Automation Engineer Intern

Peak Energy • Sacramento, CA

6d • Onsite

About The Position

Peak Energy is seeking a motivated Automation Engineering Intern to join our Manufacturing Engineering team supporting Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) manufacturing automation. This is a hands-on internship focused on gaining direct exposure to the PLC, SCADA, and HMI systems that keep our production lines running safely and efficiently. You will work closely with senior Controls Engineers, Equipment Engineers, and Process Engineers, contributing to real automation projects that support Peak Energy's work scaling ESS production toward 1 GWh/year capacity by 2027. One day you might be helping commission a PLC program on the pilot line; another, you could be out on the production floor troubleshooting a control system fault alongside a senior engineer, or documenting a new HMI screen for operators. You'll have the opportunity to contribute to meaningful projects and build real, hands-on experience with the tools and systems used in industrial automation. If you want to actually contribute as part of the team, not just observe from the sidelines, we'd love for you to apply.

Requirements

• Pursuing or recently completed a degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls/Automation Engineering, or a related engineering field.
• Foundational knowledge of PLC programming, SCADA systems, and HMI design principles, gained through coursework, capstone projects, or hands-on experience.
• Hands-on experience building, testing, troubleshooting, or modifying automation or control systems through coursework, student projects, internships, research, or personal projects.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills, with a willingness to learn and take direction from senior engineers.
• Clear communicator who works well in cross-functional teams.
• Available to work onsite in Burlingame, CA for a 3-, 6-, or 9-month internship term.
• Eligible to work in the U.S.

Nice To Haves

• Exposure to industrial automation platforms (e.g., Beckhoff TwinCAT, Allen-Bradley, or Siemens) through coursework or hands-on projects.
• Familiarity with data acquisition or historian platforms, such as Ignition by Inductive Automation.
• Previous automation, controls, or manufacturing engineering internship or project experience.
• Basic understanding of environmental and safety regulations relevant to controls and automation in manufacturing.
• Eagerness to adapt to new technologies and grow technical skills in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Support the programming, testing, and commissioning of PLC, SCADA, and HMI systems for BESS manufacturing equipment, under the guidance of senior Controls Engineers.
• Partner with Equipment Engineers to help integrate automation solutions into new and existing manufacturing equipment.
• Help analyze production processes and identify opportunities for automation and control improvements.
• Support the implementation and upkeep of data acquisition systems, helping collect and organize production data for Process and Automation Engineers to analyze.
• Assist in maintaining safety systems, such as emergency shutdown procedures and safety interlocks.
• Help troubleshoot control system issues on the manufacturing floor alongside senior engineers, and support routine maintenance of automation systems.
• Collaborate with Process Engineers, Equipment Engineers, and Maintenance to ensure control systems support production needs.
• Contribute to documentation of control system designs, revisions, and updates, and support operator and maintenance training materials.
• Participate in hands-on testing and validation of automation equipment and control system changes.

Benefits

• Hands-on experience with cutting-edge energy storage technology
• Mentorship from experienced controls and automation engineers
• Directly contributing to Peak Energy's mission to scale sustainable battery manufacturing

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: Associate degree