Automation/Controls Engineering Intern

Subsidiary

Steel Dynamics

Overview

What Does Steel Dynamics Do?

Steel Dynamics is a leading industrial metals solutions company that produces lower-carbon, high-quality steel products primarily from recycled scrap. Operating through a circular manufacturing model, the company manufactures a wide range of steel products including flat roll, structural, and long products for industries such as construction, automotive, energy, and manufacturing. In addition to steel production, Steel Dynamics operates metals recycling facilities, steel fabrication plants, and aluminum production operations, serving customers across North America with a focus on innovation, efficiency, and sustainability.

What Makes This Internship Different?

Steel Dynamics’ electrical engineering internships stand out from those at other companies because they offer a true balance of office-based engineering work and hands-on industrial experience. Interns are not limited to observing from a distance, they actively work alongside operators and maintenance teams on the production floor, applying engineering principles directly to equipment, systems, and processes. This approach allows interns to design solutions, test them in real-world conditions, and see the immediate impact of their work.

Internship Location

This internship is located at the Steel Dynamics Columbus Flat Roll Division located in Columbus, MS. This internship will take place part-time throughout the 2026-2027 school year, with potential to work full-time hours in Summer 2027. Interested students must be located in the Great Columbus, MS area, ideally enrolled at Mississippi State University. 

Internship Benefits

• Furnished Housing Free of Cost
  • Provided for interns living more than 50 miles from their work site, including essential furnishings to ensure a comfortable stay during the internship.
• 401(k) & Company Match
  • Eligibility to participate in the company 401(k) plan with a 10–50% company match that vests immediately.
• Employee Discounts
  • Access to discounts on hotels, vehicles, and other goods and services through Steel Dynamics’ nationwide partner network.
• Employee Assistance Program
  • Up to five free visits per issue, per year for counseling, legal advice, financial guidance, and other daily living resources.
• Intern Extravaganza
  • A two-day event at company headquarters featuring facility tours, networking with company leaders, cultural immersion, and connecting with other interns from across the country.
• Competitive Pay
  • Competitive hourly wages for all internship positions, rewarding the value interns bring to the company.

Responsibilities

What Are My Responsibilities as an Automation/Controls Engineering Intern at Steel Dynamics?

• Follow all safety policies, participate in risk assessments, and support lockout/tagout (LOTO) verification under supervision.
• Assist with PLC and HMI programming, testing, troubleshooting, and documentation for industrial automation systems.
• Support automation projects through programming, software development, and control system modifications under the guidance of engineering mentors.
• Develop and maintain control system documentation, including electrical schematics, network diagrams, operating procedures, and technical reports.
• Assist with automation hardware selection, specification, and implementation for equipment upgrades and new projects.
• Support troubleshooting efforts involving PLCs, HMIs, industrial networks, instrumentation, drives, and control system hardware.
• Work with Siemens automation platforms, including STEP 7 and TIA Portal.
• Support HMI and visualization updates and develop dashboards or reports.
• Assist with industrial networking activities and device communications troubleshooting.
• Participate in planned outages, equipment upgrades, start-ups, and commissioning activities by executing test plans and verifying system functionality.
• Create and maintain software, database, and configuration backups while following change management procedures.
• Collaborate with operators, electricians, mechanics, maintenance personnel, IT, and production teams to implement automation improvements.
• Document troubleshooting activities, standard work procedures, and project outcomes to support knowledge transfer and long-term system reliability.

Qualifications

What Qualifications Do I Need?

Required

• Currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Automation/Controls Engineering, or a related field.
• Basic understanding of programming principles and troubleshooting methodologies.
• Strong interest in industrial automation, controls engineering, and manufacturing technology.
• Ability to work effectively in a team-oriented industrial environment.

Preferred

• Exposure to programming through coursework, projects, or personal experience.
• Exposure to electrical, computer, embedded, or control system concepts through coursework or projects.
• Interest in hands-on troubleshooting and applying engineering concepts in an industrial environment.
• Previous technical project, laboratory, internship, co-op, or other hands-on experience.

Steel Dynamics, Inc., and all affiliated entities are equal opportunity employers.