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Control Engineer Intern Jobs in Santa Ana, CA (NOW HIRING)

What's the role? The Engineering Intern will support engineering projects focused on process ... control activities, and record maintenance. * Collect, organize, and analyze operational ...

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Control Engineer Intern information

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How much do control engineer intern jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for control engineer intern in Santa Ana, CA is $20.10, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.78 and $21.78 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a control engineer intern do?

A Control Engineer Intern assists in designing, implementing, and testing control systems that help machines and processes operate efficiently and safely. They typically work under the supervision of experienced control engineers, supporting tasks such as programming PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers), developing automation solutions, and troubleshooting control equipment. Interns may also help with data analysis, documentation, and collaboration with other engineering teams to optimize system performance. This role provides hands-on experience in industrial automation and control engineering.

What types of projects and responsibilities can a control engineer intern expect to work on during their internship?

As a Control Engineer Intern, you can expect to assist in designing, testing, and troubleshooting control systems for automated equipment or processes. Interns commonly contribute to project tasks such as PLC programming, developing and simulating control algorithms, and supporting system integration under the guidance of senior engineers. You'll likely work closely with multidisciplinary teams, including mechanical, electrical, and software engineers, gaining exposure to real-world industrial automation challenges. This hands-on experience is valuable for building technical skills and understanding how control systems are implemented in practice.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a control engineer intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Control Engineer Intern, you need a solid understanding of control systems theory, programming basics (such as MATLAB or Python), and coursework in electrical or mechanical engineering. Familiarity with PLCs, SCADA systems, and simulation software is common, and some internships may look for coursework certifications or lab experience. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help interns collaborate on projects and troubleshoot system issues. These qualifications are essential for contributing to complex automation projects and ensuring reliable, efficient system performance.

What is the difference between Control Engineer Intern vs Control Engineer?

AspectControl Engineer InternControl Engineer
CredentialsTypically pursuing or recently completed a degree in electrical, mechanical, or control engineeringBachelor's or master's degree in engineering, with relevant certifications often preferred
Work EnvironmentInternship setting, often in manufacturing, automation, or industrial facilitiesFull-time professional role in similar environments with increased responsibilities
ResponsibilitiesAssisting with control system design, testing, and troubleshooting under supervisionDesigning, implementing, and maintaining control systems independently or as part of a team

The main difference between a Control Engineer Intern and a Control Engineer is experience level and responsibility. Interns are in learning roles, assisting with tasks under supervision, while Control Engineers are fully responsible for designing and managing control systems in professional settings.

What cities near Santa Ana, CA are hiring for Control Engineer Intern jobs?

Cities near Santa Ana, CA with the most Control Engineer Intern job openings:

Project Engineer Intern - Summer 2027

Helix Electric, Inc.

Los Angeles, CA

$21 - $28/hr

Temporary, Internship

Re-posted 8 days ago


Helix Electric rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 28 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Helix Electric was founded in 1985 and is now one of the nation’s largest and most successful electrical contracting companies. Our commitment to empowering people and powering projects is realized by our exceptional team of dedicated and highly skilled experts working together and never settling for good enough. We are proud of the team-oriented and employee-empowered business approach that defines our unique character.

Our Project Engineer assists their Project Manager on projects and is the liaison between the field and the office. In this role, the PE is responsible for defining the project’s objectives by planning, executing and finalizing projects according to the schedule while keeping within the budget.

OUR INTERNSHIP PROGRAM:

As an intern at Helix Electric you will be trusted with meaningful responsibilities that have a lasting impact on the projects you touch. This hands-on approach to learning coupled with our top-notch mentor program affords all Helix interns the opportunity to develop skills that ensure their continued growth well beyond graduation. Our University Relations Team is dedicated to ensuring all interns have an experience where they learn, grow, and contribute value. To provide a well-rounded experience, all interns are exposed to a variety of project types, phases of construction, and project teams. Join Team Helix to empower people and power projects.

DUTIES & SCOPE:

  • Develop relationships with project managers, subcontractors, engineers, and vendors to ensure a team approach and lay a foundation for building a career in the construction industry.
  • Collaborate with superintendent to track material; maintains positive relationships with vendors for tracking, coordination, and close-out purposes.
  • Act as a champion of the Helix safety culture. Monitors and encourages jobsite safety and accident prevention.
  • Engage in the Change Order process and is introduced to Accubid to assist with estimating.
  • Partner with the project team to analyze subcontract agreements to better understand scope of work and project pricing.
  • Involved with material and equipment procurement.
  • Collaborate closely with the BIM department and is directly involved in the coordination and planning process.
  • Produce and maintain detailed job logs (transmittals, submittals, RFIs).
  • Exposure to and monitoring of quality control.
  • Manage labor schedules by working closely with superintendents and project managers.
  • Create and order prefabricated assemblies to assist in planning and on time delivery.
  • Walk jobs, learn the trade inside and out, and utilize knowledge to enhance overall company performance.

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program such as Construction Management, Electrical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Architectural Engineering, or a related field.
  • Previous construction or internship experience preferred.
  • Highly motivated with a tendency to take initiative.
  • Basic math skills with ability to calculate and analyze data.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Good organizational skills.
  • The ability to work well with all levels of the organization.
  • A mindset for making continuous improvements of department processes.

The starting hourly base pay for this role is between USD $21.00 and $28.00 per hour. The actual base is dependent upon many factors, such as: location, training, transferable skills, work experience, business needs and market demands. The base pay range is subject to change and may be modified in the future. The role may also be eligible for bonus and benefits. Helix Electric provides a comprehensive benefits package that includes the following:

  • Relocation assistance
  • Housing stipend or corporate apartment

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