Jobs › Plexus

Intern - Automation Engineer (Summer 2027)

Plexus · Buffalo Grove, IL · $23.00–$27.00 an hour · Full time

Posted Sep 1, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

Apply at Plexus

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 an automation, robotics or controls project you've worked on. What did you personally do?

What they are checking: Whether they have real hands-on experience and can separate their own contribution from the team's.

Tell me about a time something you built didn't work the first time. What did you do?

What they are checking: Whether they debug patiently and learn from failure, which is normal in automation work.

What would you do

An automated cell keeps stopping on a sensor fault. How would you troubleshoot it?

What they are checking: Whether they check wiring, alignment, settings and conditions methodically instead of bypassing the sensor.

Operators are worried that a new automated cell will replace them. How would you talk with them?

What they are checking: Whether they handle the human side of automation honestly and with respect rather than ignoring concerns.

About the work

What experience do you have with PLCs, ladder logic or robot programming?

What they are checking: Whether they have the core skills automation work in a factory depends on, or a plan to learn them.

How would you decide whether a manual assembly step is worth automating?

What they are checking: Whether they weigh volume, cost, quality gain and flexibility rather than automating just because it is possible.

Why is safety guarding and lockout so important around automated equipment?

What they are checking: Whether they take machine safety seriously, since automation hazards can cause severe injuries quickly.

Plexus often builds many different products in lower volumes. How does that change how you'd design automation?

What they are checking: Whether they see high-mix work needs flexible, quick-changeover automation rather than single-purpose machines.

Which CAD tools have you used, and could you design a simple fixture or gripper?

What they are checking: Whether they can contribute to mechanical design pieces that automation projects often need.

How would you document an automation change so the next engineer can support it?

What they are checking: Whether they value clear documentation, since undocumented automation becomes a problem when the builder leaves.

Practice this interview out loud.

Offer builds a real interview for this exact role at Plexus from your resume and this job description, asks the questions one at a time, and tells you what landed. The first one is free.

Practice this out loud

The full job description

As published by Plexus.

About us: At Plexus, our vision is to help create the products that build a better world. Driven by a passion for excellence, we partner with leading Aerospace/Defense, Healthcare/Life Sciences and Industrial companies to design, manufacture and service some of the world’s most transformative products, including advanced surgical systems, diagnostic instruments, healthcare imaging equipment, mission critical aerospace systems, and electric vehicle (EV) charging solutions. Visit Plexus.com to learn more about our unwavering commitment to our vision. When we invest in our people, we invest in building a better world. With a vision rooted in the wellbeing and inclusive engagement of our team members, our customers, their end users and our communities, people are the heart of what we do and who we are. It is our values that unite us and guide us in everything that we do, including how we operate, behave and interact to foster a workplace where every team member feels valued and empowered to contribute their best. Our values include: Growing our People, Building Belonging, Innovating Responsibly, Delivering Excellence and Creating Customer Success. As a team member, you will engage in impactful work through global collaboration and the use of emerging technologies, join an inclusive culture where every team member is valued and working toward a greater purpose, and be empowered to reach your full potential through various development programs designed to accelerate your growth. Plexus offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support team members' wellbeing, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, paid time off, retirement savings, and opportunities for professional development. We also prioritize work-life balance and offer a variety of perks to enhance the team member experience. For more information, visit our US benefits website at usbenefits.plexus.com . Our commitment to pay range transparency fosters an equitable workplace, where everyone can feel valued. This is an internship position (Non-Exempt Salary); the hourly range is stated below. The rate offered within this range will be based upon the geographic location, work experience, education, licensure requirements and/or skill level. Hourly Rate: $23 - $27/hr. OVERVIEW The Automation Controls Engineer support the design, development and sustainment of advanced manufacturing solutions to increase production quality and velocity—solutions include the use of Robotics, PLCs, PCs, safety controllers, sensors, pneumatics, and other typical automation technologies. The automation controls engineer partners with other functions to identify and deploy opportunities within production operations. RESPONSIBILITIES • Develop solutions for automation opportunities using Plexus standard processes, Plexus approved solution providers and/or the global Plexus automation team. • Develop Proof of Concept (POC) prototypes for new programs and tooling for additional products to be added to automated production processes. Architect and develop software and system concepts that satisfy the innovative technology requirements. Lead programming and development of software and electrical capabilities. • Development of required documentation including; software workflows, intended uses, requirements, electrical schematics and network diagrams for developed technologies. • Define and execute required software verification and validation testing. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS • Student working towards a Bachelor’s degree in an Engineering program for entire duration of internship. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS • Junior level status • GPA: 3.0 or higher is preferred • Excellent analytical, problem solving, and organizational skills • Strong communication skills This document does not represent a contract of employment and is not intended to capture every possible assignment the incumbent could be asked to perform. We are pleased to provide reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities or special requirements. If you need an application accommodation, please contact us by email at GHQ.TA@plexus.com . Please include your contact information and clearly describe how we can help you. This email is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) and do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. Some offers of employment are contingent upon successfully passing a drug screen and/or background check.

Apply at Plexus