AUTOMATION INTERN JOB DESCRIPTION

Factory automation cells don't commission themselves. When no one tracks alarm parameters, audits interconnection drawings, or validates equipment readiness, production lines stall and commissioning timelines slip. The Automation Intern steps into that gap - supporting hands-on build, test, and continuous improvement work on the manufacturing floor under the guidance of experienced automation engineers. EHS compliance requirements and Factory Acceptance Test protocols define the guardrails of this work from day one.

As the Automation Intern, you contribute directly to the design, assembly, and readiness of automated manufacturing cells, ensuring equipment meets operational and safety standards before full deployment. You work within a cross-functional engineering team spanning technicians, project managers, and production staff, with scope that may include field support at panel shops or customer sites.

Career Impact: Hands-on exposure to Factory Acceptance Tests and rotating equipment systems builds a practical engineering foundation that classroom coursework in Mechanical, Electrical, or Chemical Engineering cannot replicate.

Business Impact: The audit and readiness work this intern performs directly determines whether automated cells reach the floor on schedule and within compliance - delays here have measurable downstream costs on production output.

Growth Opportunity: Interns who complete this rotation leave with documented FAT participation, schematics review experience, and cross-functional team exposure that accelerates the transition into a full engineering role within two years.

• Audit functionality of automated control systems, including alarm configurations and operating parameters, to verify readiness for deployment.
• Review and update engineering drawing packages covering schematics, layout, and interconnection diagrams to reflect current equipment state.
• Support design, assembly, and integration of new automated manufacturing cells in collaboration with the factory automation team.
• Monitor critical equipment shutdown signals such as vibration, temperature, and torque readings to identify adverse trends requiring investigation.
• Evaluate existing automated equipment and document improvement opportunities to support continuous manufacturing efficiency gains.
• Assist with operator documentation updates to ensure non-technical staff can safely operate and maintain equipment.
• Participate in Factory Acceptance Tests at panel shops and local start-up activities as they become available.

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related engineering discipline, or equivalent work experience.
• 0 or more years of hands-on engineering experience, with demonstrated exposure to manufacturing environments or automation equipment.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering schematics, layout drawings, and interconnection diagrams.
• Experience with rotating equipment applications including pumps, valves, motors, or electrical controls in a practical setting.
• Ability to prioritize multiple concurrent short-term tasks and synthesize technical information from varied sources independently.
• Strong technical problem-solving skills with a customer-focused, safety-conscious attitude.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to produce clear technical documentation for non-technical audiences.

• Familiarity with industrial control system design environments, including PLC programming logic or HMI screen development, with formal training available on the job.
• Experience with CAD drafting software for reviewing or updating engineering drawings in a manufacturing or industrial context.
• Prior exposure to factory commissioning activities, equipment FATs, or structured EHS compliance programs.
• Willingness and eligibility to travel domestically (up to 10%) to support field service, panel shop FATs, or customer site activities alongside a senior engineer.

• Drawing package audit completion rate, measured by percentage of schematics reviewed and updated within project timelines.
• Alarm and parameter audit accuracy, tracked by the number of undetected configuration errors found in post-audit QA review.
• FAT participation count, reflecting the number of acceptance tests attended and signed off during the internship term.
• Equipment trend identification rate, measured by adverse signals flagged and escalated before threshold breach.
• Documentation update cycle time, reflecting how quickly operator manuals are revised following equipment changes.
• Typical tools: industrial control platforms (commonly Studio 5000, FactoryTalk ME); CAD drafting software (commonly AutoCAD).

• Base Salary Range: $20 to $26 per hour, typical for engineering interns in manufacturing.
• Bonus: Not standard for internship roles; project completion recognition possible.
• Equity: Not applicable at internship level.
• Health Benefits: Limited; some employers offer pro-rated coverage for 6-month terms.
• PTO: Typically aligned with academic calendar or company holiday schedule.
• Common Perks: Mentorship by senior engineers, FAT travel exposure, potential return offer upon graduation.

Figures are estimates based on general US market benchmarks and may be outdated. Adjust based on location, company size, and seniority level.

Background checks, including verification of education credentials and employment history, are a standard condition of hire for all positions. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship. Reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities are available throughout the application and employment process upon request. All applicants are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.

The Automation Intern owns the development and deployment of scripts that collect, collate, and analyze publicly available data on AI researchers and job postings in Canada, supporting Research Operations programs on the Vector Digital Talent Hub. Working alongside research and operations staff, the intern delivers plain language documentation and data pipeline tools that allow non-technical users to operate and maintain automated systems independently.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop scripts and technical processes to collect and collate data relating to benchmarking AI researchers and talent in Canada.
• Develop scripts and tools that support the increased efficiency of existing initiatives while integrating existing software.
• Apply standard NLP techniques to extract knowledge from unstructured data.
• Develop scripts to collect publicly available web data relating to AI job postings in Canada.
• Develop scripts to automate workflows on the Vector Digital Talent Hub.
• Test all scripts and algorithms thoroughly to ensure they are bug-free and can be used by multiple users and configurations without error.
• Produce plain language documentation for each script and process created for non-technical users to operate, maintain, and adjust scripts/algorithms as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Currently enrolled as a third-year or higher undergraduate student or postdoc in a STEM program at a Canadian post-secondary institution, or a recent graduate.
• Experience using Python, CSS, and JavaScript in developing scripts for applied projects; experience with Scrapy, SQL, and BeautifulSoup is an asset.
• Experience in Natural Language Processing gained through coursework or work experience; motivated to apply machine learning techniques to real-world problems, with skills in developing, refining, and deploying machine learning models.
• Experience with designing, building, or maintaining data systems and pipelines, with the ability to interpret scraped text and understand limits and constraints associated with data usage.
• GitHub Actions familiarity and exposure to Python-based NLP tools such as nltk and Hugging Face Transformers is an asset.
• Familiarity with GSuite and MS Office 365 applications is an asset.
• Strong communicator with the ability to help non-technical people solve problems using data analysis and AI techniques.
• Organized and efficient, with strong problem-solving skills and a collaborative, results-driven mindset.

Embedded within the Production & Automation Department of a growing FMCG startup, the Production & Automation Intern delivers up to 6 months of hands-on floor experience across labelling, filling, capping, packaging, and machinery operations. Working closely with the production team, the intern builds foundational knowledge of company workflows and product challenges that supports the department's operational efficiency.

Core Functions

• Work on the shop floor in labelling, filling, capping, and packaging.
• Handle machinery and the half-automated line.
• Commission packages and pallets.
• Learn the company workflow and product challenges.
• Perform other production tasks as required.

Qualifications & Experience

• Ideally 3+ semesters completed in an Engineering or Supply Chain Excellence degree.
• Mandatory internship - please attach your certificate to the application to be considered as a first or second priority candidate.
• Hands-on knowledge and experience with ERP and Supply Chain software such as SAP is a plus.
• Willingness to work in a shift system.
• Valid work permit for Germany or currently studying in Germany.
• Proficient in English.

Reporting to the Engineering & Supply Decanter group, the Automation Intern shapes hands-on support across system audits, drawing package reviews, ALIOT portal monitoring, and small-scale fabrication projects tied to decanter and solids distribution equipment. Partnering with automation engineers and project managers, the intern contributes to the reliability and readiness of decanter control systems while gaining exposure to factory acceptance tests and field service activities.

Primary Duties

• Assist with auditing the functionality of the Decanter Connect system, including alarms and parameters.
• Perform an audit of the standard drawing package of schematics, layout, and interconnection drawings and update as necessary.
• Assist reviewing and updating the operator's manual.
• Set up ALIOT Portal folders for new customers and provide basic training on accessing and viewing data.
• Monitor the ALIOT portal for decanters, especially critical shutdown alarms such as bearing vibration, temperature, and torque.
• Identify adverse trends that may require further investigation.
• Design and fabricate a small-scale version of a solids distribution system with diverter gates, level sensors, and miniature conveyors.
• Learn FT View and complete the Feed Matrix Screen design; learn Studio 5000 and complete the Feed Matrix Interface code.
• Participate in local start-ups and factory acceptance tests at local panel shops as available.

Education & Experience

• Working towards a Bachelor's degree in Engineering.
• Experience with the practical application of rotating equipment or manufacturing environments including pumps, valves, motors, and electrical controls.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple short-term tasks and synthesize technical information from multiple sources; able to work independently in a hybrid position.
• AutoCAD knowledge or experience is a plus; Rockwell Automation software suite including Studio 5000 and FactoryTalk ME experience is helpful but training will be provided.
• Strong PC skills including Excel, Adobe Connect, and Teams.
• Strong technical problem-solving skills, a positive customer-focused attitude, and strong ability to collaborate with automation engineers and project managers.
• Some travel may be required (5–10%) to assist in field service, training, or FATs; intern will always travel with an Alfa Laval employee.

Sitting at the intersection of engineering support and continuous improvement, the Automation Intern leads hands-on work in the design, assembly, integration, and readiness evaluation of automated and robotic manufacturing cells within a factory automation team. Operating across a cross-functional group of engineers, managers, technicians, and production employees, the intern advances manufacturing cell performance while maintaining full compliance with Environmental, Health, Safety & Security requirements.

Duties

• Support design, assembly, and integration of automated and robotic manufacturing cells.
• Support enabling manufacturing cell readiness for future automation.
• Support evaluation and improvement of existing and future automated equipment.
• Lead improvement projects comfortably and work on a diverse team in a manufacturing environment.
• Work in a dynamic, collaborative environment requiring strong teaming skills with engineers, managers, technicians, and production employees.
• Perform all activities in a safe and responsible manner and support all Environmental, Health, Safety & Security requirements and programs.

Skills & Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in a BS or MS program in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, Solid State Physics, or a relevant engineering discipline; expected to graduate and enter the workforce within two years.
• Strong academic standing with a passion for robotics and manufacturing efficiency.
• Experience using Google collaboration tools; proficient in Microsoft Excel.
• Fluent in English (written and verbal).
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with attention to detail.
• Self-motivated, able to take ownership of assignments, develop work plans, and proactively seek feedback.
• Team player able to succeed in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

A key member of the RPA delivery team, the Automation Intern builds process maps, technical specifications, and automation workflows that reduce routine task burden across business units, serving as the Automation Intern who connects technical development teams with business subject matter experts. Collaborating across operations management and IT functions, the intern quantifies RPA opportunities and reports on realized benefits to support continuous automation expansion.

Functions

• Work with business teams to document detailed AS IS / TO BE process mapping.
• Act as a bridge between technical teams and business subject matter experts.
• Identify, analyze, and quantify RPA opportunities.
• Develop and maintain technical specifications and documentation for the RPA development team.
• Troubleshoot and repair problems, quantify and report RPA benefits, and perform RPA development as required.

Requirements

• Currently enrolled in the 2nd, 3rd, or 4th year of an undergraduate degree in Operations Management (BComm) or Computer Science.
• Basic understanding of RPA software capabilities used for automation; knowledge of Oil & Gas terminology and concepts would be an asset.
• Ability to understand technical and business concepts to bridge the gap between IT and business areas; highly developed analytical skills.
• General proficiency with SQL and database query tools such as Microsoft Access and/or SQL+.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with strong multi-tasking and prioritizing abilities.