Automation Engineer Intern

You may not know our name, but you know our products.  What we make is part the places where we live, work and play – all day, everyday.

Zekelman is a family of companies — 100% domestic manufacturers — with a legacy dating back to 1877. We’re proud to be the largest independent steel pipe and tube manufacturer in North America and the leading innovator in multi-family housing development.

We believe in what we build and what we build, builds the world around us.  Hospitals, hotels, schools, bridges, airports and more.

Come build a career you believe in.

About the Role

Picoma Industries is seeking a Summer 2027 Automation Engineer Intern to support automation initiatives at our Cambridge, Ohio facility. This role will contribute to projects involving robotics, controls, programming, system integration, troubleshooting, and industrial automation while helping improve operational efficiency and supporting future growth initiatives.

Working closely with the Operations Manager and production leadership, the intern will partner with engineering, maintenance, and operations teams to support automation projects across the plant. This is an on-site internship located in Cambridge, Ohio.

The ideal candidate is a hands-on problem solver who is passionate about industrial automation, robotics, and continuous improvement. Success in this role requires curiosity, strong analytical thinking, adaptability, and a desire to learn in a manufacturing environment.

What You'll Do

• Support robotics and automation projects that improve manufacturing processes and operational efficiency.
• Assist with programming, troubleshooting, and optimizing automated equipment and control systems.
• Collaborate with operations, maintenance, and engineering teams to identify automation opportunities.
• Analyze manufacturing processes and recommend improvements that increase productivity, quality, and safety.
• Assist with system integration activities involving robotics, controls, sensors, and automated equipment.
• Support root cause investigations related to automation and equipment performance issues.
• Document automation projects, processes, and technical findings.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives across the operation.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Lead and promote healthy and safe work practices as required by regulatory agencies and Company policy.

Who You Are

• Currently pursuing a Bachelor's or technical degree in Automation Engineering, Robotics Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, or a related field.
• Basic knowledge of robotics, industrial automation systems, and manufacturing processes.
• Familiarity with PLCs, controls, robotics programming, sensors, or related automation technologies.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience with industrial robotics platforms, machine vision systems, or automated material handling systems.
• Knowledge of control systems, HMI interfaces, or industrial networking concepts.
• Experience using CAD software or engineering design tools.

What You’ll Get

Zekelman Industries offers a PAID internship experience with meaningful work, professional development, and the opportunity to make a real impact. Interns also enjoy:

• Hands-on exposure to engineering in a manufacturing environment.
• Access to company-wide networking events, team-building activities, and learning sessions.
• Regular coaching and feedback to support personal and professional growth.
• Participation in a company-wide Intern Summit.

Recruiter ID: #LI-SZ1

Zekelman Industries offers competitive compensation and excellent benefits, including low-cost, high-quality medical and dental benefits.  In addition, we have an amazing tuition assistance program, a bonus plan, a 401(k) plan with a generous company match, immediate vesting, and much more.

M/F/D/V

We are Zekelman Industries.

We manufacture superior quality tubular and related products, and provide outstanding service for our valued customers.

We seek to continuously advance the skills and opportunities of our employees, utilizing the latest technology and management tools available to consistently increase profitability and the enterprise value of Zekelman Industries and of our customers.