Systems Engineering Co-Op / Summer Intern

Summary

The Systems Engineering Co-Op / Internship Program provides students with hands-on experience developing, testing, and supporting industrial Level-2 Automation Systems used in modern steel and metals production facilities. Working alongside experienced engineers, participants gain exposure to software engineering, process technology, data analysis, industrial communications, system integration, testing, commissioning support, and technical documentation activities.

The program is intentionally designed to provide a broad engineering foundation prior to specialization and serves as a potential entry path into future full-time engineering opportunities within the Level-2 Engineering organization.

The basics

Full-time, 40 hours/week, paid hourly

North Shore - Pittsburgh, PA

Duties and Responsibilities

Assignments are tailored to the student's background, capabilities, development objectives, and active project needs.

Systems Engineering Support

• Assist with development and testing of software applications using approved engineering tools and programming languages.
• Support web-based and desktop user-interface development activities.
• Assist with database development, reporting, and data-management activities.
• Support implementation and testing of communication interfaces between automation systems.
• Participate in software verification and troubleshooting activities.
• Explore AI-assisted engineering tools and workflows.

Process Technology Support

• Assist with analysis of production and process data.
• Support validation of process-model inputs and outputs.
• Participate in investigations related to production performance and product quality.
• Develop familiarity with flat-rolling processes and industrial automation systems.
• Testing and Validation
• Participate in Integration Testing activities.
• Support Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) preparation and execution.
• Execute test procedures and document results.
• Assist with issue tracking and troubleshooting efforts.

Documentation & Knowledge Transfer

• Support creation and maintenance of technical documentation.
• Assist with updates to specifications, user documentation, and engineering records.
• Participate in knowledge-sharing and lessons-learned activities.

Technical Exposure

Students may gain exposure to

• Software & Development: C#, .NET, Visual Studio, Git
• Databases & Analytics: MS SQL Server, SQL, Grafana, Metabase
• Industrial Automation: TCP/IP protocols, OPC DA/UA,
• Level-1 and Level-2 integration, Industrial automation architectures
• AI-Assisted Engineering: GitHub Copilot, Claude Code, AI-enabled engineering workflows

Learning Opportunities

Participants may gain exposure to

• Industrial software and systems engineering
• Process technology engineering
• Advanced process-control systems

Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT)

• Commissioning preparation and startup support
• Industrial communications and system integration
• Process-data analysis and visualization
• Customer-facing engineering activities
• Real-world project execution

Required Qualifications

Currently enrolled in a bachelor's or master's degree program in: Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, Systems Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, Materials Science & Engineering, Physics, Mathematics or a related STEM discipline

Completion of at least two years of university coursework before the start of the assignment.

Availability to work full-time (40 hours/week) on-site for the duration of the co-op or internship assignment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Coursework involving software development, automation, controls, manufacturing, materials engineering, or process systems.
• Exposure to object-oriented programming concepts.
• Basic SQL and database knowledge.
• Familiarity with Git or similar version-control tools.
• Interest in industrial automation, manufacturing systems, steel production, or process engineering
• Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Curiosity and willingness to learn.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively within a team environment.
• Interest in industrial automation, engineering systems, and manufacturing technology.

Future Career Opportunities

High-performing participants may be considered for future full-time engineering opportunities within the Level-2 Engineering organization. The program is intended to develop foundational skills applicable to future careers in:

Systems Engineering

Process Technology Engineering

Industrial Automation

Advanced Process Control

Manufacturing Technology

What We Do

SMS group is the leading partner in the world of metals — an original equipment supplier delivering comprehensive maintenance and spare-part services across metals production, continuous casting and rolling (flat and long products), tubes, welded pipes, forging, non-ferrous technology, and heat treatment plants, all from a single source.

SMS group Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, gender identity or other categories protected by law. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a drug screen and physical capacity profile test.