GVSU Controls Engineering Intern Co-op

Location: Walker, Michigan, United States Department: Controls Engineering

Controls Engineer Intern

• Position Description –

Position Overview: The Controls Engineering Intern learns and applies foundational automation skills while supporting internal and customer projects under close supervision. The intern works closely with other interns and the Controls team to complete tasks in PLC/HMI/robotics, documentation, and basic commissioning while building good engineering habits in safety, standards, and communication.

Rotational Development Path

Rotation 1 – Foundations: Gain familiarity with electrical schematics, PLC coding basics, HMI structure, standards, and documentation. Contribute to Axis internal projects and update documentation for existing customer programs.

Rotation 2 – Expansion: Tackle more advanced internal projects; begin supporting customer projects (electrical design tasks and code edits). Intro to robot programming and simulation.

Rotation 3 – Application: Provide hands-on support to customer projects: schematics updates, programming, commissioning, debug, and runoffs with supervision.

Key Responsibilities

Completes structured training/checklists; seeks feedback; applies lessons on subsequent tasks.

Performs small, scoped PLC ladder edits, basic structured-text tweaks, HMI tag routing and simple screens within established architecture and standards.

Reads and updates prints with redlines; maintains I/O lists, tag maps, device tagging, and device databases under review.

Assists I/O checkout, device bring-up, and online debug; follows test procedures; supports FAT/SAT with supervision.

Runs provided simulations; adjusts simple parameters; safely jogs/teaches points with guidance.

Keeps backups, change logs, and manuals current; practices disciplined version control.

Works constructively with Mechanical, Electrical, Build, and PM; communicates status/risks early.

Gathers accurate technical details and relays them to the project lead.

Follows LOTO/site rules; maintains organized benches, panels, and work areas.

Learns and practices our Operating Principles daily; asks for feedback; shows timeliness, accountability, and safe execution on small tasks.

Qualifications

Education: Currently enrolled in, or recently graduated from, a university program in Electrical/Controls/Mechatronics (or related field).

Technical Skills

PLC/HMI: Basic ladder logic, simple ST edits, tag creation and implementation, simple screens/alarms.

Robotics: Safe jogging, point teaching, basic tool/frame setup.

Electrical Basics: Reads schematics/wire lists; verifies wiring against prints.

Networks & Devices: Basic device/IP setup and commissioning.

Documentation/Tools: Uses templates, checklists, and version control per team process.

Communication: Clear, timely communicator with project teams and other interns; asks clarifying questions early; provides crisp status and thorough hand-offs.

Problem-Solving: Demonstrates critical thinking and a structured troubleshoot-verify-document approach; knows when to escalate with clear context.

Teamwork: Collaborative, coachable, and respectful; supports peers during busy phases and shares what they learn.

Reliability: Punctual, meets commitments, follows procedures/standards, and keeps documentation current.

Travel: Occasional supervised visits to customer sites or supplier facilities as assigned