1

Plant Engineer Intern Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

CTE Intern-Wastewater

Nevada City, CA · On-site

$18.25 - $23/hr

Introduction to the roles and responsibilities within a wastewater treatment plant. * Wastewater ... Exposure to programming and low voltage communications * Assist with data collection and entry ...

$41.67/hr

As an Electrical Engineer at a Marathon refinery, you can expect to become familiar with industry ... plant operates. Finally, you will have the opportunity to expand your written and verbal ...

$41.67/hr

As an Electrical Engineer at a Marathon refinery, you can expect to become familiar with industry ... plant operates. Finally, you will have the opportunity to expand your written and verbal ...

$20.91/hr

... Intern in TE Connectivity's Automotive Business Unit, you'll support engineering and customer ... Provide technical support during customer build events and vehicle assembly plant investigations.

New

Showing results 21-40

Plant Engineer Intern information

What does a plant engineer intern do?

A Plant Engineer Intern supports the engineering team in maintaining and improving the operations of a manufacturing or industrial facility. Their tasks often include assisting with equipment maintenance, process optimization, troubleshooting machinery issues, and working on projects to enhance safety and efficiency. Interns may also collect and analyze data, help implement new technologies, and ensure compliance with safety and environmental regulations. This internship provides hands-on experience and exposure to the day-to-day challenges faced by plant engineers.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a plant engineer intern?

To thrive as a Plant Engineer Intern, you need a solid understanding of engineering principles, technical coursework in mechanical or electrical engineering, and enrollment in or completion of a relevant degree program. Familiarity with CAD software, maintenance management systems, and basic safety protocols is often required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication help interns navigate complex projects and collaborate with plant teams. These skills are crucial for ensuring operational efficiency, minimizing downtime, and supporting safe, reliable plant operations.

What types of projects and responsibilities can a plant engineer intern expect during their internship?

As a Plant Engineer Intern, you can expect to be involved in a range of hands-on projects that support plant operations, such as assisting with equipment maintenance, conducting process improvement studies, and helping implement safety protocols. Interns often collaborate closely with experienced engineers, production staff, and maintenance teams to troubleshoot issues and optimize manufacturing processes. This role offers valuable exposure to plant systems and machinery, providing a strong foundation for future engineering roles. You’ll also have opportunities to present findings and recommendations, which helps build communication and project management skills.

What is the difference between Plant Engineer Intern vs Mechanical Engineering Intern?

AspectPlant Engineer InternMechanical Engineering Intern
Required CredentialsEnrolled in engineering program, basic knowledge of plant systemsEnrolled in mechanical engineering program, foundational engineering coursework
Work EnvironmentIndustrial plants, manufacturing facilitiesDesign offices, manufacturing plants, labs
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturing, energy, utilitiesAutomotive, aerospace, manufacturing
Common Search & ComparisonFocuses on plant operations and systemsFocuses on mechanical design and analysis

The main difference between a Plant Engineer Intern and a Mechanical Engineering Intern lies in their focus areas. Plant Engineer Interns typically work within manufacturing or utility plants, concentrating on plant operations, systems, and maintenance. Mechanical Engineering Interns often work in design, research, or product development environments, focusing on mechanical systems and components. Both roles require engineering coursework, but their work environments and specific responsibilities differ based on industry needs.

What are the most commonly searched types of Plant Engineer jobs in California?

The most popular types of Plant Engineer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Plant Engineer Intern jobs?

Cities in California with the most Plant Engineer Intern job openings:

Fall 2026 Electrical Engineering Intern/Co-op (Cypress CA)

Leonardo DRS

Cypress, CA

$21.44 - $29.48/hr

Full-time, Part-time, Internship

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Support the design, development, modification, and analysis of electronic systems.

  • Assist in building, testing, troubleshooting, and analyzing electronic and electromechanical components and systems.

  • Help prepare technical documentation, compile and evaluate test data, and support manufacturing and process-improvement activities.


Leonardo DRS rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 57 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

86th of 545 rated manufacturers


Job description

Job ID: 115261 

DRS Space Systems in Cypress, CA develops advanced space mission payloads, leveraging cutting edge electro-optical and infrared space sensors, instruments, and software for key domestic and international allied customers. As part of DRS's Electro Optical Infrared Systems (EOIS) line of business, we offer an exciting and challenging work environment, a competitive salary and benefits package, and a business culture that rewards performance. 

 Employing the world's brightest. Supporting the world's bravest.

-

Business Unit: EOIS
Location: Cypress, CA
Career Functional Area: Engineering Support
Telework Type: NA On-Site
Type: Co-Op/Intern
Schedule: 9/80 (20 hrs/week when part-time)
Shift: 1st

Job Summary

We are seeking an **Electrical (or Computer) Engineering Intern/Co-op** currently enrolled in an accredited engineering college program to support the design, development, testing, and troubleshooting of electronic and electromechanical systems. This role will assist engineers with hands-on tasks including building and modifying components, conducting tests, analyzing results, preparing technical documentation, and supporting manufacturing and process-improvement activities. The ideal candidate is a motivated self-starter with strong problem-solving skills who can work independently on daily assignments while collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams.

Job Responsibilities
  • Involved with the design, development, modification and analysis of various electronics systems.  May include Hardware, Power Engineering, Power Electronic Engineering, Electromagnetic Engineering, Integrated Circuit Engineering, Components or others.  Troubleshoot and diagnose malfunctions in existing products or systems and makes modifications as needed.  Compile and evaluate design and test data.  Analyze, develop and recommend design approaches.
  • Support engineering with routine engineering duties and/or hands-on tasks
  • Work independently on daily tasks
  • Assist in design, build and/or procurement of new or improved machines, tools, fixtures and material handling equipment and coordinating the implementation
  • Under direction, responsible for completing process documentation, bill of materials, route sheets, etc
  • Review project instructions and drawings to ascertain test specifications, procedures, objectives, test equipment, nature of technical problem and possible solutions, and to support the design for manufacture
  • Devise, fabricate, and assemble new or modified electrical and/or mechanical components or assemblies for products
  • Under direction, set up and conduct tests of units and components
  • Analyze test results related to the design and test objectives and adjusts equipment to bring within specification; record these test procedures and results, numerical and graphical data, and recommendations for changes in product or test methods
  • Assist in the creation of documentation to maintain equipment
  • Support, communicate, reinforce and defend the mission, values and culture of the organization
  • Assist in the development of plant layouts, manufacturing methods and process improvements
  • May coordinate maintenance projects
Qualifications
  • High school diploma or GED and enrolled college student in either Electrical or Computer Engineering program
  • Novice technical expertise and beginning familiarity with the shop/laboratory and equipment

U.S. Citizenship required. This position requires an active DOD security clearance or the ability to obtain such clearance within a reasonable time after commencement of employment.

The salary range for this position is $21.44/hour-$29.48/hour.  This range reflects the good faith estimate of pay the employer is willing to offer at the time of posting. Several factors can influence the pay scale, including but not limited to: Federal contract labor categories and contract wage rates, collective bargaining agreements, geographic location, business considerations, scope, and responsibilities of the position, local or other applicable market conditions, and internal equity. Other factors include the candidate's qualifications such as prior work experience, specific skills and competencies, education/training, and certifications. In addition to base pay, employees may be eligible for: annual performance-based bonuses, equity awards, and overtime pay (for non-exempt employees as applicable. Our benefits package includes comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, vision), employer matching 401(k) retirement plan, paid time off including vacation, holidays, and sick leave (including ant state-mandated paid sick leave), parental leave benefits, tuition reimbursement, professional development support, and life and disability insurance coverage.

Taking care of our people is a top priority at Leonardo DRS. We are proud to offer competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, a company contribution to a health savings account, telemedicine, life and disability insurance, legal insurance, and a 401(k) savings plan. We champion wellness programs that focus on physical, emotional, and financial well-being. We develop our talent by offering programs and activities to support career-growth, professional development, and skill enhancement. And we understand there is more to life than work, and the importance of offering flexible work schedules with our 9/80 program, competitive vacation, health/emergency leave, paid parental leave, and community service hours. 
*Some employees are eligible for limited benefits only

Leonardo DRS, Inc. and its subsidiaries provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.


What Leonardo DRS employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Leonardo DRS logo

About Leonardo DRS

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Navigational, measuring, electromedical, and control instruments manufacturing and communications equipment manufacturing

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Arlington, VA, US

Social media