GVSU Controls Engineering Intern Co-op

Axis Automation; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 25,000 - 36,000; Part time

Job summary

Axis Automation in Grand Rapids seeks a Controls Engineer Intern to learn foundational automation skills and support internal and customer projects under close supervision.

You will work with the Controls team on PLC/HMI, robotics, documentation, and basic commissioning while building strong habits in safety and communication. This rotational program builds foundations, then expands to more advanced tasks and customer support in a structured path.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in Electrical/Controls/Mechatronics or related field (or recent graduate).
• Basic ladder logic, ST edits, tag creation and implementation, simple screens/alarms.
• Basic knowledge of robotics: safe jogging, point teaching, tool/frame setup.
• Reads schematics and wire lists; verifies wiring against prints.
• Basic device/IP setup and commissioning.
• Uses templates, checklists, and version control per team process.
• Clear and timely communication with project teams and interns.

Responsibilities

• Completes structured training/checklists and applies lessons to future tasks.
• Performs small PLC edits, HMI entries, and tag routing within established standards.
• Reads and updates prints, maintains I/O lists and device tagging under review.
• Supports I/O checkout, device bring-up, and online debugging with supervision.
• Runs simulations, adjusts simple parameters and teaches points under guidance.
• Keeps backups, change logs, and manuals current with version control.
• Communicates status and risks to the project lead early.
• Gathers accurate technical details for hand-offs to the project team.
• Adheres to safety rules and keeps work areas organized.
• Travels to customer sites or supplier facilities as assigned.

Skills

PLC/HMI basics

Robotics basics

Electrical basics

Networks & devices

Documentation/Tools

Communication

Problem-solving

Teamwork

Reliability

Travel

Education

Electrical/Controls/Mechatronics program

Tools

Templates & checklists

Version control

Documentation practices

Job description

Controls Engineer Intern

• Position Description –

Position Overview:

The Controls Engineering Intern learns and applies foundational automation skills while supporting internal and customer projects under close supervision. The intern works closely with other interns and the Controls team to complete tasks in PLC/HMI/robotics, documentation, and basic commissioning while building good engineering habits in safety, standards, and communication.

Rotational Development Path:

• Rotation 1 – Foundations: Gain familiarity with electrical schematics, PLC coding basics, HMI structure, standards, and documentation. Contribute to Axis internal projects and update documentation for existing customer programs.
• Rotation 2 – Expansion: Tackle more advanced internal projects; begin supporting customer projects (electrical design tasks and code edits). Intro to robot programming and simulation.
• Rotation 3 – Application: Provide hands-on support to customer projects: schematics updates, programming, commissioning, debug, and runoffs with supervision.

Key Responsibilities:

• Completes structured training/checklists; seeks feedback; applies lessons on subsequent tasks.
• Performs small, scoped PLC ladder edits, basic structured-text tweaks, HMI tag routing and simple screens within established architecture and standards.
• Reads and updates prints with redlines; maintains I/O lists, tag maps, device tagging, and device databases under review.
• Assists I/O checkout, device bring-up, and online debug; follows test procedures; supports FAT/SAT with supervision.
• Runs provided simulations; adjusts simple parameters; safely jogs/teaches points with guidance.
• Keeps backups, change logs, and manuals current; practices disciplined version control.
• Works constructively with Mechanical, Electrical, Build, and PM; communicates status/risks early.
• Gathers accurate technical details and relays them to the project lead.
• Follows LOTO/site rules; maintains organized benches, panels, and work areas.
• Learns and practices our Operating Principles daily; asks for feedback; shows timeliness, accountability, and safe execution on small tasks.

Qualifications:

• Education: Currently enrolled in, or recently graduated from, a university program in Electrical/Controls/Mechatronics (or related field).
• Technical Skills:
• PLC/HMI: Basic ladder logic, simple ST edits, tag creation and implementation, simple screens/alarms.
• Robotics: Safe jogging, point teaching, basic tool/frame setup.
• Electrical Basics: Reads schematics/wire lists; verifies wiring against prints.
• Networks & Devices: Basic device/IP setup and commissioning.
• Documentation/Tools: Uses templates, checklists, and version control per team process.
• Communication: Clear, timely communicator with project teams and other interns; asks clarifying questions early; provides crisp status and thorough hand-offs.
• Problem-Solving: Demonstrates critical thinking and a structured troubleshoot-verify-document approach; knows when to escalate with clear context.
• Teamwork: Collaborative, coachable, and respectful; supports peers during busy phases and shares what they learn.
• Reliability: Punctual, meets commitments, follows procedures/standards, and keeps documentation current.
• Travel: Occasional supervised visits to customer sites or supplier facilities as assigned