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Controls Engineer Intern Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

Franklin Electric

Systems Engineering Intern

Fort Wayne, IN · On-site

$16.50 - $21.50/hr

Systems Engineering Intern Department: Internship Employment Type: Internship Location: US ... The intern will work at the system level , bridging electrical, mechanical, controls, and ...

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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 Indiana? The most popular types of Controls Engineer jobs in Indiana are:
What are popular job titles related to Controls Engineer Intern jobs in Indiana? For Controls Engineer Intern jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Controls Engineer Intern jobs in Indiana look for? The top searched job categories for Controls Engineer Intern jobs in Indiana are:
What cities in Indiana are hiring for Controls Engineer Intern jobs? Cities in Indiana with the most Controls Engineer Intern job openings:
Controls Engineer Intern jobs near you
Infographic showing various Controls Engineer Intern job openings in Indiana as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution.
Systems Engineering Intern

Systems Engineering Intern

Franklin Electric

Fort Wayne, IN • On-site

$16.50 - $21.50/hr

Internship

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

Systems Engineering Intern
Department: Internship
Employment Type: Internship
Location: US - Indiana - Fort Wayne
Description
We are seeking a Senior-Level Systems Engineering Intern to support the development and sustainment of integrated water pumping systems. This role is designed for students who are ready to apply systems engineering principles-requirements, interfaces, system behavior, risk, and verification-to real, fielded products.
The intern will work at the system level, bridging electrical, mechanical, controls, and application domains to understand how subsystems interact and how performance, reliability, and usability are achieved across the product lifecycle.
This role is well suited for students pursuing a Master's degree in Systems Engineering or senior-level undergraduates with strong systems coursework and interest in complex electromechanical systems.
Key Responsibilities
Key Systems Engineering Responsibilities
  • Analyze and understand system-level requirements and how they flow down to motors, drives, controls, and mechanical subsystems
  • Support root cause analysis of field issues by evaluating system behavior across operating conditions, interfaces, and use cases
  • Identify and document system interactions and failure modes using structured methods (e.g., DFMEA, fault trees, causal analysis)
  • Evaluate potential corrective actions and design trade-offs, considering performance, robustness, risk, and user impact
  • Assist in defining and executing system verification and validation activities, including lab testing and field correlation
  • Provide system-focused feedback to improve technical documentation, manuals, and technical bulletins
  • Communicate findings in a clear, structured systems-engineering format to field engineers and cross-functional teams

Technical Execution (Applied Systems Context)
  • Configure and evaluate VFD-motor-pump system behavior across different operating scenarios
  • Analyze control system behavior (e.g., stability, response, limits) in the context of overall system performance
  • Use lab testing to validate hypotheses about system interactions, not just component functionality
  • Support integration and system debug efforts that span controls, electrical, mechanical, and hydraulic domains

Skills Knowledge and Expertise
Required Qualifications
  • Pursuing a Master's degree in Systems Engineering, or senior standing in Electrical, Mechanical, Controls Engineering, or a related field with strong systems emphasis
  • Solid understanding of systems engineering concepts, including:
    • Requirements definition and flow-down
    • System interfaces and integration
    • Failure and risk analysis (e.g., DFMEA)
    • Verification and validation
    • Use Case development
  • Strong analytical and system-level debugging skills
  • Understanding of control system principles, including PID concepts
  • Ability to clearly document and communicate system behavior and trade-offs

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with CODESYS-based controls development, including C and ladder logic programming
  • Proficiency with MATLAB and/or Python for system modeling, data analysis, or test result evaluation
  • Coursework or experience with electromechanical systems, including VFDs, motors, or pump systems
  • Familiarity with systems engineering methods, including requirements flow-down, failure analysis, and risk assessment (e.g., DFMEA)
  • Experience translating lab and field data into system-level insights and design recommendations

What You Will Gain
  • Hands-on experience applying systems engineering theory to real-world products
  • Exposure to how system-level decisions impact performance, reliability, and field success
  • Experience working across disciplines to resolve complex, multi-domain issues
  • Opportunity to contribute to products used in demanding real-world applications at Franklin Electric

Franklin Electric Intern Program
As a global company, Franklin Electric offers many opportunities to build your experience and knowledge. Our Intern positions offer responsibility, autonomy, and best-in-class training. The Franklin Electric Intern Program includes networking opportunities, lunch and learns, many opportunities for team building (like the competitive Intern Cornhole Tournament), and a presentation to Senior Leaders and Executives in the company.
Come join our Intern Program where you will not only grow in your career - but you will know you are a part of a company that is making a difference worldwide. Take a look at this video to see our Global Headquarters here in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

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