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Controls Engineer Intern Jobs in Memphis, TN (NOW HIRING)

Coordinate with clients, consultants, and project stakeholders. * Assist with contract administration, project controls, and program governance. Preferred Qualifications: * Current Civil Engineering ...

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 Memphis, TN?

The most popular types of Controls Engineer jobs in Memphis, TN are:

What cities near Memphis, TN are hiring for Controls Engineer Intern jobs?

Cities near Memphis, TN with the most Controls Engineer Intern job openings:

Infographic showing various Controls Engineer Intern job openings in Memphis, TN 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.

Transportation Intern - TN

Memphis, TN • On-site


HDR, Inc.
Specialized Design Services • 5 - 10K employees

9.3

Company rating: 9.3 out of 10

Based on 60 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

26th of 450 rated engineering

Great coworkers

People enjoy working here

Good employer


Other

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. As we foster a culture of inclusion throughout our company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves: What is our impact on the world?

Watch Our Story: 'https://www.hdrinc.com/our-story'

Each and every role throughout our organization makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better. Read further to learn how you could help make great things possible not only in your community, but around the world.

We are looking for motivated Transportation Interns to join us in 2027! This internship provides hands-on experience across multiple transportation disciplines, including highway design, planning, structural engineering, rail, construction, and aviation. You'll work alongside engineers and project managers on impactful projects that help shape our communities.

Depending on your interests and project needs, you may contribute in one or more of the following areas:

Highway Design

  • Assist with roadway plan production, design details, and plan notes.
  • Perform quantity calculations and support cost estimating.
  • Contribute to highway safety improvement projects.
  • Participate in project meetings and field visits.

Traffic/Planning

  • Support traffic engineering and transportation planning projects through data analysis, forecasting, and evaluation of roadway and multimodal improvements.
  • Prepare GIS maps, exhibits, reports, presentations, and public meeting materials.
  • Assist with research, corridor studies, safety assessments, grant applications, stakeholder coordination, and project documentation.

Structural (Bridges, Box Culverts, and Retaining Walls)

  • Assist with CAD drawings for new and rehabilitated structures.
  • Perform quantity calculations and cost estimates.
  • Participate in bridge inspections and site visits.

Rail

  • Assist with rail plan production, design details, and plan notes.
  • Perform quantity calculations and support cost estimating.
  • Participate in project meetings and field visits.
  • Support construction projects through site observations, contractor coordination, and progress reporting.

Field Services (Construction Engineering & Inspection)

  • Assist with construction observation and inspection activities.
  • Support project documentation, inspection records, and daily reports.
  • Participate in contractor and project team coordination meetings.
  • Track quantities, project progress, and payment documentation.
  • Gain experience with field visits, materials testing, quality assurance, and construction documentation.
  • Support field issue resolution and design coordination during construction.
  • Learn transportation construction standards, safety requirements, and best practices.

Aviation

  • Assist with airport funding and grant administration activities.
  • Support airport planning, design, construction, and project delivery efforts.
  • Conduct site observations and monitor construction progress.
  • Coordinate with clients, consultants, and project stakeholders.
  • Assist with contract administration, project controls, and program governance.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Current Civil Engineering student
  • Relevant internship experience supporting engineering and project development
  • Preference given to local candidates

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

  • Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate Engineering program
  • Attention to detail
  • Possess strong problem-solving and communication skills
  • Basic Microsoft Office skills
  • An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must

What We Believe

HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.

Our Commitment

As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day.

Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.


HDR logo

About HDR

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At HDR, we specialize in engineering, architecture, environmental and construction services. While we are most well-known for adding beauty and structure to communities through high-performance buildings and smart infrastructure, we provide much more than that. We create an unshakable foundation for progress because our multidisciplinary teams also include scientists, economists, builders, analysts and artists.

Industry

Specialized design services

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Omaha, NE, US

Year founded

1917


What HDR employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

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