Summer Internship Program – Engineering, Manufacturing & Operations (Paid)

Launch Your Career in Industrial Automation

Looking for a summer internship where you actually do real work?

At Cates Control Systems, our interns don’t sit on the sidelines—you’ll work hands-on in a fast-paced manufacturing and engineering environment, gaining experience that directly translates into full-time careers.

Choose Your Path 

We offer internship opportunities across several career tracks:

Fabrication & Electrical (Hands-On)

• Build and wire industrial control panels 
• Learn to read drawings and schematics 
• Work with tools, components, and real production teams 

Supply Chain & Operations

• Support shipping, receiving, and inventory 
• Learn how materials flow through manufacturing 
• Gain exposure to ERP and logistics systems 

Engineering (Multiple Disciplines)

• Controls Engineering – PLCs, HMIs, automation systems 
• Application Engineering – Solve real production challenges 
• Industrial Engineering – Improve processes using Lean and data 

Data & Analytics

• Build Power BI dashboards and automate reports 
• Work with real purchasing and operations data 
• Learn how data drives business decisions

What You’ll Gain

• Real, hands-on experience (not busy work) 
• Exposure to engineering, manufacturing, and business operations 
• Mentorship from experienced professionals 
• Cross-functional learning across departments 
• Opportunity for full-time placement after graduation

Who Should Apply

• Students or recent grads in: 
  • Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, Industrial, Controls) 
  • Mechatronics / Industrial Technology 
  • Supply Chain / Business 
  • Data Science / Computer Science / Information Systems 
• Curious, hands-on learners who want to build real skills 
• Team players who enjoy solving problems

Why Cates?

We build custom industrial control systems—and we build careers the same way: hands-on, practical, and built to last.

Cates Control Systems was founded over 40 years ago and is a systems integration company that partners with manufacturing firms to develop and implement automation solutions to increase production, improve quality, and reduce costs. Our customers span diverse industries including food processing, manufacturing, and industrial production across North America and beyond.

We are committed to delivering high-quality solutions backed by exceptional service and support. Our culture is rooted in honesty, integrity, commitment, and reliability, with a strong family-oriented atmosphere and guiding core principles.