Design Research Intern Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Who We Are:

West Yost is a water resource management and engineering firm focused exclusively on water. Since our founding in 1990, we have partnered with public agencies including cities, counties, utilities, and water districts to plan, design, and deliver water, wastewater, and stormwater solutions that support safe, reliable, and resilient communities.

Our team of more than 270 professionals brings together expertise in groundwater, water supply, treatment, infrastructure, recycled water, stormwater, construction management, and operations technology. We support projects from early planning and permitting through design and construction and complement our engineering services with program management and public outreach to help clients move work forward and engage their communities.

We are proud to be certified as a Great Place to Work, and to be recognized among Fortune's Best Workplaces in Consulting and Professional Services from 2023 to 2025, as well as a top-ranked firm in the AEC Advisors Diversity Index. At West Yost, we are committed to being the water firm of choice for our clients and our team, advancing water resources for future generations through strong partnerships, practical solutions, and a shared commitment to quality.

Pay rate: $26hr  Based on our Lake Oswego, OR office location.  (West Yost uses geographic salary differentials that would apply for candidates in other regions). 

Status: Full-time, Exempt

Location(s):  Lake Oswego, OR (https://www.westyost.com/locations/ ).

This position requires in-office

 

*RESUME AND COVER LETTER ARE REQUIRED FOR CONSIDERATION OF YOUR APPLICATION!*

After researching our website and reviewing the Operations Technology, Cybersecurity, and Resilience (OTCR) service area descriptions below, please identify which service areas are of greatest interest to you and explain why. Please address this question within the required fields of the online application and, as appropriate, in your cover letter. Operational Technology Intern (OTCR Group)

DESCRIPTION

This internship is ideal for students interested in industrial automation, programmable logic controller (PLC) programming, supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems, and operational technology (OT) within critical infrastructure environments. Your work will contribute to systems that provide safe drinking water, protect public health, and improve the resilience of critical infrastructure serving communities across the United States.

This is not a "shadowing" internship. You will work alongside experienced engineers and consultants on real projects supporting critical water and wastewater infrastructure. We are looking for curious, self-motivated individuals who want hands-on experience, enjoy solving technical problems, and are excited to learn how automation, operational technology, and cybersecurity are applied in the real world. Successful interns will leave with practical experience, professional mentorship, and a strong foundation for a career in industrial automation and critical infrastructure consulting.  

Who Thrives Here

Successful interns are typically:

• Naturally curious and eager to learn
• Comfortable tackling unfamiliar technical challenges
• Strong problem-solvers
• Interested in engineering, technology, and real-world operations
• Motivated to contribute beyond assigned tasks
• Effective communicators and team collaborators

What You'll Learn

• Industrial automation and control systems engineering
• PLC and SCADA platforms used in critical infrastructure
• OT cybersecurity and digital resilience principles
• Engineering consulting and project delivery
• Technical communication and client interaction
• Real-world troubleshooting and system integration

As an intern, you will be assigned meaningful project work and will be expected to take ownership of specific deliverables with guidance from senior team members. Depending on experience and project needs, interns will perform:

• PLC programming and SCADA configuration
• Human-machine interface (HMI) development
• Control system troubleshooting and commissioning
• Technical writing and development of control strategies and standard operating procedures
• Control system and network infrastructure design
• Electrical, control and instrumentation design
• Technology master planning and existing system assessments
• Risk and resilience assessments for critical infrastructure systems
• Submittal reviews and engineering support tasks
• Cybersecurity and operational technology initiatives
• Research of emerging OT technologies and present recommendations to project teams

Services provided by our OTCR Group include the following:

Process Controls and Optimization

• PLC programming, SCADA configuration, HMI development, control system integration, troubleshooting, commissioning, and operational technology (OT) system improvements for water and wastewater utilities.

Digital Resilience

• Assessment and improvement of operational technology cybersecurity, risk and resilience planning, emergency preparedness, and implementation of strategies to help utilities maintain reliable operations during cyber, physical, or environmental events.

Electrical, Instrumentation and Controls Design

• Electrical, instrumentation and controls engineering for industrial facilities, including control panel layouts, instrumentation integration, power distribution coordination, controls system design, and engineering drawings and specifications development.

Technology Master Planning

• Evaluation of existing SCADA and operational technology systems, development of improvement recommendations, and long-term planning for modernization and infrastructure upgrades.

Project Management

• Support for project coordination, scheduling, and collaboration with multidisciplinary project teams throughout planning, design, implementation, and commissioning activities.

 

QUALIFICATIONS

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Function as an integral support team member and Operations Technology Specialist-in-training.
• Assist with PLC programming and SCADA configuration activities.
• Support troubleshooting, commissioning, system upgrades, and operational testing activities.
• Assist with development of technical documentation including control strategies, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and technical memorandums.

• Support SCADA Master Plan development efforts, including existing condition assessments, conceptual alternatives analysis, recommendations, and implementation planning.

• Collaborate with engineers, programmers, and project managers on multidisciplinary project tasks.

• Conduct technical research and assist with engineering and operational technology-related tasks as needed.

 

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assist with electrical, instrumentation, and controls engineering and design activities.
• Support development of risk and resilience assessments and emergency preparedness planning efforts.
• Assist with technology architecture and operational technology system reviews.
• Support review of technical submittals and engineering documentation.
• Assist with development of policies, procedures, and technical standards documentation.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES:

• Strong interest in industrial automation, operational technology, control systems, and critical infrastructure systems.
• Foundational understanding of engineering, troubleshooting, or programming concepts.
• Ability to learn technical systems and apply problem-solving skills in a team environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including technical documentation.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships.
• Ability to manage multiple assignments and consistently meet deadlines.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to high-quality work.
• Demonstrated professionalism and ethical behavior.

 

NICE TO HAVES (Any of the following):

• Familiarity with water and/or wastewater operations, engineering, or infrastructure systems.
• Exposure to PLC programming, SCADA systems, industrial networking, or industrial automation concepts.
• Experience troubleshooting automation, communication, or computer systems.
• Familiarity with electrical design concepts, instrumentation, control panels, or power distribution systems.
• Familiarity with scripting languages such as Python or similar languages.
• Exposure to cybersecurity, networking, servers, IoT, or operational technology environments.
• Familiarity with technical drawings, hardware layouts, or engineering specifications.
• Relevant coursework, laboratory experience, personal projects, or internships related to controls, automation, or operational technology.

 

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

Currently pursuing or recently completed a Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Industrial Cybersecurity, Mathematics, or a related technical discipline.

PREFERRED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

• Coursework, project experience, laboratory experience, or internships related to industrial automation, control systems, SCADA, PLC programming, networking, or cybersecurity.
• Interest in water, wastewater, environmental, or critical infrastructure systems.
• Experience with technical writing, troubleshooting, or engineering documentation.
• Familiarity with programming languages, scripting, or industrial communication concepts.

PREFERRED CERTIFICATIONS (Any of the following):

The following certifications, training, or technical coursework are considered a plus, but are not required:

• PLC, SCADA, industrial automation, or controls-related coursework or training
• Water, wastewater, environmental, or critical infrastructure systems-related coursework or training
• Networking, cybersecurity, or operational technology-related coursework or training
• CompTIA Network+
• CompTIA Security+

 

Travel Requirements

*This position may require travel to other offices and/or client offices.

A Little About the West Yost Life

You will experience many opportunities to grow and develop professionally with your colleagues through collaborative in-person work experience, knowledge sharing, and mentorship opportunities. We also offer hybrid and flexible work schedules to our employees to help promote and encourage a healthy work/life balance.  All of our team members have access to local and company-wide events, our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Workgroup, Culture Workgroup, Wellness Workgroup, book clubs, charitable giving and community service, firm-wide resources, peer groups (young professionals & middlers group), and mentorship and leadership programs.  We support and foster your career success and encourage you to be in control of your future with us.

At West Yost, we make space for connection across the firm. Each month, we hold an all-hands meeting that bring together team members from every location, including those working remotely, to stay aligned and engaged. Individual sectors and teams also hold their own monthly meeting. At the local level, our offices host gatherings, from camping trips and river rafting to community events and celebrations.

Once a year, we come together in person for our Annual All Staff event, a firmwide experience focused on learning, networking, and building relationships across teams. That evening, we continue our longest-standing tradition, the Duck Dinner, where West Yosters are encouraged to bring a guest and enjoy a night of great food, connection, and entertainment.

We work hard, and we place equal value on having fun.

Our commitment to quality begins with our hiring practices. We employ the most talented team members in our industry from all backgrounds. We are highly selective of the individuals we choose to represent the firm, seeking only those individuals whose technical abilities and commitment to client service matches our vision for excellence.  We are dedicated to our number one asset, our employees.  Because we are employee-owned, we are responsible for and rewarded by our own success. Come to West Yost where, with our support, you'll do the best work of your life.

 

Standard Benefits:

We provide a comprehensive array of valuable benefits to protect your health, your family, and your way of life. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, flexible spending accounts, health saving accounts (with West Yost contribution), paid vacation, paid sick leave and holidays, two employee assistance programs, travel assistance program, 401(k) profit sharing with employer match, leaves of absence with additional supplemental paid time off, parental leave, life and AD&D insurance, short-term and long-term disability insurance, and even pet insurance.

Other Unique Benefits:

You'll be provided wi...