Freelance Internship Automation Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Description:
The Automation Engineer is a hands-on, plant-based engineering role responsible for supporting, maintaining, and improving automation systems within a high-volume ERW steel pipe manufacturing facility. This role is designed for a recent engineering graduate seeking practical industrial experience in controls, robotics, and manufacturing automation.
The position works directly on the production floor troubleshooting equipment, optimizing PLC-controlled systems, and supporting reliability improvements across mill operations. The Automation Engineer will partner closely with Maintenance, Operations, and Quality teams and may provide day-to-day technical directions to hourly Maintenance Technicians. This role reports into the Director, Maintenance & Engineering or as assigned.
Working Conditions:
Primarily works within the production mill environment with moderate administrative office work. Exposure to heat, noise, and moving machinery; PPE required at all times. Must be able to stand/walk for extended periods, climb stairs, and occasionally lift up to 30 lbs. May require shift work, including nights or weekends, depending on production schedule or during major maintenance or startups.
1. Required Qualifications:
1.1. Bachelor's degree in: Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Automation Engineering, Mechanical Engineering (with controls focus), or related engineering discipline
1.2. 0-3 years of experience (internships/co-ops in manufacturing strongly preferred)
1.3. Basic understanding of PLCs and industrial automation concepts
1.4. Willingness to work in an industrial manufacturing environment
Preferred Qualifications
1.5. Internship or co-op experience in manufacturing or heavy industry
1.6. Exposure to:
1.6.1. PLC programming (Siemens/Allen-Bradley preferred)
1.6.2. HMIs and SCADA systems
1.6.3. Industrial networking
1.6.4. VFDs and motor controls
1.7. Experience reading electrical schematics
1.8. Understanding of safety systems and lockout/tagout principles
Key Competencies
1.9. Strong mechanical and electrical troubleshooting mindset
1.10. Hands-on problem solver comfortable in a plant environment
1.11. High learning agility and curiosity
1.12. Strong communication skills across hourly and salaried teams
1.13. Ability to balance technical analysis with practical execution
1.14. Ownership mentality and continuous improvement mindset
2. Responsibilities:
2.1. Automation & Controls Support
2.1.1. Troubleshoot and support PLC, HMI, and automated production systems across ERW mill operations
2.1.2. Assist in diagnosing electrical, controls, and automation-related downtime issues
2.1.3. Modify and maintain PLC programs under senior engineering guidance
2.1.4. Support commissioning and startup of automation equipment and system upgrades
2.1.5. Maintain automation documentation including schematics, backups, and control logic revisions
2.2. Plant Floor Engineering (Hands-On)
2.2.1. Spend significant time on the production floor supporting real-time operations
2.2.2. Work alongside Maintenance Technicians to resolve equipment failures
2.2.3. Support preventative and predictive maintenance initiatives
2.2.4. Assist with root cause analysis of equipment and process failures
2.2.5. Drive continuous improvement projects focused on uptime, safety, and productivity
2.3. Continuous Improvement & Projects
2.3.1. Identify automation opportunities to improve throughput and reduce scrap
2.3.2. Support capital projects including equipment installation and modernization
2.3.3. Participate in Lean Manufacturing and reliability improvement initiatives
2.3.4. Assist with data collection and performance analysis of manufacturing systems
2.4. Leadership & Team Collaboration
2.4.1. Provide technical guidance to hourly Maintenance Electricians and Technicians
2.4.2. May supervise or coordinate daily work activities of assigned maintenance personnel during projects or troubleshooting efforts
2.4.3. Partner with Operations and Quality teams to improve process stability
2.4.4. Support training of maintenance staff on automation systems
2.5. Global Collaboration
2.5.1. Interface with engineering resources from the company's global operations, including teams based in Türkiye
2.5.2. Support implementation of global technical standards and best practices
2.5.3. Participate in knowledge-sharing across international facilities
2.5.4. Employee must follow all PPE policies and safety rules.
3. Activities:
3.1. Creation and refinement of technical mechanical part and assembly drawings to capture design intent and document the key aspects necessary to accomplish the manufacturing goals of a project.
3.2. Creation and refinement of complex mechanical components including sourcing, volume models, key performance parameters, etc.
3.3. Creation and maintenance of a Bill of Materials for one or more projects.
3.4. Creation, control, and maintenance of release packages and design history files.
3.5. Provides engineering information by answering questions and requests.
3.6. Lead / Supervise hourly work force.
3.7. Other duties as assigned.
4. Authority and Obligation:
4.1. This position has the authority to stop operations when deemed necessary.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.