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Controls Engineer Intern Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Food & Beverage Intern

Aldie, VA · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

... programming, and operational leadership. Interns will develop a strong understanding of elevated ... Develop an understanding of beverage cost controls and product ordering processes, and participate ...

Food & Beverage Intern

Aldie, VA · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

... programming, and operational leadership. Interns will develop a strong understanding of elevated ... Develop an understanding of beverage cost controls and product ordering processes, and participate ...

... programming, and operational leadership. Interns will develop a strong understanding of elevated ... Develop an understanding of beverage cost controls and product ordering processes, and participate ...

Intern, AI Adoption

Reston, VA · On-site

$25 - $27/hr

Contribute to the development and refinement of AI security controls, technical standards, and ... Current student pursuing a bachelor's or master's degree in computer science, engineering, data ...

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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 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 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 Reston, VA? The most popular types of Controls Engineer jobs in Reston, VA are:
What are popular job titles related to Controls Engineer Intern jobs in Reston, VA? For Controls Engineer Intern jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Controls Engineer Intern jobs in Reston, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Controls Engineer Intern jobs in Reston, VA are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Controls Engineer Intern jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Controls Engineer Intern job openings:
Finance Intern (2025 - 2026 Season, LSG)

Finance Intern (2025 - 2026 Season, LSG)

M.C. Dean, Inc

Tysons, VA • On-site

$18 - $23.50/hr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago


M.C. Dean rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 42 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

221st of 350 rated engineering


Job description

Overview
About M.C. Dean
M.C. Dean is Building Intelligence™. We design, build, operate, and maintain cyber-physical solutions for the nation's most mission-critical facilities, secure environments, complex infrastructure, and global enterprises. With over 7,000 employees, our capabilities span electrical, electronic security, telecommunications, life safety, automation and controls, audiovisual, and IT systems. Headquarters in Tysons, Virginia, M.C. Dean delivers resilient, secure, and innovative power and technology solutions through engineering expertise and smart systems integration.
Why Join Us?
Our people are passionate about engineering innovation that improves lives and drives impactful change. Guided by our core values - agility, expertise, and trust - we foster a collaborative and forward-thinking work environment. At M.C. Dean, we are committed to building the next generation of technical leaders in electrical, engineering, and cybersecurity industries.
Responsibilities
  • Responsibilities:
    • The Intern will be responsible for assisting team members in accounting tasks.
    • These responsibilities will include but will not be limited to finance-related projects, cost review and analysis, cost forecasting and planning, etc.

Qualifications
Qualifications:
  • Currently pursuing a bachelor's degree
  • Preferred fields of study: accounting, finance, or related field
  • Strong working relationships and critical thinking skills
  • Strong analytical skills
  • Self-motivated with a strong work initiative and attention to detail
  • Customer service, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills
  • Effective communication and interpersonal skills
  • Ability to use MS Excel and PowerPoint; database/or reporting software to do analysis a plus
  • Ability to perform comfortably in a fast-paced, deadline and detailed-oriented work environment
  • Ability to work as a team member, as well as independently
  • Demonstrated experience collaborating in a team environment
  • Passion for learning with a wide degree of creativity and curiosity

Abilities:
  • Exposure to computer screens for an extended period
  • Sitting for extended periods of time
  • Reach by extending hands or arms in any direction
  • Have finger dexterity to manipulate objects with fingers rather than whole hands or arms, for example, using a keyboard
  • Listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences
  • Communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand
  • Read and understand information and ideas presented in writing
  • Apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense
  • Identify and understand the speech of another person

What M.C. Dean employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


M.C. Dean logo

About M.C. Dean

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

M.C. Dean is Building Intelligence®. We design, build, operate, and maintain cyber-physical solutions for the nation's most recognizable mission-critical facilities, secure environments, complex infrastructure, and global enterprises. The company's capabilities include electrical, electronic security, telecommunications, life-safety, instrumentation and control, and command and control systems. M.C. Dean is headquartered in Tysons, Virginia, and employs more than 5,100 professionals who engineer and deploy automated, secure, and resilient power and technology systems; and deliver the management platforms essential for long-term system sustainability.

Industry

Engineering professional services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Tysons, VA, US

Year founded

1949

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