Automation and Controls Engineering Co-Op
About The Position
The BorgWarner Arden campus offers two world class technical centers and a cutting-edge manufacturing facility that designs and produces turbos, fan, and fan drive components for the automotive industry. The Arden campus offers a multitude of career opportunities and is in the beautiful mountains of Western North Carolina. We are seeking a controls-focused Automation & Controls Engineering co-op to support PLC and HMI/SCADA activities in a high-volume manufacturing environment. This is a hands-on learning role where you will work alongside Controls Engineers and Maintenance teams to help maintain, troubleshoot, document, and improve industrial automation systems while building strong foundational skills in controls engineering.
Requirements
- Working towards a Bachelor’s degree in Mechatronics Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Automation Engineering, Robotics, Computer Science, or a related engineering discipline.
- Academic or project-based exposure to PLC concepts and logic (Ladder, Function Block, or Structured Text)
- Basic understanding of sensors, actuators, motors/drives, and control fundamentals
- Ability to read (or learn to read) electrical schematics and follow troubleshooting steps
- Proficiency in Microsoft Suite
- Comfort using a laptop and basic tools for commissioning/troubleshooting in a plant environment.
- Strong problem-solving mindset, curiosity, and willingness to learn quickly.
- Clear communication skills and ability to document work and follow standard processes.
Nice To Haves
- Exposure to PLCs
- Exposure to HMI/SCADA platforms
- Exposure to industrial communications and basic networking concepts
- Basic scripting/programming skills (Python, SQL, C/C++)
- Hands-on lab or project experience with robotics or motion control
Responsibilities
- Assist with PLC programming tasks such as adding or updating tags, implementing simple ladder logic changes, and supporting standardized code structure under engineering review
- Help with commissioning and validation activities (I/O checks, sensor verification, device addressing, safety interlock verification) and document test results.
- Support troubleshooting of automation equipment by collecting symptoms, checking I/O status and alarms, and helping identify root causes with a mentor.
- Assist with basic industrial networking and device communications checks (e.g., Ethernet/IP, Profinet, Modbus) under guidance
- Document system configurations, troubleshooting notes, and standard work instructions; help build training and turnover materials.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams (Operations, Maintenance, Quality, IT/BRM) to support production, reduce downtime, and improve reliability.
- Support continuous improvement activities by gathering data, performing basic analysis, and proposing small enhancements under supervision
- Follow all BorgWarner safety rules and EHS requirements while working around energized equipment and production machinery
Benefits
- Retirement Savings Plan (401k) with a matching program
- Housing support and travel reimbursement according to policy requirements
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Intern
