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Controls Engineer Intern Jobs in Lancaster, PA (NOW HIRING)

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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.
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Controls Engineer Intern jobs near you
Infographic showing various Controls Engineer Intern job openings in Lancaster, PA 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.

Future Opportunities Electrical Controls Co-Op (Fall 2026)

Hersheys

Hershey, PA • On-site

$75K - $101K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 14 days ago

Job description

Location: Hershey, PA

Duration: Fall 2026 (Full-time Co-Op June 2026 - December 2026 with possible additional 6-month rotation) 

We are currently prioritizing recruitment for Spring 2025 Co-Ops. However, we do have a Fall 2025 opening as well. Please refer to the correct job posting based on your availability to complete a Co-Op or Internship.

Overview: 

This Controls EngineeringCo-Op has the potential for the selected candidate to work 3 consecutive rotations within the Controls Engineering department depending on your availability. 

The available Intern/Co-op position would have the opportunity to begin in Fall 2026. Successive rotations would then follow school schedule for a co-op experience. 

 
Responsibilities 

This position may include but is not limited to the following: 

Project Work: Under the guidance of the controls engineer, the intern may be involved in project work which may include electrical design, equipment/instrument installation, equipment/instrument checkout, project startups and maintenance troubleshooting and support. 

Intern Project: Working on their own assigned project. Projects may involve developing electrical elementary drawings, writing program logic controller (PLC) programs, Human Machine Interface (HMI) screen development. Project work may also include observing existing plant processes, making recommendations, setting up a test design and working with plant operators and supervisors to troubleshoot existing systems. Researching new technologies to implement in production environments. 

Other: The student intern may also gain experience in talking to vendors, equipment/instrument selection, equipment/instrument set up and training of manufacturing personnel. The intern may also work with process engineering, packaging engineering, quality assurance, industrial engineering and other Hershey personnel. 

 
Qualifications 

Major: Sophomore or junior working toward a Bachelor of Science degree in ElectricalEngineering or Electrical Engineering Technology with a minimum GPA of 3.0/4.0. 

Coursework: The candidate must have completed the basic or introductory courses in the following areas: 

  • Electrical Theory 

  • Electronics 

  • Electrical Design 

Coursework or experience in the following areas is not necessary but would be a plus: 

  • Networking 

  • SCADA Systems 

  • Microsoft Word 

  • Microsoft Excel 

  • Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) Programming - Ladder Logic, Function Blocks, Structured Text 

  • Human Machine Interface (HMI) Development - Using Visualization Software 

  • Food Processing or Manufacturing 

Candidate must have a valid driver's license. 

This position may involve international travel. 

Technical Skills:Ability to use basic electrical instruments such as digital multimeter, current probes and signal calibrators. The successful candidate must also have basic electrical troubleshooting experience. 

Personal Skills:The successful candidate works well with others, is organized, takes initiative, is dependable, has common sense and is flexible and willing to travel. 

Please be advised that The Hershey Company welcomes all applicants to internships. However, Hershey will not provide immigration-related support for these internships. 
Hershey also will not provide immigration-related sponsorship (such as H-1B) for entry-level roles should you later apply for one of those roles in the future.

The Hershey Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The policy of The Hershey Company is to extend opportunities to qualified applicants and employees on an equal basis regardless of an individual's race, color, gender, age, national origin, religion, citizenship status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, transgender status, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other categories protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.
The Hershey Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer - Minority/Female/Disabled/Protected Veterans.  

You may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our online application process as a result of a disability.
You can request an accommodation via phone or email.  

To request an accommodation via phone, please call +1 877-804-1794 and leave a voicemail with your contact information.  You may also email a request for accommodation to ApplicationHelp@hersheys.com. Please be sure to include "Accommodation Needed" in the subject line. This will ensure that your email is routed to the appropriate contact who will handle your request.

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