Intern, Automation Engineer

Wheatland Tube, LLC; Cambridge Estates (TN); On-site; USD 25,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid internship

Tuition assistance

401(k) with company match

Medical and dental benefits

Professional development

Job summary

Zekelman Industries is offering a paid PLC Intern role at the Picoma Tube Facility in Cambridge, OH. The internship provides hands-on experience in electrical and robotics automation, PLC programming, and collaboration with production teams on plant-floor projects.

The program runs May 24, 2027 through August 13, 2027. Ideal candidates are pursuing engineering degrees, with strong analytical skills and a desire to explore industrial automation in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree in engineering or a related field.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to read electrical schematics and drawings.

Responsibilities

• Assist in managing new and existing controls projects with integrators and vendors.
• Support the design and implementation of electrical and robotics solutions.
• Program and troubleshoot PLCs and robotics (Allen Bradley, Siemens, Fanuc).
• Read and interpret electrical schematics, ladder logic, and control diagrams.
• Analyze manufacturing processes to identify opportunities for automation or improvements.
• Document control systems using AutoCAD and maintain accurate records.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem-solving

Detail-oriented

Excellent communication

Strong organizational skills

Microsoft Word/Excel/PowerPoint

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

Job description

You may not know our name, but you know our products. What we make is part the places where we live, work and play – all day, everyday.Zekelman is a family of companies — 100% domestic manufacturers — with a legacy dating back to 1877. We’re proud to be the largest independent steel pipe and tube manufacturer in North America and the leading innovator in multi-family housing development.We believe in what we build and what we build, builds the world around us. Hospitals, hotels, schools, bridges, airports and more.Come build a career you believe in.About the RoleAs a PLC Intern at Zekelman Industries, you will gain hands-on experience supporting electrical and robotic automation systems in a manufacturing environment. Working closely with the Department Manager, Production, you’ll be exposed to real-world PLC programming, troubleshooting, and robotics applications—an ideal opportunity to apply your classroom knowledge to impactful engineering projects on the plant floor.This is a full-time, on-site internship located at our Picoma Tube Facility in Cambridge, OH.The official Zekelman internship program runs from May 24, 2027 through August 13, 2027.This role is perfect for someone who is mechanically curious, enjoys solving problems, and is excited to explore automation technologies in a fast-paced industrial setting.What You’ll DoAssist in managing new and existing controls projects, including collaboration with integrators, contractors, and vendorsSupport the design and implementation of electrical and robotics solutionsProgram and troubleshoot PLCs and robotics (Allen Bradley, Siemens, Fanuc)Read and interpret electrical schematics, ladder logic, and control diagramsEvaluate manufacturing processes to identify opportunities for automation or process improvementsResearch robotics technologies and support feasibility analyses for plant-floor applicationsHelp develop and document control systems using tools such as AutoCADMaintain accurate records of plant equipment, modifications, and control system updatesAnalyze data from plant processes and present findings in written reportsCollaborate with production teams to implement process enhancements from concept to completionPromote and follow healthy and safe work practices in accordance with Zekelman policy and regulatory requirementsPerform other duties as assignedWho You ArePursuing a bachelor’s or master's degree in engineering or a related field (Mechanical, Electrical, Robotics, Mechatronics)Strong analytical and problem-solving skillsDetail-oriented with strong organizational abilitiesExcellent written and verbal communication skillsProficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPointAbility to interpret technical drawings and documentationMaintains confidentiality and exercises sound judgment in technical settingsAvailable to travel for the Internship Summit, hosted at a Zekelman Industries locationWhat You’ll GetZekelman Industries offers a PAID internship experience with meaningful work, professional development, and the opportunity to make a real impact. Interns also enjoy:Hands-on experience in PLC programming and industrial automationExposure to robotics and control systems in a live manufacturing environmentAccess to networking events, learning sessions, and social activitiesRegular coaching and feedback to support technical and professional growthParticipation in a company-wide Intern SummitZekelman Industries offers competitive compensation and excellent benefits, including low-cost, high-quality medical and dental benefits. In addition, we have an amazing tuition assistance program, a bonus plan, a 401(k) plan with a generous company match, immediate vesting, and much more.M/F/D/VWe are Zekelman Industries.We manufacture superior quality tubular and related products, and provide outstanding service for our valued customers.We seek to continuously advance the skills and opportunities of our employees, utilizing the latest technology and management tools available to consistently increase profitability and the enterprise value of Zekelman Industries and of our customers.