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Hardware Engineering Intern Jobs in Calgary, AB (NOW HIRING)

Hardware Engineering Intern information

See Calgary, AB salary details

$10

$38

$86

How much do hardware engineering intern jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for hardware engineering intern in Calgary, AB is $38.30, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.03 and $56.49 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a hardware engineering intern do?

A Hardware Engineering Intern assists experienced engineers in designing, testing, and troubleshooting electronic hardware components such as circuit boards, processors, and other devices. Their responsibilities often include building prototypes, running simulations, collecting and analyzing data, and documenting results. Interns gain hands-on experience with industry-standard tools and learn about the product development lifecycle. This role is ideal for students pursuing degrees in electrical or computer engineering who want to apply their academic knowledge in a real-world setting.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a hardware engineering intern?

To thrive as a Hardware Engineering Intern, you generally need a solid understanding of electrical engineering fundamentals, circuit design, and familiarity with hardware components, typically supported by progress toward a relevant degree. Experience with tools like CAD software (e.g., Altium, OrCAD), basic programming skills, and lab equipment such as oscilloscopes and multimeters is often required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork set standout candidates apart in this role. These combined skills are critical for contributing to hardware development projects and ensuring reliable, innovative product design.

What types of projects and responsibilities can a hardware engineering intern expect during their internship?

As a Hardware Engineering Intern, you can expect to work on a range of hands-on projects such as circuit design, prototyping, PCB layout, and testing hardware components. Interns often assist with debugging and analyzing hardware issues, supporting product development teams, and documenting test results. You'll likely collaborate closely with experienced engineers, gaining exposure to the full hardware development lifecycle and participating in design reviews or team meetings. This experience not only builds technical skills but also provides insight into working as part of a cross-functional engineering team.

What is the difference between Hardware Engineering Intern vs Electrical Engineering Intern?

AspectHardware Engineering InternElectrical Engineering Intern
Required CredentialsEnrolled in or recent graduate of Electrical, Electronics, or Computer EngineeringEnrolled in or recent graduate of Electrical, Electronics, or Computer Engineering
Work EnvironmentDesigning, testing, and developing hardware components and systemsWorking on electrical systems, circuit design, and power systems
Industry UsageElectronics manufacturing, hardware development companiesPower, electronics, and electrical systems industries
Common Search/ComparisonHardware Engineering InternElectrical Engineering Intern

Both roles typically require similar educational backgrounds and are found in electronics and hardware industries. The main difference lies in focus: Hardware Engineering Interns concentrate on physical hardware design and testing, while Electrical Engineering Interns may work more broadly on electrical systems and power applications. Understanding these distinctions helps candidates target their job search effectively.

Infographic showing various Hardware Engineering Intern job openings in Calgary, AB as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $79,661 per year, or $38.3 per hour.

Co-op/Intern - Automation Specialist, Configuration & Design

Spartan Controls Ltd.

Calgary, AB • On-site

Internship

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

Spartan Controls is an employee-owned company and leading provider of data management, industrial automation, valves, measurement and control solutions for process industries in Western Canada and beyond.  We are dedicated to providing exceptional sales, support and service experiences for our diverse customer base in industries such as mining, power, oil & gas, municipal, pulp & paper, and chemical.

Spartan is committed to creating a sustainable modern world with innovative automation. Our focus is Customer Outcomes.  By leveraging applied automation we assist customers improving their Safety, Reliability, Operations and Productivity.  

Our employee ownership model creates a unique culture of community, creativity, entrepreneurship, and a place to build your career.  Spartan Controls provides an environment that not only encourages you to do your best, but also empowers you to do what it takes to create a solution, address a need, or respond to an issue.

Summary

We are recruiting for an Automation Specialist Co-op/Intern Student to work with our Systems, Software & Solutions Team, in Calgary.  The successful candidates will work within a project team to apply automation knowledge and experience in configuration, system design, application development, commissioning, system testing and start-up on new and existing integrated solutions primarily within our Machinery Performance business unit.

Work Term - 12 months, starting September 2026

Role and Responsibilities

To assist with the following (training provided):

  • Technical application and implementation of Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) or Distributed Control Systems (DCS): configuration of input/output signals, control logic configuration, creation of Human Machine Interface (HMI) screens
  • Documentation of control strategies and configuration
  • Troubleshoot code/configuration to improve, modify, add and fix
  • Conduct internal and external Hardware and Software Acceptance Testing
  • Assist team in providing technical support during system shutdown and start-up activities
  • Assist team in maintaining development/test equipment
  • Assist team with process improvements and tool/application development initiatives
Qualifications and Skills
  • Current undergraduate Engineering student: Electrical, Instrument, Computer, or Chemical Engineering
  • Students enrolled in a post-secondary Co-op/Internship program, returning to school in September 2028 are preferred.
  • Demonstrated issue ownership
  • Demonstrated Customer Service and Sales in an industrial environment an asset
  • A working knowledge of control system programming languages (i.e. PLC ladder logic, Function Block Diagrams, Structured Text)
  • A working knowledge of general programming languages (i.e. Python, VB, C#, etc.) an asset.
  • Proficiency in MS Office programs; Word, Power Point, Excel
  • High level technical skills and ability to learn in a fast-paced environment
  • Strong communication and time management skills
  • Collaborative team player and strong work principles
  • Excellent office organizational and operational skills
  • Detail oriented
  • Entrepreneurial work ethic
  • Familiarity with engineering documents (Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs), Cause and Effects (C&E), Input/Output Lists (I/O Lists), Alarm Lists, Single Line Diagrams (SLDs), etc.) an asset

 
Spartan is committed to providing a safe workplace for all employees. This position is classified as safety-sensitive, and as such, the successful candidate will be required to pass a pre-employment alcohol & drug test.

Applications will be reviewed after the closing date and those candidates selected for the next steps in the recruitment process will be contacted directly.   

Spartan recognizes that there are many ways in which candidates develop knowledge, abilities, and competencies throughout their careers. We encourage applications from candidates with a variety of backgrounds and we do consider qualifications and competencies that are equivalent to those specifically mentioned above.

As part of our recruitment process, successful candidates will be required to pass a pre-employment security background check. 

Close Date: August 23, 2026 (11:59 pm MST)

 Requisition ID: 1862