[Hiring] SCADA Engineer Intern @SmartTech Contracting LLC

Role Description

The SCADA Engineering Intern supports the development, testing, and documentation of SCADA systems for mission-critical (Data Center) infrastructure projects. This is a hands-on learning opportunity for students or recent graduates interested in software development, industrial automation, controls, and AI-enabled engineering. The intern will work under the guidance of experienced engineers and contribute to clearly defined project assignments.

Essential Functions

• SCADA Development & Support
  • Assist with developing SCADA graphics, tags, alarms, scripts, templates, and reusable components.
  • Support basic PLC and SCADA integration activities.
  • Help translate documented requirements and sequences of operation into functional SCADA configurations.
  • Follow established development standards, naming conventions, and engineering processes.
  • Make corrections and improvements based on engineering review and feedback.
• Testing & Documentation
  • Execute assigned test procedures and document the results.
  • Support quality reviews, defect tracking, and basic troubleshooting.
  • Verify completed work against documented requirements.
  • Assist with technical documentation, test records, tag lists, alarm lists, and engineering notes.
  • Clearly communicate identified issues, questions, and completed work.
• Development Tools & AI
  • Use Git for source control, including branches, commits, and pull requests.
  • Use Docker and VM environments to create and develop projects.
  • Use Azure DevOps to manage work items, repositories, testing, and documentation.
  • Use approved generative AI and agentic AI tools for coding, testing, research, documentation, and workflow improvement.
  • Review and validate AI-generated work before using it.
• Training & Technical Growth
  • Participate in Ignition 8.3 SCADA platform training with the potential opportunity to earn a certification.
  • Gain practical exposure to Rockwell Automation PLCs and other industrial control systems.
  • Learn SCADA architecture, HMI design, alarming, scripting, data modeling, industrial networking, and communications.
  • Participate in technical discussions, demonstrations, and supervised project activities.
  • Apply feedback and demonstrate continuous improvement.
• Project Support
  • Complete assigned tasks on time and within the defined scope.
  • Communicate progress, questions, and technical issues to the assigned engineer.
  • Participate in supervised testing, commissioning, or field activities when available.
  • Follow established engineering, cybersecurity, safety, and quality requirements.
  • Perform other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Basic understanding of programming, networking, databases, controls, or automation.
• Familiarity with Git or another source-control tool.
• Foundational understanding of generative AI or agentic AI concepts.
• Interest in SCADA systems, PLCs, industrial automation, and mission-critical infrastructure.
• Ability to follow technical instructions and documented processes.
• Strong attention to detail and willingness to learn.
• Ability to communicate questions, progress, and technical issues clearly.
• Ability to work effectively with engineering and project teams.
• Ability to protect confidential company and customer information.

Preferred Qualifications

• Exposure to Python, Java, JavaScript, SQL, C#, or a similar programming language.
• Experience with Git, GitHub, Azure Repos, or Azure DevOps.
• Familiarity with Docker, containers, Kubernetes, or container orchestration.
• Familiarity with APIs, JSON, databases, or AI-assisted development.
• Exposure to PLCs, HMIs, SCADA platforms, or industrial communication protocols.
• Familiarity with Ignition, Rockwell Automation, Modbus, BACnet, OPC UA, REST API or MQTT.
• Coursework, personal projects, laboratory work, or previous technical internship experience.

Intern Development Opportunities

• Ignition 8.3 SCADA development and platform administration.
• Potential Ignition Core certification opportunities.
• Rockwell Automation PLCs and other industrial control technologies.
• SCADA graphics, alarming, scripting, data modeling, testing, and system integration.
• Git, Azure DevOps, source control, work-item tracking, and code reviews.
• Docker, containerized applications, Kubernetes, and orchestration fundamentals.
• Generative AI, agentic AI, and AI-assisted engineering workflows.
• Mission-critical infrastructure projects.
• Mentorship from experienced SCADA, software, controls, and system integration professionals.

Physical Demands

• Ability to remain in a stationary position for extended periods while working on a computer.
• Ability to move through offices, job sites, control rooms, and equipment spaces as needed.
• Ability to occasionally lift or move tools or equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.

Travel / Relocation Requirements

• This is primarily a remote or office-based position.
• Limited supervised travel may be available for training, testing, commissioning, or project-site exposure.
• Travel will depend on project requirements, internship timing, and intern availability.

Education / Experience Requirements

• Currently pursuing or recently completed a degree, certification, apprenticeship, or technical program in:
  • Computer Science
  • Software Engineering
  • Electrical or Computer Engineering
  • Controls or Automation
  • Information Technology
  • Industrial Technology
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • A related technical discipline

Benefits

• Choice of comprehensive medical plans (including two PPO-style plans and a HDHP w/ HSA option).
• Dental and vision plans.
• Comprehensive medical, dental and vision benefits extended to spouse/domestic partner and dependent children up to age 26.
• 401k with company match and self-directed brokerage account option.
• PTO including additional paid time off during the last week of the year.
• Company paid life insurance coverage for employees and their eligible dependents.
• Short and long-term disability, AD&D coverage.
• Professional development opportunities, tuition reimbursement and professional licensing assistance.
• Paid parental leave after one year of employment.