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Controls Engineer Intern Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

GKN Aerospace Careers

ME Intern

El Cajon, CA

$16.75 - $21.75/hr

The Manufacturing Engineer - Intern will support the development and implementation of automated ... Basic knowledge or exposure to robotics programming, automation systems, or industrial controls (e ...

GKN Aerospace

ME Intern

El Cajon, CA · On-site

$16.75 - $21.75/hr

The Manufacturing Engineer - Intern will support the development and implementation of automated ... Basic knowledge or exposure to robotics programming, automation systems, or industrial controls (e ...

Notable

Security Engineer Intern

San Mateo, CA · On-site

As a Security Engineer Intern, you will help design, build, and automate controls that protect our platform and data, partnering closely with Security, Infrastructure, and Product Engineering. What ...

Heirloom Carbon

Mechanical Engineer Intern

Brisbane, CA · On-site

$34/hr

THE ROLE We are seeking a Mechanical Engineering Intern to join Heirloom's Mechanical Team for the ... Collaborate cross-functionally with process, electrical, controls, and operations teams You'll ...

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All JobsControls Engineer Intern JobsControls Engineer Intern Jobs in California

Controls Engineer Intern information

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

To thrive as a Controls Engineer Intern, you need a foundation in electrical or mechanical engineering principles, familiarity with automation concepts, and enrollment in a relevant engineering degree program. Hands-on experience with PLC programming, HMI software, and CAD tools, as well as knowledge of industry standards, are typically required. Strong problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills help interns excel in collaborative and fast-paced project environments. These skills and qualifications enable effective troubleshooting, system design, and integration essential for successful automation solutions.

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

AspectControls Engineer InternControls Engineer
Required CredentialsTypically pursuing a degree in electrical, mechanical, or control engineering; internship experienceBachelor's or master's degree in engineering; professional certifications may be preferred
Work EnvironmentInternship setting, often in manufacturing or automation companies, supervised by experienced engineersFull-time role in design, development, and maintenance of control systems within industrial settings
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by companies hiring interns to gain future talent; common in manufacturing, automation, and roboticsFull-time position in similar industries, focusing on project execution and system optimization

The Controls Engineer Intern role is an entry-level position designed for students gaining practical experience, while the Controls Engineer is a full-time professional responsible for designing and maintaining control systems. Interns typically work under supervision, whereas engineers operate independently on complex projects.

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

As a Controls Engineer Intern, you can expect to support senior engineers on projects such as designing, programming, and testing automation systems used in manufacturing or industrial environments. Your daily tasks may include drafting electrical schematics, assisting with PLC programming, troubleshooting control panels, and helping to commission automated equipment. Interns often collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including mechanical engineers and technicians, to ensure smooth integration of control systems. This hands-on experience provides valuable exposure to real-world engineering challenges and can be a stepping stone to a full-time position.

What does a controls engineer intern do?

A Controls Engineer Intern assists in designing, developing, and maintaining automated control systems used in manufacturing or industrial settings. Typical tasks include programming PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers), troubleshooting equipment, and supporting senior engineers with system integration and testing. Interns gain hands-on experience with automation software and hardware, and they often contribute to projects that improve process efficiency and safety. This role is ideal for students in engineering fields who want practical experience in automation and controls technology.
What are the most commonly searched types of Controls Engineer jobs in California? The most popular types of Controls Engineer jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Controls Engineer Intern jobs in California? For Controls Engineer Intern jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Controls Engineer Intern jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Controls Engineer Intern jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Controls Engineer Intern jobs? Cities in California with the most Controls Engineer Intern job openings:
Controls Engineer Intern jobs near you
Infographic showing various Controls Engineer Intern job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution.

Intern, Automation Controls Engineer

Heron Power Electronics Company

Scotts Valley, CA • On-site

$108K - $143K/yr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

What to Expect
Heron Power is a startup company building cutting-edge power electronics for the 21st-century grid. We aim to debottleneck the growth of electricity generation and consumption with scalable, innovative, and less costly hardware solutions, accelerating the electrification of everything.
Our first focus goal is to build better converters (inverters & rectifiers) to connect large-scale renewables, storage, and loads to the grid. Heron Power's leadership team is made up of seasoned veterans who have designed and shipped gigawatts of power conversion products over the past decade.
We understand that no one individual knows everything. We will all learn a lot together and from each other. We strive to build a collaborative, enriching environment conducive to personal, technical, and career growth. You can expect to work in a dynamic and collaborative environment, driven by first principles engineering, solving difficult problems.
Job Overview
As an Intern, Automation Controls Engineer, you will support the wiring, fabrication, and documentation of controls and automation equipment on our pilot production line and lab. Additionally, you will assist with sensor and field-device integration, PLC/HMI integration, and SOP creation, working closely with a controls engineer to ensure new work is integrated to an industry standard level.
How You Will Contribute
  • Wire control panels, fabricate enclosures and brackets, and support mechanical build-out of automation equipment.
  • Specify, order, and install sensors and field devices (cables, junction boxes, labeling) to a consistent, production-ready standard.
  • Support PLC/HMI programming tasks under guidance, following existing naming conventions and documentation standards.
  • Read and red-line electrical schematics, and use tools such as Claude in PowerPoint/Excel to communicate scope of work.
  • Help document standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the pilot line and lab equipment.
  • Track task timelines and keep stakeholders informed of progress.

What You Will Bring
Must-Have Requirements
  • Organized, methodical work habits, with strong written documentation instincts.
  • Willingness to ask "what's the best approach?" before building, rather than working in isolation.
  • Ability to follow and extend existing engineering conventions rather than starting from scratch.
  • Basic understanding of electrical/controls concepts (sensors, digital and analog I/O, wiring fundamentals).
Nice-to-Haves
  • Sheet-metal or shop-class experience.
  • Exposure to PLC/HMI programming (e.g., basic sensor logic, ladder logic).
  • Schematic drafting experience (electrical or mechanical).
  • Experience sourcing industrial components (e.g., AutomationDirect).
  • Experience with HTTP/REST and other software APIs

If you are passionate about technology and enjoy working in a fast-paced environment, we would love to hear from you. Join us in accelerating the electrification of everything at Heron Power.

Apply