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Internship Small Startup Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Senior Controls Engineer

Walker, MI · On-site

$92K - $121K/yr

... site startup. - Applies department coding/electrical standards and proposes incremental ... and debug, mentors interns and coops on best practices, training, and overall workload, and ...

This could entail one large project at a time or several small to medium size projects at once ... startup activities. * Prepare letters of intent, purchase orders, and master sub-agreements as ...

Internship Small Startup information

What can I expect in terms of mentorship and learning opportunities during an internship at a small startup?

Interning at a small startup typically offers hands-on experience and close collaboration with founders and core team members. You can expect a less hierarchical structure, which means you'll likely have direct access to senior staff and more opportunities to ask questions, receive feedback, and contribute ideas. Startups often foster a culture of learning by doing, so you'll be given meaningful responsibilities and the chance to see the impact of your work. However, structured mentorship programs may be less formal compared to larger companies, so it's important to be proactive about seeking guidance and support.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an intern at a small startup, and why are they important?

To thrive as an intern at a small startup, you typically need a foundational knowledge in your field of study, strong problem-solving abilities, and a willingness to learn quickly, often supported by current or recent enrollment in a relevant academic program. Familiarity with productivity tools like Google Workspace, project management software like Trello or Asana, and basic data analysis platforms is often advantageous. Strong communication, adaptability, and initiative are crucial soft skills, as startup environments demand flexibility and proactive contributions. These skills and qualities are important because interns at startups often wear many hats and must be able to handle evolving responsibilities in a dynamic, fast-paced setting.

What is an internship at a small startup?

An internship at a small startup is a temporary position where students or recent graduates gain hands-on experience by working closely with a small, entrepreneurial company. Unlike larger corporations, small startups often provide interns with opportunities to take on more responsibility, learn directly from founders, and contribute to various aspects of the business. This experience can be highly valuable for developing a broad skill set, networking, and understanding the unique challenges and rewards of startup environments.

What is the difference between Internship Small Startup vs Intern Software Developer?

AspectInternship Small StartupIntern Software Developer
Required CredentialsEnrolled in relevant degree program, basic coding skillsEnrolled in computer science or related field, coding proficiency
Work EnvironmentFast-paced, flexible, small teamCollaborative, project-based, tech-focused
Employer & Industry UsageStartups, tech, innovation sectorsTech companies, software firms, startups
Common Search & ComparisonInternship Small Startup vs Intern Software Developer

Internship Small Startup positions typically involve flexible roles in dynamic environments, often requiring basic technical skills. Intern Software Developer roles are more specialized, focusing on coding and software projects within tech companies. Both are valuable for gaining industry experience, but the scope and expectations differ based on the company's size and focus.

What are the most commonly searched types of Small Startup jobs in Michigan? The most popular types of Small Startup jobs in Michigan are:
What job categories do people searching Internship Small Startup jobs in Michigan look for? The top searched job categories for Internship Small Startup jobs in Michigan are:
What cities in Michigan are hiring for Internship Small Startup jobs? Cities in Michigan with the most Internship Small Startup job openings:
Infographic showing various Internship Small Startup job openings in Michigan as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 14% Internship, and 86% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.
Senior Controls Engineer

Senior Controls Engineer

Axis Automation

Walker, MI • On-site

$92K - $121K/yr

Other

Posted 27 days ago


Job description

Senior Controls Engineer

Position Overview: The Senior Controls Engineer is a high-impact individual contributor who designs, programs, commissions, debugs, and deploys complex automation systems while informally mentoring junior engineers. A senior CE is capable of executing a project independently throughout the entire project life cycle. The role serves as a technical cornerstone on multi-million-dollar projects, owning electrical design, PLC/HMI/robot code, motion solutions, and safety compliance. This position reports directly to the Director of Engineering.

Key Responsibilities:

- Develops PLC (ladder/structured text), HMI, simulations, and robot programs that meet cycle-time, quality, and safety targets.
- Simultaneously supports several projects that may be in different phases (design, build, debug, runoff) while maintaining task clarity and responsiveness.
- Drives assigned project segments from concept through runoff; maintains task lists, adheres to budgets, and supports on-site startup.
- Applies department coding/electrical standards and proposes incremental improvements for review by Technical Leads.
- Coaches Level 1-3 engineers during code reviews and debug, mentors interns and coops on best practices, training, and overall workload, and delivers "lunch-and-learn" sessions as requested.
- Interfaces with Mechanical, Build, Electrical, and Project Management teams to align scope and resolve integration issues.
- Leads root-cause analysis on complex debug issues, escalating issues as needed.
- Presents technical details to customers, clarifies specifications, and works with vendors on component selection.

- Willing to travel approximately 10% - 20%. 

- Champion Our Operating Principles: You will be expected to actively embody and uphold our ten Operating Principles, which guide our every action and decision at Axis Automation. These principles are key to our culture and success.

Qualifications:

Education: Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Controls, or related engineering field preferred.
Experience: 5+ years in controls/automation, with multiple full-project life-cycles delivered.

Technical Skills:
- High-level competency in electrical and pneumatic schematics and safety-circuit design.
- Advanced proficiency in PLC ladder logic, structured text, and program execution.
- Solid robot programming across at least one major OEM; able to adjust paths and optimize cycle time.
- Builds and applies cell simulations to check collision risks, estimate cycle times, and correlate results with shop-floor performance.
- Competent with motion control (VFDs, servos, auxiliary robot axes).
- Able to validate hard-wired and programmable safety to RIA/ANSI standards.
- Experienced in HMI design across common environments (e.g., FactoryTalk View, Ignition).

Leadership: Provides informal leadership through mentoring, code reviews, and example-setting; may act as technical lead on small project teams.
Communication: Excellent communicator with project teams, cross-functional stakeholders, customers, suppliers, and junior engineers, translating technical details into clear, actionable information.
Problem-Solving: Recognized "go-to" troubleshooter in wiring, controls theory, program execution, and robotics; leverages data to drive solutions.
Teamwork: Sets the tone for collaboration-shares knowledge freely, steps in during crunch periods, and reinforces a culture of mutual support.
Reliability: Consistently meets deadlines, delivers thorough hand-offs, and upholds quality & safety standards without close supervision.

Benefits: Axis offers a comprehensive benefits package to our employees with immediate eligibility upon hire.