System Integrator Intern – I – Critical Infrastructure

Position Title: System Integrator Intern – I – Critical Infrastructure

Position Location: Remote - work virtually from anywhere in the United States, Atlanta, GA, or Dallas, TX

Summer 2027 Internship Dates: May 17th, 2027- August 13th, 2027

JOB SUMMARY

The System Integration Intern supports the installation, startup, testing, commissioning, and deployment of Building Automation Systems (BAS), Electrical Power Monitoring Systems (EPMS), PLC, and SCADA systems on mission-critical infrastructure projects.

This is a hands-on field-focused internship designed for students and early-career individuals interested in industrial automation, controls, commissioning, and system integration. Interns will work alongside experienced System Integrators, Controls Engineers, and SCADA Engineers to learn how physical equipment, field devices, PLCs, networks, and software systems operate together.

Interns will gain experience working at the intersection of controls hardware, industrial networking, PLCs, SCADA software, and field deployment activities. The role serves as a bridge between physical system installation and software implementation, helping interns understand how automation systems are deployed, validated, commissioned, and supported in real-world environments.

This position includes significant project-site exposure and provides opportunities to participate in construction, startup, testing, commissioning, deployment, and Integrated Systems Testing (IST) activities.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Installation, Startup & Field Support

• Assist with verification of controls installations and field wiring
• Support point-to-point checkout and I/O verification activities
• Assist with startup and testing of BAS, EPMS, PLC, and SCADA systems
• Help verify field devices, sensors, actuators, instrumentation, and network communications
• Support troubleshooting efforts during startup and commissioning activities
• Document field observations, deficiencies, and corrective actions

Testing & Commissioning

• Participate in system startup, commissioning, and Integrated Systems Testing (IST) activities
• Assist with execution of test procedures and validation of system operation
• Support functional testing of equipment and control sequences
• Help verify system operation against project requirements and sequences of operation
• Assist with owner demonstrations and turnover activities when appropriate

Controls & Automation Exposure

• Gain exposure to Rockwell Automation PLC platforms and industrial control systems
• Assist with PLC startup, troubleshooting, and communications testing
• Learn SCADA fundamentals, including Ignition 8.3 deployment and operation
• Learn software deployment, gateway administration, and system validation practices
• Gain exposure to industrial communication protocols including Ethernet/IP, Modbus, BACnet, MQTT, and OPC UA
• Assist with validating connectivity between PLCs, SCADA systems, databases, APIs, and enterprise applications
• Gain exposure to operational technology (OT) and information technology (IT) integration concepts
• Learn how industrial protocols are used to integrate PLCs, SCADA systems, BAS systems, EPMS systems, field devices, and enterprise applications

Technical Documentation & Digital Tools

• Complete daily reports, field notes, issue logs, and testing documentation
• Assist with updating redlines, as-built documentation, and punch lists
• Use Microsoft Office and digital project tools to organize project information
• Gain exposure to Git, Azure DevOps, and software development workflows
• Utilize approved AI-enabled tools to improve reporting, documentation, and learning

Technical Growth & Development

• Participate in Ignition 8.3 training with the potential opportunity to earn an Ignition Core Certification
• Participate in OSHA 10 safety training and other professional development opportunities as applicable
• Learn commissioning, startup, deployment, and troubleshooting best practices from experienced field personnel
• Gain practical exposure to mission-critical infrastructure environments
• Participate in technical training, toolbox talks, and project coordination meetings
• Demonstrate continuous improvement through feedback, learning, and hands-on experience

Completion of Assigned Tasks and Deliverables on Time and on Budget

Performs Other Related Duties as Assigned

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

• Interest in controls, automation, commissioning, PLCs, SCADA, and industrial systems
• Basic understanding of electrical systems, networking, automation, or mechanical systems
• Willingness to work in construction and commissioning environments
• Strong communication skills and willingness to learn
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a project team
• Ability to travel to project sites as required

PREFERRED (NOT REQUIRED)

o Exposure to PLCs, SCADA systems, BAS, EPMS, or industrial automation systems

o Familiarity with Rockwell Automation products

o Exposure to Ignition, Modbus, BACnet, MQTT, OPC UA, or industrial networking

o Exposure to Git, Azure DevOps, Docker, Kubernetes, or modern software deployment tools

o Familiarity with APIs, JSON, MQTT, software integration concepts, or AI-assisted development

o Previous internship, trade school, laboratory, military, or hands-on technical experience

o Experience using hand tools, meters, testing equipment, or troubleshooting electrical systems

DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES

• Ignition 8.3 SCADA deployment, administration, and development
• Potential opportunity to earn an Ignition Core Certification
• OSHA 10 Certification
• Rockwell Automation PLC hardware and software platforms
• Startup, commissioning, Integrated Systems Testing (IST), and owner acceptance activities
• BAS, EPMS, PLC, and SCADA integration
• Industrial networking fundamentals including switches, VLANs, routing, and network troubleshooting
• Industrial communication protocols including EtherNet/IP, BACnet/IP, BACnet MS/TP, Modbus TCP, Modbus RTU, MQTT, and OPC UA
• Troubleshooting communications between PLCs, SCADA systems, field controllers, sensors, meters, and third-party equipment
• System integration between operational technology (OT) and information technology (IT) environments
• Git, Azure DevOps, and modern software delivery practices
• Docker containers, Kubernetes, and orchestration fundamentals
• APIs, databases, and software integration concepts
• Generative AI, agentic AI, and AI-assisted engineering workflows
• Field troubleshooting, deployment, operational support, and system validation
• Mentorship from experienced System Integrators, Controls Engineers, and SCADA Engineers

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The following physical demands must be met by the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Frequently standing, walking, climbing ladders, and working in active construction environments
• Working in mechanical rooms, electrical rooms, rooftops, and confined spaces
• Lifting and carrying equipment weighing up to 50 pounds
• Working in varying environmental conditions, including heat, cold, humidity, dust, noise, and outdoor weather
• Using hand tools, test equipment, laptops, and instrumentation for extended periods
• Traveling to customer sites and working extended hours during project startup and commissioning activities as required

TRAVEL / RELOCATION REQUIREMENTS

• Approximately 50–75% travel is required based on project assignments
• Travel may include overnight stays, extended assignments at customer project sites, and temporary relocation for the duration of major construction projects
• Employees who reside within a reasonable commuting distance of the assigned project site will be expected to travel to and from the site daily rather than utilize overnight accommodations
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license and be able to travel by automobile and commercial air as required
• Availability to work extended schedules, weekends, holidays, and multiple shifts during critical project milestones, startup, commissioning, and Integrated Systems Testing (IST)

EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• Currently pursuing or recently completed technical education in:

o Industrial Automation

o Electrical Engineering

o Mechanical Engineering

o Controls Engineering

o Engineering Technology

o Computer Engineering

o Industrial Technology

o A related technical discipline

BENEFITS

Smart Tech Contracting offers a very competitive benefits package; highlights include

• 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

CO, CA, IL, NY, WA, and Washington DC residents only: In accordance with CO, CA, IL, NY, WA, and Washington DC law, the range provided is STC's reasonable estimate of the base compensation for this role. The actual amount may differ based on non-discriminatory factors such as experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, and location.

Smart Tech Contracting is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer and participates in the E-Verify program with the Department of Homeland Security. We encourage diversity in our workforce.

Are you ready to challenge yourself and redefine standards in the AEC industry? Apply now and join our award-winning team!

NOTICE TO THIRD PARTY AGENCIES:

STC does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters, employment agencies, or other staffing services. Unsolicited resumes include any resume or hiring document sent to STC in the absence of a signed Service Agreement where STC has expressly requested recruitment/staffing services specific to the position at hand. Any unsolicited resumes, including those submitted to hiring managers or other business leaders, will become the property of STC and STC will have the right to hire that candidate without reservation – no fee or other compensation will be owed or paid to the recruiter, employment agency, or other staffing service.