Electrical and Controls Engineer - Intern

You may not know our name, but you know our products.  What we make is part the places where we live, work and play – all day, everyday.

Zekelman is a family of companies — 100% domestic manufacturers — with a legacy dating back to 1877. We’re proud to be the largest independent steel pipe and tube manufacturer in North America and the leading innovator in multi-family housing development.

We believe in what we build and what we build, builds the world around us.  Hospitals, hotels, schools, bridges, airports and more.

Come build a career you believe in.

As an Electrical & Controls Engineering Intern at Zekelman Industries, this role supports the engineering team at our state-of-the-art Wheatland Tube facility in Rochelle, IL by assisting with basic PLC, electrical, and maintenance tasks in a manufacturing environment. The intern will gain hands-on exposure to industrial controls systems while learning directly from experienced Controls Technicians and PLC Specialists.

The official Zekelman internship program runs from May 24, 2027 through August 13, 2027.

This role is ideal for a student early in their electrical or controls engineering journey who is curious, safety-minded, and interested in industrial automation and manufacturing systems.

What You’ll Do

• Supports PLC programming and troubleshooting activities alongside Controls Technicians.

• Assists with basic Ladder Logic edits, testing, and debugging for production equipment.

• Observes and assists with Fanuc robot programming, maintenance, and optimization tasks.

• Participates in electrical panel walk-downs, wiring checks, and documentation updates.

• Helps collect and review data related to machine performance, downtime, and automation efficiency.

• Supports preventive maintenance activities for automated systems and robotic cells.

• Collaborates with maintenance, engineering, and production teams to assist with issue resolution.

Who You Are

• Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Robotics, or a related field.

• Coursework or introductory exposure to engineering, coding, PLCs, automation, electrical engineering, or controls concepts.

• Foundational understanding of electrical engineering concepts. 

• Ability to read technical diagrams or willingness to learn.

• Comfortable working in a manufacturing or plant-floor environment.

• Detail-oriented with strong safety awareness and a willingness to ask questions.

What You’ll Get

Zekelman Industries offers a PAID internship experience with meaningful work, professional development, and the opportunity to make a real impact. Interns also enjoy:

• Hands-on exposure to engineering in a manufacturing environment.

• Access to company-wide networking events, team-building activities, and learning sessions.

• Regular coaching and feedback to support personal and professional growth.

• Participation in a company-wide Intern Summit.

Recruiter ID: #LI-SZ1

Zekelman Industries offers competitive compensation and excellent benefits, including low-cost, high-quality medical and dental benefits.  In addition, we have an amazing tuition assistance program, a bonus plan, a 401(k) plan with a generous company match, immediate vesting, and much more.

M/F/D/V

We are Zekelman Industries.

We manufacture superior quality tubular and related products, and provide outstanding service for our valued customers.

We seek to continuously advance the skills and opportunities of our employees, utilizing the latest technology and management tools available to consistently increase profitability and the enterprise value of Zekelman Industries and of our customers.