Automation and Controls Engineer Intern - Year Round

Location: Charter Steel - Saukville, WI

Charter Manufacturing is a fourth-generation family-owned business where our will to grow drives us to do it better.  Join the team and become part of our family!

Charter Steel is a leading American supplier of carbon and alloy steel bar, rod and wire products, and the largest steel coil processor in North America. As a fully integrated steelmaker with locations in Ohio and Wisconsin, Charter Steel offers a full range of grade and size coiled products and vast technical service experience.  Charter Steel is a member of the Charter Manufacturing family of companies.

About the Automation & Controls Engineer Internship

Gain hands-on experience supporting automation and controls projects while learning the steelmaking process, developing HMI (Human Machine Interface) software, and troubleshooting automated systems. You'll collaborate with engineers to test and improve control systems, contribute to future design enhancements, and build valuable project management and technical communication skills.

Program Structure

Schedule: Part-time (15-20 hours/week) during the academic year and full-time (40 hours/week) during the summer.

Location: Saukville, WI

Start Date: January 2027

Duration: Year-round internship

What we're looking for

Enrollment in a four-year degree program in Electrical/Controls Engineering or a related field with current status of at least a Sophomore level.

Cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher.

Proficient in Microsoft Office software: Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.

Strong verbal and written communication skills.

Strong interpersonal and relationship building skills.

Ability to succeed in a team environment.

Ability to handle multiple tasks.

Preferred experience

Training in PLC languages.

Experience with AutoCAD, Microsoft SQL, Wonderware InTouch.

What you'll focus on

Design, develop, and execute projects within a Human Machine Interface (HMI) environment.

Support real-time manufacturing through control system programming and automation.

Design, research, and enhance operator graphical user interfaces (GUIs) to improve production workflow.

Learn and integrate new manufacturing technologies, including safety lasers, proximity switches, robotics, and PLCs, into HMI systems.

Collaborate with engineers and operations teams to troubleshoot, test, and continuously improve automation and control systems.

What Sets Our Internship Program Apart: Work on meaningful projects while receiving mentorship, professional development, and networking opportunities that help launch your career. Our paid internship program also includes signature experiences like Charter's Intern Kickoff Day, volunteer opportunities, professional development workshops, and the Intern Summer Showcase.

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Internship positions are not benefits-eligible.