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Controls Engineer Intern Jobs in Deerfield, WI (NOW HIRING)

Automatic Electrical Controls for Household and Similar Use and IEC 60335-1: the Standard for the ... Previous intern or co-op experience with consumer products, commercial products and/or electronic ...

Automatic Electrical Controls for Household and Similar Use and IEC 60335-1: the Standard for the ... Previous intern or co-op experience with consumer products, commercial products and/or electronic ...

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 cities near Deerfield, WI are hiring for Controls Engineer Intern jobs? Cities near Deerfield, WI with the most Controls Engineer Intern job openings:
Infographic showing various Controls Engineer Intern job openings in Deerfield, WI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution.

Electrical Engineer I

AprilAire

Sun Prairie, WI • Hybrid

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Overview

We are currently searching for a Electrical Engineer - Product Quality to join our growing engineering team here at our Sun Prairie Innovation Center! In this role you will provide cross functionalsupport throughout the NPD process, validate cost effective design solutions, and prepare engineering test plans and reports. This engineer will also be responsible to ensure AprilAire products are safe, effective, and compliant to applicable standards through test verification. 

Hybrid role with three days a week in office (Sun Prairie) required.


Responsibilities

The Product Quality Engineer I will be tasked with responsibilities in the following key areas: 

  • Plan and manage testing of new products as part of a cross functional team. 
  • Qualify changes to existing products and components to address obsolescence, reliability, quality, and cost.    
  • Understand and maintain testing procedures with an emphasis on electronics, electrical components, power distribution, and controls.    
  • Create, maintain, and obtain approval of Design Verification Plans and Reports (DVP&R). 
  • Serve as Quality Owner for one or more products, tracking and trending quality data for released products. 
  • Participate on or lead process/product improvement projects using Six Sigma tools.  

Leadership  

  • Support product or productivity improvement opportunities. 
  • Participate in design reviews and design decisions. 
  • Provide status and information to keep stakeholders informed of progress on key test plan activities and outcomes. 

Execution 

  • Prepare production samples and prototypes for testing at internal and external labs.    
  • Support process improvement and cost reduction projects without compromising product quality.    
  • Prepare testing set ups (i.e. equipment, fixtures, etc.), build test fixtures as required and perform tests according to procedures.    
  • Monitor test data, analyze and prepare test reports.    
  • Use engineering problem solving tools and methods to systematically solve production or customer issues. 

Process 

  • Review and approve Change Requests (CR) and Change Notices (CN) in the Windchill PLM system. 
  • Collaborate with others in the Engineering team and other departments to accomplish goals and solve issues 

Technical 

  • Develop and maintain test methods to comply with IEC 60730-1:Automatic Electrical Controls for Household and Similar Use and IEC 60335-1: the Standard for the Safety of Household and Similar Electrical Appliances 
  • Provide technical input in new product development activities and Engineering design reviews. 
  • Act as a technical resource to troubleshoot and resolve circuit board defects.      
  • Collaborate with Lab Operation team on planning and executing tests. 
  • Follow engineering and problem-solving principles (such as 8D or DMAIC) in the execution of day-to-day work 

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Electronics Engineering required.
  • Previous intern or co-op experience with consumer products, commercial products and/or electronic products highly desired.
  • Strong sense of urgency and drive to complete projects/tasks by expected deadlines.
  • Effective technical communication skills 
  • Working knowledge of regulations, standards, and codes such as IEC, IEEE, NEMA, NEC, UL, AHRI, and ASHRAE is a plus 
  • Basic wiring and soldering skills 
  • Ability to interpret electrical schematic for circuit analysis and troubleshoot 
  • Passion for improving Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) and achieving the goal of healthy air 
  • Effective communication skills and desire to work cross-functionally.

LinkedIn Tag
Keyan Stremikis #LI-KS1Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Electronics Engineering required.
  • Previous intern or co-op experience with consumer products, commercial products and/or electronic products highly desired.
  • Strong sense of urgency and drive to complete projects/tasks by expected deadlines.
  • Effective technical communication skills 
  • Working knowledge of regulations, standards, and codes such as IEC, IEEE, NEMA, NEC, UL, AHRI, and ASHRAE is a plus 
  • Basic wiring and soldering skills 
  • Ability to interpret electrical schematic for circuit analysis and troubleshoot 
  • Passion for improving Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) and achieving the goal of healthy air 
  • Effective communication skills and desire to work cross-functionally.
Education:UNAVAILABLEEmployment Type: FULL_TIME