Controls Engineer Intern

Key Areas of Responsibility

(Answerable for the following end results)

• Assist engineers with troubleshooting equipment and reducing downtime through data collection and observation.
• Support basic controls‑related tasks such as organizing program files, documenting changes, and learning how control systems operate.
• Help update Work Instructions, SOPs, and process documentation.
• Shadow engineers to learn PLC basics, automated equipment functions, and troubleshooting processes.
• Participate in small improvement projects such as labeling wiring, organizing panels, updating layouts, or collecting equipment readings.
• Assist with preventive maintenance documentation and equipment audits.
• Participate in Lean and continuous improvement activities as assigned.
• Follow all company safety guidelines and support plant‑wide safety initiatives.

• Report any issues that may impact equipment safety, quality, or performance.
• May offer observations and suggestions but cannot approve or implement changes independently.
• All programming, wiring, or controls changes must be supervised and approved by a qualified engineer.

• Currently a Sophomore or Junior pursuing Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field.
• Interest in automation, robotics, or manufacturing controls systems.
• Basic exposure to PLCs through coursework or labs (Allen Bradley, Siemens, etc.) is a plus but not required.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
• Strong problem‑solving skills, willingness to learn, and curiosity about industrial controls.
• Comfortable working in a manufacturing environment with guidance.

• Dakkota Orientation
• Safety Training
• Safety orientation and plant floor safety training.
• Introductory PLC training and shadowing.
• Basic controls hardware overview (sensors, wiring, HMI screens, etc.).
• Engineering change process overview.
• Hands‑on exposure with controls engineers and maintenance technicians.
• Dakkota Vision and Culture
• Departmental Training
• Process – Engineering Change
• Process – Program and Process Development
• Change Control Database
• Company Training
• BOS Overview
• Information Technology
• Outlook
• Trans4M Overview
• Purchase Requisition s
• Quality Mission Statement
• Expense Reporting
• Travel Management System

• Normal amount of sitting and standing, average mobility to move around an office and plant environment, able to conduct normal amount of work on a computer.

• None

• Approximately 20% travel required

Valid driver’s license required