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Summer Automotive Programming Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

2027 Summer Engineering Internship

Petersburg, VA ยท On-site

$16.50 - $21.25/hr

... automotive, and manufacturing markets. We stimulate the economy through our network of recycling ... Engineering or related from a recognized accredited college or university. * Record of high ...

2027 Summer Engineering Internship

Petersburg, VA ยท On-site

$16.50 - $21.25/hr

... automotive, and manufacturing markets. We stimulate the economy through our network of recycling ... Engineering or related from a recognized accredited college or university. * Record of high ...

Summer Automotive Programming information

What is summer automotive programming?

Summer automotive programming typically refers to educational or internship programs offered during the summer months where students or recent graduates gain hands-on experience in automotive software development. These programs often involve working on real-world automotive projects, such as developing code for vehicle systems, infotainment, diagnostics, or autonomous features. Participants learn programming languages relevant to the automotive industry, collaborate with engineering teams, and gain insight into the automotive software development lifecycle. These opportunities help build skills and provide valuable industry exposure for those interested in automotive technology careers.

What types of projects or technologies will I typically work with in a summer automotive programming role?

In a Summer Automotive Programming role, you can expect to work on projects involving embedded systems, vehicle diagnostics, or software development for infotainment and driver-assistance features. Common technologies include C/C++, Python, and automotive-specific frameworks like CAN bus communication or AUTOSAR. You'll likely collaborate with engineers, testers, and sometimes hardware teams to integrate and validate software in real vehicle systems. It's a great opportunity to gain hands-on experience with industry-standard tools while contributing to meaningful automotive innovations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a summer automotive programmer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Summer Automotive Programmer, you need a foundation in computer science, proficiency in programming languages such as C/C++ or Python, and an understanding of automotive systems. Familiarity with automotive-specific software tools like MATLAB/Simulink, CAN bus analysis tools, and version control systems (e.g., Git) is typically expected. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are standout soft skills in this position. These skills and qualities are vital for developing reliable vehicle software, ensuring safety, and collaborating efficiently within engineering teams.

What is the difference between Summer Automotive Programming vs Summer Automotive Technician?

AspectSummer Automotive ProgrammingSummer Automotive Technician
Required CredentialsBasic knowledge of automotive software, possibly some certifications in programming or ITASE certifications, technical diplomas, hands-on automotive repair training
Work EnvironmentOffice or lab setting, focused on coding and software testingGarage or workshop, performing repairs and diagnostics on vehicles
Employer & Industry UsageAutomotive software companies, dealerships, tech firmsAuto repair shops, dealerships, service centers

Summer Automotive Programming involves developing and testing automotive software, requiring programming skills and software knowledge. In contrast, Summer Automotive Technicians focus on repairing and maintaining vehicles through hands-on work. Both roles are essential in the automotive industry but differ significantly in skills, environment, and responsibilities.

How much do summer automotive programmers make?

Summer automotive programmers typically earn between $15 and $25 per hour, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of the programming tasks. They often work part-time or seasonal hours, focusing on tasks such as ECU calibration, software updates, and testing using specialized tools and coding languages like C or Python.

How to become a summer automotive programmer?

To become a summer automotive programmer, candidates typically need a background in computer science or automotive engineering, programming skills in languages like C++ or Python, and familiarity with automotive systems and tools. Gaining experience through internships, relevant coursework, or certifications such as AUTOSAR or CAN bus can improve prospects, and applying early to automotive companies or suppliers is recommended.

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Summer Automotive Programming jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Summer Automotive Programming job openings:

Sales Engineer Trainee - Industrial Pump & Fluid Systems

Richmond, VA โ€ข On-site

Tencarva Machinery Company
Industrial Machinery Manufacturingย โ€ขย 201 - 500 employees

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

Sales Engineer Trainee

Senior engineering students are encouraged to apply! (Summer 2026, Fall 2026, Spring 2027)

If you're a summer grad, we have openings available now!

Possible training locations include but are not limited to: Lakeland, FL (east of Tampa); Knoxville, TN; Greensboro, NC (west of Raleigh); Greenville, SC; Richmond, VA. Candidates must be able to relocate, as this is a fully onsite role.

Tencarva Machinery is a distributor, engineering and design partner, and OEM-authorized repair network within the process equipment/flow control market. With 38 locations across 16 states, Tencarva provides end-to-end, whole-system solutions for over 18,000 active customers across many verticals, including industrial, municipal water/wastewater, power generation, oil/gas, mining/aggregates, and automotive. Our service offerings include system analysis and design, applications engineering, custom fabrication of equipment packages, automation & controls, equipment remanufacturing, and thermal hard coatings.

Sales Engineering is one of the few engineering careers where technical problem solving, business consulting, and real-world industrial systems all intersect.

Our Sales Engineer Trainees are assigned to one of our branch locations and train under experienced Sales Engineers for approximately 918 months. During this time, trainees work alongside Sales Engineers supporting real customer projects and learning how equipment and systems are evaluated, specified, and applied in industrial and municipal environments. Trainees assist Sales Engineers with applications engineering and equipment quotations for a wide range of process pumping and fluid handling systems. They also accompany Sales Engineers on customer visits, observing how system failures and operational problems are investigated and how equipment or system modifications are recommended to improve reliability and performance.

Over time, trainees begin developing the ability to evaluate customer systems based on real operating conditions - considering factors such as flow rate, viscosity, pressure, temperature, pH, and system configuration - to help determine appropriate equipment and system solutions. Just as important, trainees learn how successful Sales Engineers build long-term customer relationships by being technically reliable, responsive, and genuinely helpful when problems arise. After a suitable training period (typically around one year), trainees are given the opportunity to take ownership of their own territory.

During the training program, Sales Engineer Trainees gain experience with:

  • the manufacturers and product lines represented by Tencarva
  • the operating principles and applications of various pump technologies and fluid handling equipment
  • how industrial and municipal pumping systems function in real-world operations
  • diagnosing system failures and reliability issues
  • equipment selection and applications engineering
  • interpreting P&IDs, blueprints, and system drawings
  • preparing equipment quotations and understanding pricing and purchasing dynamics
  • troubleshooting and basic repair fundamentals through time with our service teams
  • how experienced Sales Engineers develop trusted, long-term relationships with customers

The Sales Engineer role is field-based, consultative, and highly technical. While this is a sales position, the sale happens naturally as a result of our providing the correct technical solution for a real operational problem. The scope of the Sale Engineer role is extensive, as it encompasses duties and expertise of many plant stakeholders, including reliability engineer, process engineer, maintenance engineer, project manager/engineer, and even technical trainer. Every day, every customer, and every problem is unique, which requires creativity, adaptability, and tenacity/grit.

Tencarva Sales Engineers are allowed almost unlimited latitude for personal initiative and engineering imagination - as well as uncapped earning potential. It is a very entrepreneurial role, as the Sales Engineer is essentially the General Manager of his/her territory. Although success in the Sales Engineer role is measured by sales growth, margins, and profitability in the assigned territory/defined customer base, this is not a high-pressure sales environment. On the contrary, our customers rely on us as trusted advisors and business partners to help solve their problems by providing equipment packages, application recommendations, and whole-system design solutions. For nearly 50 years, Tencarva has been committed to fostering long-term relationships and providing a high-integrity, "white glove" customer experience to industrial and municipal markets all across the eastern US.

Sales Engineers spend much of their time working directly with customers and engineering firms to solve fluid handling challenges and improve system performance. Typical responsibilities include:

  • Calling on personnel at all levels of industrial and municipal operationsfrom technicians and operators to engineers, managers, and plant leadership
  • Working with engineering firms that support our customer base and providing technical guidance on equipment applications
  • Reviewing blueprints, P&IDs, and system drawings to evaluate equipment needs and develop project proposals
  • Recommending equipment or process changes that improve reliability, efficiency, or operating costs
  • Providing technical support related to the operation and maintenance of equipment
  • Conducting informational product training for customer personnel
  • Planning and executing customer visits within an assigned territory
  • Maintaining visibility into project pipelines and forecasting potential business opportunities
  • Developing territory strategies to grow both existing accounts and new business

Sales Engineer Trainees receive competitive pay during the training period. After transitioning into a full Sales Engineer role with an assigned territory, compensation opportunities can significantly exceed those of many traditional engineering roles with manufacturers or engineering firms.

Why Join Tencarva:

  • Annual Incentive
  • Ownership Opportunities
  • Profit Sharing via 401(k)
  • Earn up to 120 hours (3 weeks) of PTO per year - plus 10 paid holidays
  • Stable, growing company with long-term customer relationships and no history of layoffs
  • Tencarva is one of the largest and most respected distributors and OEM-authorized service networks in the pump industry

Insurance benefits include medical, dental, vision, disability, and life.

Requirements:

Education and/or Experience: Bachelor's Degree from a 4-year college or university; strong preference for Engineering, particularly classical core disciplines such as Mechanical, Industrial, Chemical, etc. Civil, Environmental, and Construction Engineering may also be relevant and useful, particularly on the Municipal side of our business. Please note: IT and Computer related Engineering degrees are not relevant for this role.

Required Qualifications:

  • Must enjoy people/social interaction and building relationships/rapport
  • Genuine interest in technical sales and/or engineering consulting (helping customers solve problems)
  • Coursework in Fluid Dynamics and Thermodynamics

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Previous sales and/or customer service experience (waiting tables, bartending, retail, hospitality, etc.)
  • Sports background, ideally both team sports and individual sports
  • Hands-on mechanical work experience and/or hobbies
  • Co-op or internship experience in an industrial plant environment, preferably in a Reliability Engineer role or similar
  • Practical familiarity with pumps and fluid handling systems (not just theoretical)
  • Additional helpful coursework may include: Fluid Power, Hydraulic Engineering/Applied Hydraulics, Mechanical Design/Machine Elements, Systems Engineering & Controls, Blueprint/P&ID Reading, etc.

The duties, responsibilities, and activities described above are not exhaustive and may be subject to change. Additionally, please note that the job title for this posting is designed to be descriptive and may not reflect the official title used internally for job classification purposes.

Tencarva Machinery Company, LLC, is an equal opportunity employer. All aspects of employment including the decision to hire, promote, discipline, or discharge, will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.