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Intern Instrument Engineer Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Intern Instrument Engineer information

What does an intern instrument engineer do?

An Intern Instrument Engineer assists in the design, installation, and maintenance of instrumentation and control systems used in various industries, such as oil and gas, manufacturing, or pharmaceuticals. They typically work under the supervision of experienced engineers and may help with tasks like calibrating instruments, troubleshooting equipment issues, and preparing technical documentation. This role is ideal for engineering students or recent graduates seeking hands-on experience in instrumentation and control engineering.

What types of projects and tasks can an intern instrument engineer expect to work on during their internship?

As an Intern Instrument Engineer, you can expect to assist with the design, calibration, and maintenance of instrumentation and control systems used in industrial settings. Your daily tasks may include supporting senior engineers in data collection, documenting instrument specifications, and helping with troubleshooting equipment issues. Interns often collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including process engineers and technicians, gaining exposure to real-world projects that enhance both technical and problem-solving skills. This hands-on experience provides valuable insight into industry standards and can help identify areas for future specialization or career growth.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an intern instrument engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Intern Instrument Engineer, you typically need a background in engineering (such as electrical, instrumentation, or control engineering) and a fundamental understanding of instrumentation principles. Familiarity with industry-standard software like AutoCAD, PLC programming tools, and exposure to process control systems is often required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are valuable soft skills that set candidates apart. These abilities ensure accurate design, safe operations, and successful collaboration within engineering projects.

What is the difference between Intern Instrument Engineer vs Junior Instrument Engineer?

AspectIntern Instrument EngineerJunior Instrument Engineer
QualificationsCurrently pursuing or recently completed relevant degreeBachelor's degree in engineering or related field
Work ExperienceLimited or no professional experience1-2 years of related work experience
ResponsibilitiesAssisting with basic tasks, learning on the jobPerforming routine instrument installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting
Work EnvironmentInternship setting, supervised learningEntry-level professional environment, more independence

In summary, an Intern Instrument Engineer is typically a student or recent graduate gaining initial industry exposure, while a Junior Instrument Engineer has some professional experience and handles more responsibilities in instrument engineering tasks.

Are instrumentation engineers in demand?

Instrumentation engineers are in demand across industries such as manufacturing, oil and gas, and power generation, where they design, install, and maintain control systems and instrumentation. The demand is driven by the need for automation, safety standards, and technological advancements, often requiring knowledge of control systems, PLCs, and industry-specific regulations.

What are the most commonly searched types of Instrument Engineer jobs in Minnesota?

The most popular types of Instrument Engineer jobs in Minnesota are:

Electrical Engineering Co Op/Intern - All Mills

pca

Valdosta, GA

$15.50 - $20.50/hr

Internship

Posted 9 days ago


Packaging Corporation Of America rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 151 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

37th of 120 rated packaging manufacturers


Job description

Electrical Engineering Co Op/Intern

We are seeking resumes for an electrical engineering co-op. This application may lead to three potential job titles depending on mill needs: an electrical reliability engineering co-op, an electrical project engineering co-op, or a process control engineering co-op. The primary responsibilities of each are detailed below.

Electrical Reliability Engineering Co-Op

  • Support electrical reliability assignments that improve mill safety, equipment performance, operational efficiency, and cost effectiveness.
  • Work with reliability engineers, maintenance, operations, and mill personnel to troubleshoot electrical and equipment reliability issues.
  • Apply predictive and preventive maintenance techniques to improve equipment reliability and support root-cause failure analyses.
  • Assist with special reliability projects and additional assignments that support safe, efficient, and reliable mill operations.
  • Additional duties as requested by management.

Electrical Project Engineering Co-Op

  • Support electrical project engineering assignments involving planning, design, installation, commissioning, and startup of mill electrical equipment.
  • Assist with electrical equipment projects, including motors, MCCs, lighting, valves, switches, sensors, cameras, instrumentation, and related systems.
  • Use AutoCAD, P&ID drawings, process information systems, Trident, Microsoft Office, and other company software to update drawings, create new project documentation, and maintain equipment files.
  • Coordinate with project engineers, operations, contractors, maintenance shops, and other disciplines to support safe project execution, installation, and startup.
  • Support project management activities such as scope development, schedule coordination, cost tracking, contractor oversight, and communication with mill personnel.
  • Additional duties as requested by management.

Process Control Engineering Co-Op

  • Support process control engineers, instrument technicians, and mill operations with troubleshooting, advanced process control, DCS, and control system improvement efforts.
  • Use process information systems, Microsoft Office, Trident, AutoCAD, and other company software to update drawings, equipment files, functional specifications, and control documentation.
  • Assist with system audits, loop checks, I/O checkout, startup support, and correction of control system documentation and wiring records during outages or down days.
  • Collect, enter, and analyze process and control systems data to support troubleshooting, reliability, process optimization, and business decision-making.
  • Additional duties as requested by management.

 

Basic Qualifications:

Required:

A minimum grade point average of 3.0/4.0 is required and must be a permanent U.S. resident with a valid driver’s license. Must be majoring in Electrical Engineering, Electrical Engineering Technology or a related field and have completed freshman year or will have completed freshman year at time of co-op or internship. 

Preferred:

Currently a member of the paper foundation at the following schools: Auburn University, Georgia Tech University, University of Maine, Miami University (Ohio), University of Minnesota – Twin Cities, NC State University, SUNY ESF, University of Washington – Seattle, Western Michigan University, University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point, or currently enrolled at any State University or Technological University in the following states: AL, FL, GA, IL, ID, LA, MI, MN, MS, NC, ND, OH, TN, TX, VA, WA, WI. Students that sign up for interviews during the Career Fairs and On-Campus Interview days at the schools listed will be given first consideration.

Completing this application makes you eligible for consideration at any of PCA’s 10 mill locations as follows:

  • Counce, TN
  • Deridder, LA
  • Filer City, MI
  • International Falls, MN
  • Jackson, AL 
  • Massillon, OH
  • Riverville, VA
  • Tomahawk, WI
  • Valdosta, GA
  • Wallula, WA

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