Mechatronics/Automation Engineering Intern

WISCONSIN ALUMINUM FOUNDRY CO INC•Manitowoc, WI

26d•Onsite

About The Position

Wisconsin Aluminum Foundry is hiring a paid Mechatronics/Automation Engineering Intern in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, for a 12–14 week internship running May or June through August 2027. The intern will apply classroom learning to robots, controls, and equipment on a foundry floor while working alongside experienced engineers and technicians. The position offers flexible hours on day shift and hands-on exposure to engineering work in an operating plant. Projects may include improving collaborative robot utilization; exploring automation for core blow-off, including 3D-printed cores, and possibly core dipping; improving gating yield; supporting PLC and HMI projects such as a core spinning cell and leak tester; programming VS Series inspection cameras; preparing for controls upgrades to aging equipment such as ovens and reclaimers; and helping diagnose electrical issues. The intern may work on programming, cabinet building, and wiring diagrams. The internship is intended for a student studying a relevant engineering field who is curious about machines, controls, and robotics and interested in hands-on engineering. The intern may gain experience programming FANUC robots and cobots, programming PLCs and HMIs, reading wiring diagrams, troubleshooting control cabinets, and understanding the research and design involved in controls upgrades.

Requirements

Studying Mechatronics, Electrical, Automation, Controls, or Mechanical Engineering, or a similar field.
Curiosity about how machines, controls, and robotics work.
Preference for hands-on engineering over purely theoretical work.
Interest in figuring out why equipment or systems are not working.
Detail-oriented and safety-minded.
Willingness to work on the plant floor.
Willingness to ask questions and learn from experienced engineers and technicians.

Responsibilities

Improve collaborative robot utilization and explore automation opportunities for core blow-off, including 3D-printed cores, and possibly core dipping.
Help improve gating yield through process improvement.
Support PLC and HMI controls projects, including work on a core spinning cell and a leak tester.
Perform controls-related work that may include programming, cabinet building, and wiring diagrams.
Program VS Series inspection cameras for inspection applications.
Help plan and prepare for controls upgrades to aging equipment, including ovens and reclaimers.
Help diagnose electrical issues on the plant floor.
Learn and work alongside experienced engineers and technicians.