Operational Technology Intern (OTCR Group)
About The Position
This internship is ideal for students interested in industrial automation, programmable logic controller (PLC) programming, supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems, and operational technology (OT) within critical infrastructure environments. Your work will contribute to systems that provide safe drinking water, protect public health, and improve the resilience of critical infrastructure serving communities across the United States. This is not a "shadowing" internship. You will work alongside experienced engineers and consultants on real projects supporting critical water and wastewater infrastructure. We are looking for curious, self-motivated individuals who want hands-on experience, enjoy solving technical problems, and are excited to learn how automation, operational technology, and cybersecurity are applied in the real world. Successful interns will leave with practical experience, professional mentorship, and a strong foundation for a career in industrial automation and critical infrastructure consulting.
Requirements
- Currently pursuing or recently completed a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Industrial Cybersecurity, Mathematics, or a related technical discipline.
- Strong interest in industrial automation, operational technology, control systems, and critical infrastructure systems.
- Foundational understanding of engineering, troubleshooting, or programming concepts.
- Ability to learn technical systems and apply problem-solving skills in a team environment.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, including technical documentation.
- Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships.
- Ability to manage multiple assignments and consistently meet deadlines.
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to high-quality work.
- Demonstrated professionalism and ethical behavior.
Nice To Haves
- Familiarity with water and/or wastewater operations, engineering, or infrastructure systems.
- Exposure to PLC programming, SCADA systems, industrial networking, or industrial automation concepts.
- Experience troubleshooting automation, communication, or computer systems.
- Familiarity with electrical design concepts, instrumentation, control panels, or power distribution systems.
- Familiarity with scripting languages such as Python or similar languages.
- Exposure to cybersecurity, networking, servers, IoT, or operational technology environments.
- Familiarity with technical drawings, hardware layouts, or engineering specifications.
- Relevant coursework, laboratory experience, personal projects, or internships related to controls, automation, or operational technology.
- Coursework, project experience, laboratory experience, or internships related to industrial automation, control systems, SCADA, PLC programming, networking, or cybersecurity.
- Interest in water, wastewater, environmental, or critical infrastructure systems.
- Experience with technical writing, troubleshooting, or engineering documentation.
- Familiarity with programming languages, scripting, or industrial communication concepts.
- PLC, SCADA, industrial automation, or controls-related coursework or training
- Water, wastewater, environmental, or critical infrastructure systems-related coursework or training
- Networking, cybersecurity, or operational technology-related coursework or training
- CompTIA Network+
- CompTIA Security+
Responsibilities
- Function as an integral support team member and Operations Technology Specialist-in-training.
- Assist with PLC programming and SCADA configuration activities.
- Support troubleshooting, commissioning, system upgrades, and operational testing activities.
- Assist with development of technical documentation including control strategies, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and technical memorandums.
- Support SCADA Master Plan development efforts, including existing condition assessments, conceptual alternatives analysis, recommendations, and implementation planning.
- Collaborate with engineers, programmers, and project managers on multidisciplinary project tasks.
- Conduct technical research and assist with engineering and operational technology-related tasks as needed.
- Assist with electrical, instrumentation, and controls engineering and design activities.
- Support development of risk and resilience assessments and emergency preparedness planning efforts.
- Assist with technology architecture and operational technology system reviews.
- Support review of technical submittals and engineering documentation.
- Assist with development of policies, procedures, and technical standards documentation.
Benefits
- medical
- dental
- vision
- flexible spending accounts
- health saving accounts (with West Yost contribution)
- paid vacation
- paid sick leave and holidays
- two employee assistance programs
- travel assistance program
- 401(k) profit sharing with employer match
- leaves of absence with additional supplemental paid time off
- parental leave
- life and AD&D insurance
- short-term and long-term disability insurance
- pet insurance
- support in on-going education through our 529 college savings plan/student loan repayment program
- tuition reimbursement
- paid professional memberships
- paid training
- Leadership Academy programs
- milestone anniversary benefits
- peer to peer recognition programs
- the potential for employee stock ownership
- annual monetary and paid time off bonuses
- performance-based bonus eligibility
- merit increase eligibility
- employee referral bonuses
- wellness reimbursement
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Intern
