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Automation and Controls Engineer Intern - Year Round

Charter Manufacturing · Saukville, WI · Part time

Posted Sep 14, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a project you managed. How did you keep it on track?

What they are checking: Project management skill, which the posting says interns will develop.

How would you write up a technical change so others can understand it later?

What they are checking: Technical communication and documentation habits that matter in controls work.

How will you balance part-time hours during the school year with classes?

What they are checking: Reliability and time management for a year-round internship.

Tell me about a time you suggested a better way to do something.

What they are checking: Whether they will contribute ideas toward future design improvements.

What would you do

An automated system stops working and nobody knows why. How would you help figure it out?

What they are checking: Whether they would troubleshoot methodically and learn from experienced engineers instead of guessing.

About the work

Have you developed any HMI screens or software? What did you design them to show?

What they are checking: Whether they have started building HMI skills, which this internship focuses on.

What would make an HMI screen easy for an operator to use during a busy shift?

What they are checking: Thinking about operators' needs like clear alarms and simple navigation.

What experience do you have with PLC programming or ladder logic?

What they are checking: Foundational controls knowledge they can build on in a steel mill.

How would you test a change to a control system before it goes live?

What they are checking: Understanding that testing protects people and equipment in automated systems.

What do you know about how steel is made, and how do you plan to learn more?

What they are checking: Curiosity about the steelmaking process the internship says they will learn.

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The full job description

As published by Charter Manufacturing.

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. #LI-AF1 #LI-Onsite #CharterSteel Internship positions are not benefits-eligible.

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