1

Controls Engineer Intern Jobs in Irvine, CA (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

Controls Engineer Intern information

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 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 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 are the most commonly searched types of Controls Engineer jobs in Irvine, CA?

The most popular types of Controls Engineer jobs in Irvine, CA are:

What cities near Irvine, CA are hiring for Controls Engineer Intern jobs?

Cities near Irvine, CA with the most Controls Engineer Intern job openings:

Infographic showing various Controls Engineer Intern job openings in Irvine, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution.

Disneyland Electrical Engineering Intern, Spring 2027

The Walt Disney Company

Anaheim, CA • On-site

$35/hr

Full-time

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


Key responsibilities

  • Design, test, document, and sustain hardware and software control systems to support show and park-wide systems at the Disneyland Resort.

  • Participate in project estimating, scheduling, planning, and training activities related to electrical engineering projects.

  • Perform system, software, and electrical hardware design reviews and hazard analyses, including fault tree analysis and FMEA.


Walt Disney Company rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 130 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

5th of 52 rated entertainment


Job description

Job Posting Title:

Disneyland Electrical Engineering Intern, Spring 2027

Req ID:

10158423

Job Description:

About the Role & Program:

Within the Disneyland Resort, the Global Engineering & Technology (GE&T) Division program is specially crafted to develop you professionally, increasing your practical knowledge in your area of technical expertise, while also completing valuable work for the Resort. You will have a wide range of opportunities to assist and provide key data to GE&T Engineers on various types of projects including, but not limited to, Attractions, Maintenance, Show and Entertainment. It may even serve as a springboard in launching a successful career!

The approximate dates of this internship are January - June 2027.

Interns must be fully available for the duration of the internship.

This Internship is located in Anaheim, CA

What You Will Do:

  • Design, test, document and sustain hardware and software control systems in the role of Controls Engineer to support Show and Park-wide systems at the Disneyland Resort and other Disney parks.

  • Develop solutions and analyze situations using non-linear thinking and collaboration with project engineers.

  • Participate in project estimating, scheduling, planning, and training.

  • Perform in system, software, and electrical hardware design reviews and ride system hazard analyses, including fault tree analysis & Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA).

  • Comply with all applicable company, state, and Federal legal codes, policies, and regulations.

  • Provide timely, clear, concise communication to management, customers, partners, and team members about work status and impact to resort availability using appropriate communication means and documentation to advise related support groups.

Required Qualifications & Skills:

  • Strong understanding of electronic principles, software, and computer systems and ability to troubleshoot electronic components and computer-based systems at the hardware, software, and system level.

  • Understanding of Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC) software and developing test plans for validation.

  • Hands-on experience with oscilloscopes, DMMs, and function generators.

  • Experience with Microsoft Office suite: Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook

  • Demonstrated/proven strong leadership, technical and interpersonal skills and ability to prioritize multiple tasks and priorities.

  • Must possess a valid US driver's license and have the availability to work various shifts commensurate with project requirements.

Preferred Qualifications & Skills:

It would be great if you have/are familiar with:

  • Prior related work experience is desired, including co-op/intern programs with a focus on Electrical Engineering.

  • Experience with RSLogix, FactoryTalk, Safety PLCs, ladder logic programming, and VFDs.

  • Knowledge of power systems.

  • Knowledge of Audio/Visual technologies relative to cameras, monitors, projectors, amplifiers, speakers, audio processors, video formats.

  • Previous theme park experience.

Required Education:

  • Currently enrolled as a Junior, Senior or Graduate student at an accredited college/university, earning a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering.

  • Cumulative overall GPA of 3.0 or higher (no rounding)

Eligibility Requirements & Program Information:

  • Be enrolled in an accredited college/university pursuing a degree taking at least one class at time of application posting OR currently participating in a Disney College Program or Disney Internship

  • Be at least 18 years ofage

  • Possess unrestricted work authorization

  • Have not completed one year of continual employment on a Disney internship or Disney College Program

Additional Information:

Be compliant with The Disney Look appearance guidelines

Able to have a consistent, reliable work schedule throughout the internship

Fully available Monday thru Friday, PST for the duration of the internship,40 hours each week

Able to provide own housing for the duration internship program in the Anaheim, CA area

Able to provide/have reliable transportation to/from work

    The pay rate for this role as an undergraduate in CA is $30.00 /hr. The pay rate for this role as a graduate student in CA is $35.00/hr. Select benefits may be provided as part of the compensation package, such as medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered. To learn more about our benefits visit: https://jobs.disneycareers.com/benefits

    Job Posting Segment:

    Worldwide Safety, Health, Engineer & Sourcing

    Job Posting Primary Business:

    Global Engineering & Technology (WSHES)

    Primary Job Posting Category:

    Engineering Intern

    Employment Type:

    Full time

    Primary City, State, Region, Postal Code:

    Anaheim, CA, USA

    Alternate City, State, Region, Postal Code:

    Date Posted:

    2026-08-24

    What Walt Disney Company employees say

    Pay

    Benefits

    Hours and flexibility

    Workplace

    Get the full story on Breakroom


    Walt Disney logo

    About Walt Disney

    Sourced by ZipRecruiter

    At Disney, we're storytellers. We make the impossible, possible. We do this through utilizing and developing cutting-edge technology and pushing the envelope to bring stories to life through our movies, products, interactive games, parks and resorts, and media networks. Now is your chance to join our talented team that delivers unparalleled creative content to audiences around the world. "We create happiness." That's our motto at Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. And it permeates everything we do. At Disney, you'll help inspire that magic by enabling our teams to push the limits of entertainment and create the never-before-seen!

    Industry

    Amusement, gambling, and recreation

    Company size

    10,000+ Employees

    Headquarters location

    Burbank, CA, US

    Social media