Magna Engineered Glass: Controls Engineering Intern

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What we offer:

At Magna, you can expect an engaging and dynamic environment where you can help to develop industry-leading automotive technologies. We invest in our employees, providing them with the support and resources they need to succeed. As a member of our global team, you can expect exciting, varied responsibilities as well as a wide range of development prospects. Because we believe that your career path should be as unique as you are.

Group Summary:

The Magna Exteriors portfolio of products includes access systems such as liftgates, exterior trim, modular systems, front-end modules including fascia, active aerodynamic systems and other lightweight structural components for automotive, commercial truck and other industrial markets.Recognized globally as an innovator in all aspects of vehicle exteriors, Magna provides everything needed, from materials development and design through manufacturing and assembly, to help automakers create sleek, state-of-the-art vehicles across the world.

Job Responsibilities:

JOB SUMMARY:

The Controls Engineering Intern is responsible for supporting machine reliability and automation improvements through PLC programming assistance, controls hardware updates, and electrical troubleshooting, as well as leading a semester-long technical project aligned with plant priorities.

This role ensures improved equipment performance, increased system reliability, and meaningful technical enhancements, supporting the organization in achieving operational efficiency, production stability, and continuous improvement in manufacturing operations.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

Controls & Automation Support

• Assist with structured PLC code updates (ladder logic, function blocks, tags, and documentation) under engineer supervision.
• Contribute to reliability and performance improvements, including enhanced diagnostics, minor logic optimizations, and safety-related updates.
• Support the configuration, installation, and validation of controls components such as sensors, I/O modules, HMIs, and communication devices.

Machine Reliability & Troubleshooting

• Assist in troubleshooting machine and controls issues using multimeters, software diagnostics, and system logs.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret downtime data to help identify root causes and recommend corrective actions.
• Support testing and validation of PLC and hardware changes prior to release into production.

Hardware & Electrical Support

• Assist with wiring, routing, termination, labeling, and panel updates in accordance with electrical standards.
• Support installation of controls hardware including relays, safety devices, and I/O expansions.
• Maintain and update electrical schematics, prints, and technical documentation as system changes occur.

Semester-Long Technical Project

• Lead a dedicated technical project selected at the start of the internship based on skill level, interests, and plant priorities.
• Potential project areas may include improving machine diagnostics, upgrading controls hardware, developing troubleshooting tools, or standardizing wiring and documentation.
• Present project outcomes—including problem definition, solution design, implementation, and performance impact—to the engineering team at the end of the semester.
• Assisting in closing out Controls Engineering (CE) projects.

Continuous Improvement

• Support targeted downtime reduction and troubleshooting simplification initiatives.
• Provide observations, propose solutions, and assist with implementation within technical capability.

Documentation & Reporting

• Maintain accurate code logs, wiring updates, test records, and hardware documentation.
• Prepare clear and concise reports on assigned tasks, test results, and project progress.

Collaboration & Communication

• Work closely with engineering, maintenance, quality, and production teams to support controls and reliability efforts.
• Participate in team problem-solving, communicating findings clearly, professionally, and effecti