Job description:

Job Title: Senior Controls Engineer Intern

****Must be local to Long Island, NY, No Relocation Provided *****

Location: Vacuum Instruments Corporation (VIC) – Ronkonkoma, NY
Department: Engineering
Reports To: Director of Engineering / Engineering Manager

Position Summary

Vacuum Instruments Corporation (VIC) is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Controls Engineer Intern with approximately 3 years of experience in industrial automation and machine controls. The successful candidate will support the design, programming, troubleshooting, and commissioning of leak detection systems, automated test equipment, and custom manufacturing systems.

This position offers the opportunity to work on a wide variety of projects involving PLCs, HMIs, pneumatic controls, industrial sensors, safety systems, and custom machinery used in automotive, aerospace, medical, and industrial applications.

Primary Responsibilities

• Develop, modify, and troubleshoot PLC programs for automated test and manufacturing equipment.
• Design and develop HMI applications for machine operation, diagnostics, and data collection.
• Assist with machine commissioning, debugging, and startup activities both in-house and at customer facilities when required.
• Create and maintain electrical schematics using AutoCAD Electrical or AutoCAD.
• Design and document machine control systems including:
• PLC I/O layouts
• Control panels
• Safety circuits
• Pneumatic valve controls
• Sensor integration
• Generate and maintain Bills of Materials (BOMs) for electrical and controls assemblies.
• Specify and select appropriate electrical and controls components for machine designs.
• Support manufacturing and service departments with troubleshooting and technical assistance.
• Perform electrical system testing and validation prior to shipment.
• Assist in developing and maintaining engineering standards and documentation.
• Work closely with Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing, Service, and Project Management teams to ensure successful project execution.

Required Qualifications

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Mechatronics, Electrical Technology, or a related technical field.
• 3–5 years of experience in industrial automation, machine controls, or automated equipment design.
• Experience programming and troubleshooting PLC systems.
• Experience developing HMI interfaces and operator screens.
• Familiarity with industrial machine controls and automation systems.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and wiring diagrams.
• Experience creating electrical schematics using AutoCAD or AutoCAD Electrical.
• Understanding of industrial control panel design and wiring practices.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively within a team environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with:
• Rockwell Automation (Allen-Bradley PLCs and HMIs)
• Siemens PLC and HMI platforms
• Knowledge of:
• Light curtains and machine safety systems
• Pneumatic valve control systems
• Proximity sensors and industrial instrumentation
• Variable frequency drives (VFDs)
• Ethernet/IP and Profinet communications
• Industrial networking and communications protocols
• Experience supporting automated manufacturing or test equipment.
• Familiarity with machine safety standards and control system best practices.
• Experience creating and maintaining electrical Bills of Materials.

Desired Skills

• Strong attention to detail and documentation practices.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.
• Willingness to learn new technologies and automation platforms.
• Hands-on approach to problem solving and equipment troubleshooting.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment supporting both standard products and custom engineered systems.

What You'll Work On

The Junior Controls Engineer will contribute to the development and support of:

• Helium leak detection systems
• Automated test equipment
• Custom manufacturing machinery
• Robotic and semi-automated production systems
• Data acquisition and process monitoring systems
• Industrial control panels and machine safety systems

This role provides an excellent opportunity for a controls engineer looking to expand their experience across multiple automation platforms and work on technically challenging custom equipment projects in a collaborative engineering environment.

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Vision insurance

Experience:

• Industrial Automation and Machine Controls: 3 years (Required)
• Commissioning Leak Detection Systems : 3 years (Required)
• AutoCad Electrical : 3 years (Required)
• Troubleshooting PLC Programming: 3 years (Required)
• Design and Develop HMI Applications: 3 years (Required)
• Automated Manufacturing Test Equipment : 3 years (Required)

Pay: $59,586.10 - $71,759.60 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Disability insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person