Automation Internships
Automation internships give university students, recent graduates, and early-career switchers hands-on project experience, mentorship from working engineers, and, at many employers, a path toward a full-time offer. Roles are concentrated across Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals, Manufacturing, and Artificial Intelligence, with Tesla, Siemens, and Melaleuca among the employers posting roles now.
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The Position
MECOP 2026 Summer/Fall Intern - Automation Systems & Digital Integration
Department Summary
This position is in the Manufacturing Science and Technology (MSAT), Automation Systems & Digital Integration department in Hillsboro Innovative Therapies. In this position, you will need to work effectively as part of a team responsible for ensuring successful and efficient plant operations.
This internship position is located in Hillsboro, Oregon, on-site.
The Opportunity
- Participate in the identification, evaluation, and implementation of new process technologies in alignment with business objectives or regulatory requirements.
- Analyze processes, make suggestions for improvement to mentors, & provide input to improving systems/processes.
- Frequent use & application of basic Engineering/Scientific/GMP theories, principles & techniques.
- Frequent use of data management and visualization tools.
- Perform automation tasks while ensuring compliance with regulatory and operational standards.
- Collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams to enhance the performance and reliability of automation and production equipment.
- Monitor, troubleshoot, and maintain running automation systems to ensure uninterrupted plant operations and resolve system issues.
- Support the development of user requirements, design reviews, and planning for new equipment integrations.
Program Highlights
- Intensive 6 months, full time (40 hours per week) paid internship.
- Program start dates are in Summer and Fall.
- A stipend, based on location, will be provided to help alleviate costs associated with the internship.
- Ownership of challenging and impactful business-critical projects.
- Work with some of the most talented people in the biotechnology industry.
Who You Are (Required)
Required Education:
Must be pursuing a Bachelor's Degree (enrolled student).
Required Majors: Computer Engineering, Computer Science or Information Systems.
Required Skills:
- Basic knowledge in computer engineering fundamentals.
- Basic knowledge in data analysis methods and tools.
- Real-world problem-solving experience.
- Data management, parsing, and visualization.
- Basic knowledge in networking.
Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Qualifications
- Excellent communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills.
- Complements our culture and the standards that guide our daily behavior & decisions: Integrity, Courage, and Passion.
Relocation benefits are not available for this job posting.
The expected salary range for this position based on the primary location of Oregon is $27.00-$28.00 per hour. Actual pay will be determined based on experience, qualifications, geographic location, and other job-related factors permitted by law. This position also qualifies for paid holiday time off benefits.
Genentech is an equal opportunity employer. It is our policy and practice to employ, promote, and otherwise treat any and all employees and applicants on the basis of merit, qualifications, and competence. The company's policy prohibits unlawful discrimination, including but not limited to, discrimination on the basis of Protected Veteran status, individuals with disabilities status, and consistent with all federal, state, or local laws.
If you have a disability and need an accommodation in relation to the online application process, please contact us by completing this form Accommodations for Applicants.
Automation Internship Market
Who's Hiring



Top Industries Hiring
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals
- Manufacturing
- Artificial Intelligence
- Technology & Software
- Distribution & Wholesale
Tips for Your Automation Internship Search
Apply earlier than you think necessary
Large employers recruit summer automation interns the preceding fall, often closing applications before winter break. Smaller companies and co-op programs post closer to start dates, so openings appear throughout the year. Map out which employers interest you and check their posting cycles so you're not caught applying after a cohort has already closed.
Build project evidence before you send one application
Automation intern hiring teams expect limited work history, so a linked code repository, documented controls project, or CAD portfolio carries more weight than job titles. Complete two or three projects that show the tools you know, host them somewhere reviewers can access them, and reference them directly on your resume.
Work your campus network and apply directly at the same time
Campus career fairs surface structured automation programs tied to your university, and professors or career center staff often know which employers recruit from your school before roles post publicly. Applying directly to companies running smaller cohorts alongside your campus activity widens the pool you reach without duplicating effort.
Practice the automation intern screen out loud
Engineering-track automation internships typically involve a coding screen focused on data structures, algorithms, or controls concepts. Practice solving problems out loud and narrating your reasoning, not just arriving at an answer, because interviewers weigh how you think as much as the final solution. Run through practice problems under timed conditions before your first real screen.
Target structured automation internship programs early
Larger companies in manufacturing, robotics, and industrial technology run cohort or rotational internship programs built to train candidates new to the field. These programs recruit early, fill fast, and often carry clearer mentorship and project structure than ad-hoc intern roles. Identify the programs that fit your background and apply in the first posting wave.
Set your work-type filter before you start searching
On-site roles are 83% of the automation internships listed here. Decide what you can realistically commit to before you start sorting through listings, then filter by location and work type so you're only reviewing roles you can actually take. Applying to roles you'd decline wastes time you could spend on stronger fits.
Automation Internships: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get an automation internship?
Lead with coursework and personal projects rather than work history, since hiring teams expect limited experience at the intern level. For automation candidates, a linked code repository or documented project with clear tooling gives recruiters something concrete to assess. Pair direct applications with campus career fairs, where automation recruiters often move faster for students they meet in person.
Can an automation internship turn into a full-time job?
Many employers extend return offers to strong interns, but conversion is never guaranteed. What actually drives it for automation interns is consistent delivery on real project work, available headcount on the team, and understanding the timeline for return-offer decisions before your internship ends. Position for one by performing well, but don't count on it before you've started.
When should I apply for automation internships?
Earlier than most candidates expect. Large employers recruit summer automation interns the preceding fall, sometimes as early as August or September. Smaller companies and co-op programs post closer to their actual start dates, which means openings appear year-round. Checking listings regularly rather than waiting for a single hiring season gives you the widest window.
Are automation internships paid?
Most professional automation internships in the United States are paid. Compensation varies by company size, industry, and location, and where an employer discloses pay, the listing will show it. Unpaid internships exist but are far less common at established employers in this field.
What should an automation internship resume include?
Lead with projects, not work history. Highlight two or three complete, documented projects that name the tools used and link directly to the work, such as a code repository, published analysis, or CAD portfolio. Add relevant coursework in controls, robotics, or programming. Keep it to one page, which is the standard expectation for internship candidates.
Are there remote automation internships?
Yes. Remote and hybrid roles make up 17% of the automation internship listings here, with the rest on-site. Remote cohorts fill fast, so apply early and filter by work type to see them as soon as they post.
Can international students get automation internships?
Yes. F-1 students can intern through CPT while enrolled or through OPT work authorization after finishing a degree, and the employer does not have to file anything for either, so many companies are open to international interns. Confirm your eligibility and timing with your university's international student office before accepting an offer.
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