation.
• Participate in team meetings and shadow Controls and Automation professionals to gain hands-on exposure to plant systems.

Skills

Verbal and written communication

Interpersonal skills

Teamwork

Multitasking

Education

Four-year degree in Electrical/Controls Engineering or related field (Sophomore status)

Tools

PLC languages

AutoCAD

Microsoft SQL

Wonderware InTouch

Job description

About the Controls Engineer Internship

This Controls Engineer Internship offers hands‑on experience with industrial automation in a manufacturing environment, including PLCs, HMIs, industrial networks, sensors, and control systems. You’ll strengthen your troubleshooting, data analysis, technical communication, and project skills while learning how automation solutions improve manufacturing performance.

Program Structure

• Schedule: Full-time (40 hours/week) during the summer
• Location: Shawano, WI
• Start Date: May 2027
• Duration: Summer internship

What we’re looking for

• Enrollment in a four‑year degree program in Electrical Engineering, Controls Systems Engineering or a related field with current status of at least a Sophomore level.
• Cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office software: Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship building skills.
• Ability to succeed in a team environment.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks.

Preferred experience

• Training in PLC languages.
• Experience with AutoCAD, Microsoft SQL, Wonderware InTouch.

What you’ll focus on

• Support the Automation & Controls team with daily technical and project work across plant operations.
• Update and organize PLC, HMI, network, electrical, and equipment documentation.
• Collect and analyze data from production systems and develop reports, dashboards, and project updates.
• Support automation projects, including plant demand management, safety controls improvements, and modernization of legacy equipment.
• Assist with controls standardization, OT asset inventory, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement activities.
• Conduct field verification of equipment, drawings, and control system information.
• Research automation solutions and support project planning and implementation.
• Participate in team meetings and shadow Controls and Automation professionals to gain hands‑on exposure to plant systems.

What Sets Our Internship Program Apart

• Work on meaningful projects while receiving mentorship, professional development, and networking opportunities that help launch your career.
• Our paid internship program also includes signature experiences like Charter’s Intern Kickoff Day, volunteer opportunities, professional development workshops, and the Intern Summer Showcase.

#LI-AF1 #CharterCasting #LI-Onsite Internship positions are not benefits‑eligible. This position may include access to controlled information or technology under U.S. export control laws. Employment may be contingent on either the applicant verifying that the applicant falls under the “U.S. Person” definition (including U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents, and those granted U.S. asylum or refugee status) or the employer timely obtaining any necessary export license under federal law. The employer evaluates export licensing on a case‑by‑case basis and may decline to proceed with a job applicant in its sole discretion, as export license applications can take many weeks to process.

OUR STORY

Charter Manufacturing is a family‑owned group of diversified metals manufacturing businesses founded in 1936 and headquartered in Mequon, Wis. Our will to grow drives our success. It is fueled by a team of respected and dedicated employees committed to continuous improvement and an entrepreneurial spirit that thrives within the Charter family.

WE ARE INVESTED IN YOU

When you work at Charter Manufacturing you’re part of a four‑generation family business. That means, you’re not just an employee, you’re one of our family members. We believe in mutual trust. Employees are respected and empowered to explore new and better ways to impact the success of the company. Employees, at every level, are valued for their motivation to deliver the best products and service. We are in this together. Charter has a thriving team environment. Part of being a family means we collaborate, learn, thrive and benefit – together. We are committed to your future. The forward thinking and enthusiasm from our team drives us to create resources and opportunities for employees to learn, develop and create their own future. We celebrate you. We are successful because of our employees — and their great work doesn’t go unnoticed. We recognize and reward our employees for their contributions.

Visit our website to learn more about our family of companies. View our 2022 Sustainability Report. To review our data use practices, visit our Company Privacy Policy. View/Download Employment‑related Notices: FMLA Poster E-Verify Participation Poster (English & Español) Right to Work Poster (English & Español)