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

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 Waterloo, ON?

The most popular types of Controls Engineer jobs in Waterloo, ON are:

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

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

Infographic showing various Controls Engineer Intern job openings in Waterloo, ON as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution.

Nuclear Engineering Intern

Canadian Strategic Missions Corporation

Waterloo, ON • On-site, Remote

Internship

Posted 20 days ago


Job description

About Us

CSMC is a technology company focused on developing dual-use solutions for humanity's challenges on earth and in space. CSMC is developing a micro nuclear reactor for remote applications likethe arctic,defence, and space exploration. Led by a team with a mix of entrepreneurial and institutional experience at the highest level, we are a bleeding edge company, working at the intersection of energy, geology/geophysics, health technologies, space systems, and imagineering.

The Nuclear Engineering Intern will work with CSMC's engineering and technical leadership team to support research, analysis, documentation, and project activities related tomicroreactors, advanced energy systems, remote applications, defence, and space exploration. This internship is designed as a hands-on learning opportunity for a motivated student interested in nuclear engineering, space systems,advanced energy, and technology commercialization. The role may involve literature reviews, technical writing,system-level analysis, modelling orsimulation support, data organization, project coordination, prototyping support, and preparation of reports, presentations,proposals, regulatory materials, and otherinternalor stakeholder-facing deliverables.

Main Responsibilities

  • Support research, analysis, and documentation related to microreactors, advanced energy systems, reactor design, remote applications, defence, and space exploration.
  • Assist with system-level engineering analysis, including design trade studies, performance assessments, safety considerations, modelling, simulation, or technical calculations under the guidance of senior team members.
  • Contribute to literature reviews, technical research, data collection, and synthesis of findings for internal reports, proposals, presentations, and stakeholder-facing materials.
  • Support modelling, simulation, prototyping, testing, or validation activities using relevant engineering tools where appropriate.
  • Help assess key technical considerations such as heat transfer, fluid flow, materials, power conversion, reactor cooling, operations, integration, or system performance, depending on project needs.
  • Prepare and maintain organized project materials, including meeting notes, task trackers, schedules, technical references, and supporting documentation.
  • Support business development and commercialization activities, including proposals, RFP responses, regulatory applications, technical briefs, and other company deliverables as needed.
  • Work cross-functionally with engineering, business, and leadership team members in a fast-moving, multidisciplinary technology environment.


Qualifications

  • Currently enrolled in, or recently graduated from, an undergraduate or graduate program in nuclear engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, engineering physics, aerospace engineering, energy systems engineering, applied physics, or a related technical field.
  • Strong interest in advanced energy systems, microreactors, nuclear technology, space systems, remote operations, defence applications, and dual-use technology.
  • Academic or project experience in one or more relevant areas such as thermodynamics, heat transfer, fluid mechanics, reactor systems, modelling and simulation, controls, materials, power systems, or systems engineering.
  • Experience with engineering research through coursework, capstone projects, thesis work, research assistantships, internships, co-ops, or independent technical projects.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Word; experience with Python, MATLAB, CAD, COMSOL, ANSYS, OpenFOAM, CFD tools, data analysis platforms, or other technical software is considered an asset.
  • Strong analytical, research, writing, organization, and communication skills, with high attention to detail.
  • Self-motivated, resourceful, and comfortable working through ambiguous or complex technical problems with guidance from senior team members.
  • Exposure to aerospace, defence, regulated engineering, experimental testing, prototyping, validation, or field deployment environments is considered an asset.


Employment Eligibility

CSMC works withhighly sensitivenuclear,defence, and aerospace technologies, and all roles require eligibility for federal security screening and compliance with controlled goods and export regulations. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in Canada, able to obtain andmaintainGovernment of Canada security clearance, and eligible to meet foreign affiliation and export control requirements. These conditions aremandatoryBona Fide Occupational Requirements and reflect the need to securely develop and protect nationally significant capabilities.


CSMC is an equal opportunity employer supporting diversity and inclusion. We want to hear from unique candidates.


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