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Controls Engineer Intern Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

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SCADA & Controls Technician Intern Elkridge, MD Avista Realtime Systems is seeking a motivated ... Electrical Engineering Technology * Computer Engineering Technology * Industrial Automation

Be Seen First

SCADA & Controls Technician Intern Elkridge, MD Avista Realtime Systems is seeking a motivated ... Electrical Engineering Technology * Computer Engineering Technology * Industrial Automation

This AI-first SaaS solution unifies project controls including cost, schedule, and risk into a ... As an intern, you'll gain hands-on experience working alongside experienced engineers to deliver ...

This AI-first SaaS solution unifies project controls including cost, schedule, and risk into a ... As an intern, you'll gain hands-on experience working alongside experienced engineers to deliver ...

As a Platform Engineering Intern at ATPCO, you will support the Identity and Access Management (IAM ... and privileged identity controls. * Collaborate with cross-functional teams to improve ...

As a Platform Engineering Intern at ATPCO, you will support the Identity and Access Management (IAM ... and privileged identity controls. * Collaborate with cross-functional teams to improve ...

As a Platform Engineering Intern at ATPCO, you will support the Identity and Access Management (IAM ... and privileged identity controls. * Collaborate with cross-functional teams to improve ...

As a Platform Engineering Intern at ATPCO, you will support the Identity and Access Management (IAM ... and privileged identity controls. * Collaborate with cross-functional teams to improve ...

Intern - Undergraduate

Herndon, VA · On-site

$16 - $17/hr

04-May-2026 Software Engineer - Intern US-Herndon-VA, US-Herndon-VA (Hybrid) 10960BR Company ... This AI-first SaaS solution unifies project controls including cost, schedule, and risk into a ...

Fire Alarm Early Intern

Tysons, VA · On-site

$17 - $22/hr

... controls, audiovisual, and IT systems. Headquarters in Tysons, Virginia, M.C. Dean delivers ... Our people are passionate about engineering innovation that improves lives and drives impactful ...

Engineering Intern

Linthicum, MD

$16.50 - $21.50/hr

... Engineering, and Marketing. Upon completion, the intern will present their project outcomes to the ... controls; reach with ands and arms; talk and hear. Employee will occasionally lift up to 35 lbs.

Engineering Intern

Linthicum, MD · On-site

$16.50 - $21.50/hr

... Engineering, and Marketing. Upon completion, the intern will present their project outcomes to the ... controls; reach with ands and arms; talk and hear. Employee will occasionally lift up to 35 lbs.

General Engineer

Washington, DC · On-site

$143K/yr

... Controls; or (2) Office of Nonproliferation and Foreign Policy Controls If interested, you are ... Intern (EI), Engineer in Training (EIT)1 , or licensure as a Professional Engineer (PE) by any ...

General Engineer

Washington, DC · On-site

$121K/yr

... Controls; or (2) Office of Nonproliferation and Foreign Policy Controls If interested, you are ... Intern (EI), Engineer in Training (EIT)1 , or licensure as a Professional Engineer (PE) by any ...

... controls, audiovisual, and IT systems. Headquarters in Tysons, Virginia, M.C. Dean delivers ... Our people are passionate about engineering innovation that improves lives and drives impactful ...

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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 Washington? The most popular types of Controls Engineer jobs in Washington are:
What job categories do people searching Controls Engineer Intern jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for Controls Engineer Intern jobs in Washington are:
What cities in Washington are hiring for Controls Engineer Intern jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Controls Engineer Intern job openings:
Infographic showing various Controls Engineer Intern job openings in Washington as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Internship, 94% Full Time, and 4% Part Time. Highlights an 82% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution.
SCADA & Controls Technician Intern

SCADA & Controls Technician Intern

Avista Realtime Systems LLC

Elkridge, MD • On-site

$32 - $35/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago

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Job description

SCADA & Controls Technician Intern

Elkridge, MD

Avista Realtime Systems is seeking a motivated SCADA & Controls Technician Intern to join our growing automation and integration team.

This is a paid, hands-on internship designed for individuals interested in industrial automation, electrical controls, networking, PLCs, and SCADA systems. Successful candidates will have the opportunity to transition into a full-time role as a SCADA Technician or Controls Engineer.

You will work on real-world utility, transit, water, and energy projects involving industrial control panels, SCADA systems, networking equipment, PLCs, instrumentation, and field commissioning.

What You’ll Be Doing

  • Assist with assembly, modification and wiring of industrial control panels
  • Support PLC and SCADA system testing and troubleshooting
  • Help configure industrial networking and communications equipment
  • Assist engineers during factory and field-testing activities
  • Participate in startup and commissioning at customer sites
  • Read and work from electrical drawings and schematics
  • Support diagnostics, troubleshooting, and system validation

Minimum Education Requirement

  • Associate degree (2-year degree) in one of the following or similar fields:
    • Electrical Engineering Technology
    • Computer Engineering Technology
    • Industrial Automation
    • Mechatronics
    • Electronics Technology
    • Technical trade or industrial technology programs

Preferred Qualifications

  • Hands-on electrical, controls, or networking experience
  • Ability to read electrical drawings and schematics
  • Familiarity with PLCs, SCADA, instrumentation, or industrial communications is a plus
  • Military technical experience is a plus
  • Valid driver’s license

What We’re Looking For

  • Strong interest in automation, controls, industrial systems, or electrical technology
  • Comfortable working hands-on with tools, wiring, and equipment
  • Willingness to learn and take initiative
  • Good communication and teamwork skills
  • Ability to occasionally travel to customer sites

What Makes This Opportunity Different

  • Work on real critical infrastructure projects
  • Exposure to advanced SCADA, PLC, and industrial networking systems
  • Hands-on training from experienced engineers and technicians
  • Opportunity for overtime and field experience
  • Clear path toward full-time employment and career growth
  • Exposure to modern technologies used in utilities, transportation, water, and energy systems

Compensation & Benefits

  • Paid internship
  • Competitive hourly compensation
  • Overtime opportunities when applicable
  • Potential transition to full-time employment
  • Long-term career growth opportunities within the company

About Us

Avista Realtime Systems is a SCADA systems integrator and UL 508A control panel manufacturer specializing in utility, transit, water, energy, and industrial automation projects throughout the United States.

Company Description

Avista Realtime Systems, LLC is a growing SCADA, controls, and automation company based in the DC Metro area. For more than 18 years, we’ve delivered mission-critical solutions to the power, water, transit, renewable energy, and government sectors.
We design and integrate advanced real-time systems that help utilities and infrastructure operators improve reliability, efficiency, and security. From control system engineering and panel fabrication to software development and cloud-enabled monitoring, Avista provides end-to-end solutions tailored to complex projects.
Our team is built on collaboration, innovation, and impact. At Avista, you’ll work alongside engineers, project managers, and industry experts to support clients who power communities and drive the future of energy and infrastructure.