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Internship Programmable Logic Controller Jobs in Washington, DC

Power Distribution Engineer

Washington, DC · On-site

$103K - $181K/yr

Experience with power management ICs (PMICs), sequencing controllers, and power monitors. * Firmware or programmable logic experience for relay control and power state machines (embedded C/C++, FPGA ...

Develop basic understanding of Human-Machine Interface (HMI) and Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) applications. * Practice procedures outlined in the company's Quality Management System (QMS)

... of programmable logic controllers (PLCs), electromechanical systems, networking, and cooling equipment during deployment. * Identify necessary parts and components required to resolve equipment ...

Showing results 21-40

Internship Programmable Logic Controller information

See Washington, DC salary details

$10

$19

$26

How much do internship programmable logic controller jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for internship programmable logic controller in Washington, DC is $19.60, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $21.78 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Internship Programmable Logic Controller vs Electrical Engineering Intern?

AspectInternship Programmable Logic ControllerElectrical Engineering Intern
Required CredentialsBasic knowledge of PLC programming, technical courseworkMajor in electrical engineering or related field, coursework in circuits and systems
Work EnvironmentManufacturing plants, automation facilitiesDesign labs, engineering departments, industrial sites
Employer & Industry UsageAutomation companies, manufacturing firmsEngineering firms, utility companies, industrial sectors
Comparison Search IntentYesNo

The Internship Programmable Logic Controller focuses on hands-on experience with PLC programming and automation systems, often within manufacturing environments. In contrast, an Electrical Engineering Intern has a broader scope, involving circuit design, electrical systems, and general engineering principles. While both roles may overlap in industrial settings, PLC internships are more specialized in automation technology, making them a targeted choice for those interested in control systems.

What types of projects or tasks can an intern expect to work on during a programmable logic controller (PLC) internship?

During a PLC internship, interns typically assist with designing, programming, and testing automation systems that use PLCs in industrial settings. You may be involved in writing and troubleshooting ladder logic, configuring hardware, and supporting senior engineers during equipment installation or upgrades. Interns often participate in hands-on tasks such as wiring control panels, running simulations, and documenting system changes. This role also offers opportunities to collaborate closely with engineers, electricians, and technicians, giving you practical exposure to real-world automation challenges.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an internship programmable logic controller (PLC) specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an intern specializing in Programmable Logic Controllers, you generally need a background in electrical engineering or automation, along with foundational knowledge of PLC programming concepts. Familiarity with industry-standard PLC platforms (such as Siemens or Allen-Bradley), ladder logic, and simulation software is typically expected. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and a willingness to learn are crucial soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure you can effectively support automation projects, troubleshoot issues, and contribute to reliable industrial system operations.

What is an internship in programmable logic controller (PLC)?

An Internship in Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) is a temporary position designed for students or recent graduates to gain practical experience working with PLC systems used in industrial automation. Interns learn to program, troubleshoot, and maintain PLCs, often assisting in designing automation solutions for manufacturing or process industries. This hands-on experience helps them understand real-world applications of PLCs, work with industry-standard hardware and software, and develop valuable technical and problem-solving skills for a career in automation or controls engineering.
Infographic showing various Internship Programmable Logic Controller job openings in Washington, DC as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,767 per year, or $19.6 per hour.

Control Systems Project Engineer 1

Thermo Systems LLC

Reston, VA

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 1 hour ago


Job description

Who We Are:

Thermo Systems is a global, full-service control systems integration partner, delivering world-class automation solutions in the District Energy, Life Sciences, and Mission Critical markets. Our diverse leadership and dedicated engineering team are committed to excellence and consistent growth. Our unique company culture, known as "The Thermo Way," strengthens our team by fostering an environment where all members perform their best.

Our commitment to being unified, dynamic, and delivering excellence is evident in how we build trusting relationships through connection and camaraderie, ability to adapt, and focus on integrity and success. These values guide our daily operations and interactions, setting the standard for our team's behavior. As we continue to grow and evolve, "The Thermo Way" supports our goals of becoming a world-class organization, ensuring employee success, customer success, and financial strength.

Job Summary:

Works on a variety of control system projects. Leads individual project related tasks and/or complicated large-scale projects in their entirety. Provides engineering support on projects/tasks that are led by others. Assumes ultimate responsibility for the assigned projects/tasks. Takes direction and seeks guidance from assigned project leads, the supervisors, and company leadership.

Education and Experience:

  • Bachelor of Science; Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, or other pertinent curriculum combined with relevant technical experience.
  • Typically, 4+ years total experience.
  • Proven Track Record: 2+ years as Lead Control Systems Engineer or equivalent.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Technical Responsibilities:

  • Completely self-sufficient in the field.
  • Lead and assist with start-up and commissioning of control systems.
  • Lead and perform Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT).
  • Experienced in reading and interpreting piping & instrumentation diagrams and wiring diagrams. Able to provide feedback regarding field conditions versus drawings.
  • Experienced with Human-Machine Interface (HMI) and Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) applications.
  • Demonstrates deep understanding of the company’s Quality Management System (QMS).
  • Provide review of standard documents generated by others for technical, grammatical, and aesthetic content.
  • Firm understanding of complex control system design.
  • Provide instrumentation specifications for complex control systems.
  • Demonstrate thorough understanding of Information Technology (IT) system, network infrastructure, and computer system design, as it relates to control system integration.

Customer Service:

  • Communicate in an effective, positive, and proactive manner with customers.
  • Follow customer specific site standards and procedures.
  • Always conduct business in professional manner.
  • Provide excellent customer care and support.
  • Be patient, attentive, and responsive to customers in solving their problems.
  • Always follow up and honor commitments with customers.
  • Demonstrates an understanding of the customer needs and actively seeks to service those needs.

Project Responsibilities:

  • Complete assigned tasks accurately, on schedule, and under budget.
  • Understand the scope of work assigned to you, identify when issues arise that are beyond that scope, and communicate those issues to the assigned project lead.
  • Lead individual project related tasks and/or small to mid-sized projects in their entirety.
  • Take on the role of the customer’s main contact on those projects that the employee is assigned to lead.
  • Communicate in an effective, positive, and proactive manner with customers and trade partners.
  • Anticipates possible issues that may arise during a project and proactively plans solutions.
  • Seeks opportunities for new work with customers and contractors.
  • Delivers detailed feedback on project and task assignments.
  • Demonstrates an understanding of project contracts and specifications.
  • Ability to identify and manage risks.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

  • Where applicable, directs and oversees junior or subordinate staff members regarding construction, operations, and/or maintenance tasks and assignments at a project site.

Required Skills and Abilities:

In addition to Control Systems Project Engineer I skills and abilities:

  • Is decisive in decision making.
  • Builds relationships with customers.
  • Shows initiative by seeking out new responsibilities.
  • Anticipates possible issues that may arise during a project.
  • Uses resources efficiently to complete project tasks.
  • Actively works to promote a positive/collaborative team culture.

Travel required:

  • Overnight travel may be required up to 50%

On Call:

  • On call rotation participation may be required based on location and client needs.

Work Authorization/Other Requirements:

  • Proof of eligibility to work in the country where the position is located is required.
  • Maintain a valid driver's license.
  • Fit for Duty at all times

Culture:

Model Thermo Systems core values of employee success, customer success and financial strength by:

  • Seeking new and additional business through project change orders, additional services to existing customers, and referrals for new customers/projects. Drive financial success.
  • Be a good teammate, support your colleagues, promote a positive atmosphere for those around you. Drive employee success.
  • Go the extra mile for your customer, take ownership of their needs, over communicate. Drive customer success.
  • Foster an environment of integrity, trust, collaboration, professionalism, serving one another, leading by example, and assuming good intent each and every day.

What You'll Get:

  • Competitive salary, annual bonuses, 401(k) with company match, and business travel reimbursement: We appreciate our employees, and we make sure they know it.
  • Benefits: We offer full-time employees multiple healthcare packages, including low-cost options.
  • Casual Dress: Every day is "Casual Friday"; we want you to be comfortable when you come to work.
  • Training: We offer in-house and factory technical training to keep our staff sharp.
  • Tuition Reimbursement: We encourage academic advancement and professional credentialing.
  • Vacation/Sick Time: We believe work-life balance is essential. Ensuring our employees have time to truly relax and recharge is important to us.
  • Culture & Extras: We provide free lunches, regular team bonding & fun office events, and plenty of company swag.

Visit us at www.thermosystems.com to learn more!

Thermo Systems provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics.