Jobs › Charter Manufacturing

Controls Engineer Intern (Summer 2027)

Charter Manufacturing · Shawano, WI · Part time

Posted Oct 2, 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 where you used data to find or fix a problem.

What they are checking: Data analysis skill, which the internship lists along with controls work.

How would you explain a controls problem to a maintenance technician or operator?

What they are checking: Technical communication skill with people on the floor.

Tell me about a time you got stuck on a technical problem. What did you do?

What they are checking: Persistence and knowing when to ask for help.

Why are you interested in controls engineering in manufacturing?

What they are checking: Whether their interest is real and fits a summer spent in a foundry.

What would you want to have finished by the end of the summer?

What they are checking: Whether they think in terms of delivering a project, not just gaining exposure.

What would you do

A machine stops and the HMI shows a fault. How would you start troubleshooting?

What they are checking: A logical approach to troubleshooting rather than guessing.

About the work

What experience do you have with PLCs, either in class or at work?

What they are checking: Whether they have basic PLC exposure to build on during the internship.

Explain how a sensor signal gets from the field to a PLC and then shows up on an HMI.

What they are checking: Understanding of the basic control system chain they will troubleshoot.

What do you know about industrial networks like Ethernet/IP or Profinet?

What they are checking: Awareness of the networks the posting says they will work with.

How would you work safely around energized equipment in a foundry?

What they are checking: Seriousness about electrical safety and lockout before entering a plant.

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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 Casting - Shawano is a leading provider of innovative cast metal solutions. Charter Casting produces ductile and gray iron castings for customers in various industries. From government and defense customers to agricultural and heavy truck equipment manufacturers, and an array of companies who need pumps, valves and compressors, Charter Casting works with its customers to create custom castings that are both efficient and cost-effective. Charter Casting - Shawano is a member of the Charter Manufacturing family of companies. About the Controls Engineer Internship : This Controls Engineer Internship offers hands-on experience with industrial automation in a manufacturing environment, including PLCs, HMIs, industrial networks, sensors, and control systems. You’ll strengthen your troubleshooting, data analysis, technical communication, and project skills while learning how automation solutions improve manufacturing performance. Program Structure: • Schedule: Full-time (40 hours/week) during the summer • Location: Shawano, WI • Start Date: May 2027 • Duration: Summer internship What we're looking for: • Enrollment in a four-year degree program in Electrical Engineering, Controls Systems 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: • Support the Automation & Controls team with daily technical and project work across plant operations. • Update and organize PLC, HMI, network, electrical, and equipment documentation. • Collect and analyze data from production systems and develop reports, dashboards, and project updates. • Support automation projects, including plant demand management, safety controls improvements, and modernization of legacy equipment. • Assist with controls standardization, OT asset inventory, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement activities. • Conduct field verification of equipment, drawings, and control system information. • Research automation solutions and support project planning and implementation. • Participate in team meetings and shadow Controls and Automation professionals to gain hands-on exposure to plant 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 #CharterCasting #LI-Onsite Internship positions are not benefits-eligible. This position may include access to controlled information or technology under U.S. export control laws. Employment may be contingent on either the applicant verifying that the applicant falls under the “U.S. Person” definition (including U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents, and those granted U.S. asylum or refugee status) or the employer timely obtaining any necessary export license under federal law. The employer evaluates export licensing on a case-by-case basis and may decline to proceed with a job applicant in its sole discretion, as export license applications can take many weeks to process.

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