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Controls Engineer Intern Jobs in Ottawa, ON (NOW HIRING)

... controls and monitors nextgeneration optical network equipment. You'll be writing firmware that ... Previous intern or co-op experience at Nokia or Infinera. * Bachelor's in Computer Engineering or ...

... controls and monitors nextgeneration optical network equipment. You'll be writing firmware that ... Previous intern or co-op experience at Nokia or Infinera. * Bachelor's in Computer Engineering or ...

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 cities near Ottawa, ON are hiring for Controls Engineer Intern jobs?

Cities near Ottawa, ON with the most Controls Engineer Intern job openings:

Infographic showing various Controls Engineer Intern job openings in Ottawa, ON as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution.

FW Engineer

Nokia

Kanata, ON • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago


Nokia rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

30th of 99 rated telecommunications companies


Job description

As an Early Career Firmware Engineer, you'll be part of an agile Scrum team developing software that controls and monitors nextgeneration optical network equipment. You'll be writing firmware that runs on highly embedded CPUs within custom Nokia ASICs, directly enabling industryleading optical hardware.

  • Previous intern or co-op experience at Nokia or Infinera.
  • Bachelor's in Computer Engineering or equivalent.
  • Experienced with C and C+,+ and Python.
  • One or more areas of experience:  Digital signal processing knowledge, Control Theory, Optical networks, Optical components, embedded cpu. 
  • Agile development, including defining feature acceptance criteria, feature and unit testing. 
  • Working as part of a scrum team to develop and test firmware features.
  • Collaborate on feature definition, coding, and testing. 
  • Mentor interns and co-ops.

What Nokia employees say

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