Controls Engineering Intern

About the Role

Panasonic Energy is seeking ambitious engineering interns to join the world’s largest lithium-ion battery initiative. Interns will gain expertise in lithium-ion cell technology and integrate this understanding with high-speed, automated manufacturing methods.

Key Responsibilities

• Participate in programming, installing, and troubleshooting PLC/Vision systems such as Mitsubishi, Keyence, and Omron within manufacturing processes.
• Assist with design and programming of HMI and communication network systems.
• Conduct design and testing work for existing production lines to improve cell manufacturing processes in safety, quality, and productivity.
• Analyze and evaluate machine and test data.
• Provide engineering support to production teams to resolve manufacturing process issues.
• Collaborate with team members to increase understanding of failure modes and improve the performance of cell manufacturing equipment.
• Apply engineering principles and knowledge to solve manufacturing problems.

Internship Details

• Full-time, paid summer internship at Panasonic Energy’s Gigafactory.
• 12 weeks in length, planned for Monday, May 17 – Friday, August 6, 2027 (dates subject to change).
• Must be able to attend the entirety of the internship.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• PLC/Vision systems: Mitsubishi, Keyence, Omron
• HMI and communication network systems
• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook)

Qualifications

Education

• Completed a minimum of 2 years at an accredited university.
• Currently enrolled as a full-time student in a Bachelor’s degree program in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related discipline.

Essential Qualifications

• Minimum 3.2 GPA.
• Demonstrated experience solving difficult hands-on engineering problems with the ability to articulate technical detail and thought processes.
• Familiarity with basic lithium-ion battery chemistry.
• Good understanding of basic manufacturing principles.
• Strong problem-solving skills.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Excellent interpersonal, teamwork, and collaboration skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to write and communicate technical information clearly and concisely.
• Ability to apply principles of logical or scientific thinking to a wide range of intellectual and practical problems.
• Authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without requiring sponsorship for employment visa status.

Preferred Qualifications

• Hands-on experience through project teams or previous jobs.
• Knowledge in programmable platforms, PLC, and embedded controls using programming languages.
• A desire to create a sustainable future through energy storage, renewable energy, and electric vehicles.

Physical Demands

Physical Activities

• Sit: 40%
• Walk: 30%
• Stand: 20%
• Lift: 10%

Tools and/or Equipment

• Keyboard/Computer: Continuous
• Office Equipment: Continuous
• Phone: Continuous

Required Lifting and Carrying

• Up to 10 lbs.: Occasional
• Up to 20 lbs.: Occasional
• Up to 35 lbs.: Occasional
• Team-lift only (over 35 lbs.): Not Required

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) may include a full Tyvek suit, safety shoes, gloves, safety glasses, face mask, bump cap, and a full hazmat suit with a respirator.