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 Manufacturing, Electronics & Hardware, and Distribution & Wholesale, with Tesla, Siemens, and CDM Smith among the employers posting roles now.
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About us
We are the leading provider of professional services to the middle market globally, our purpose is to instill confidence in a world of change, empowering our clients and people to realize their full potential. Our exceptional people are the key to our unrivaled, culture and talent experience and our ability to be compelling to our clients. You’ll find an environment that inspires and empowers you to thrive both personally and professionally. There’s no one like you and that’s why there’s nowhere like RSM.
Examples of the candidate’s responsibilities include
- Supporting sales and use tax consulting and automation engagements
- Assisting with tax technology implementations, system testing, and process improvement initiatives
- Analyzing client data and preparing project deliverables and documentation
- Researching state and local tax regulations to support compliance efforts and technology solution design
Qualifications
- 90 credit hours completed
- Working towards B.A. / B.S. degree or equivalent from accredited university
- Majoring in Accounting, Accounting Information Systems, IT or similar technology majors
- Travel to assigned client locations is required. Must have access to and ability to arrange for use of reliable modes of transportation to those locations
- A minimum 3.0 GPA is preferred
Preferred qualifications
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Strong computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Excel
- Ability to work effectively on a team
- Ability to work and multitask in a fast-paced environment
At RSM, we offer a competitive benefits and compensation package for all our people. We offer flexibility in your schedule, empowering you to balance life’s demands, while also maintaining your ability to serve clients. Learn more about our total rewards at https://rsmus.com/careers/working-at-rsm/benefits.
All applicants will receive consideration for employment as RSM does not tolerate discrimination and/or harassment based on race; color; creed; sincerely held religious beliefs, practices or observances; sex (including pregnancy or disabilities related to nursing); gender; sexual orientation; HIV Status; national origin; ancestry; familial or marital status; age; physical or mental disability; citizenship; political affiliation; medical condition (including family and medical leave); domestic violence victim status; past, current or prospective service in the US uniformed service; US Military/Veteran status; pre-disposing genetic characteristics or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state or local law.
Accommodation for applicants with disabilities is available upon request in connection with the recruitment process and/or employment/partnership. RSM is committed to providing equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for people with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete an application, interview, or otherwise participate in the recruiting process, please call us at 800-274-3978 or send us an email at careers@rsmus.com.
RSM does not intend to hire entry-level candidates who require sponsorship now or in the future. This includes individuals who will one day request or require RSM to file or complete immigration-related forms or prepare letters on their behalf in order for them to obtain or continue their work authorization.
RSM will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records. For those living in California or applying to a position in California
At RSM, an employee’s pay at any point in their career is intended to reflect their experiences, performance, and skills for their current role. The salary range (or starting rate for interns and associates) for this role represents numerous factors considered in the hiring decisions including, but not limited to, education, skills, work experience, certifications, location, etc. As such, pay for the successful candidate(s) could fall anywhere within the stated range.
Compensation Range: $36 - $43 per hourAbout us
We are the leading provider of professional services to the middle market globally, our purpose is to instill confidence in a world of change, empowering our clients and people to realize their full potential. Our exceptional people are the key to our unrivaled, culture and talent experience and our ability to be compelling to our clients. You’ll find an environment that inspires and empowers you to thrive both personally and professionally. There’s no one like you and that’s why there’s nowhere like RSM.
Examples of the candidate’s responsibilities include
- Supporting sales and use tax consulting and automation engagements
- Assisting with tax technology implementations, system testing, and process improvement initiatives
- Analyzing client data and preparing project deliverables and documentation
- Researching state and local tax regulations to support compliance efforts and technology solution design
Qualifications
- 90 credit hours completed
- Working towards B.A. / B.S. degree or equivalent from accredited university
- Majoring in Accounting, Accounting Information Systems, IT or similar technology majors
- Travel to assigned client locations is required. Must have access to and ability to arrange for use of reliable modes of transportation to those locations
- A minimum 3.0 GPA is preferred
Preferred qualifications
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Strong computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Excel
- Ability to work effectively on a team
- Ability to work and multitask in a fast-paced environment
At RSM, we offer a competitive benefits and compensation package for all our people. We offer flexibility in your schedule, empowering you to balance life’s demands, while also maintaining your ability to serve clients. Learn more about our total rewards at https://rsmus.com/careers/working-at-rsm/benefits.
All applicants will receive consideration for employment as RSM does not tolerate discrimination and/or harassment based on race; color; creed; sincerely held religious beliefs, practices or observances; sex (including pregnancy or disabilities related to nursing); gender; sexual orientation; HIV Status; national origin; ancestry; familial or marital status; age; physical or mental disability; citizenship; political affiliation; medical condition (including family and medical leave); domestic violence victim status; past, current or prospective service in the US uniformed service; US Military/Veteran status; pre-disposing genetic characteristics or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state or local law.
Accommodation for applicants with disabilities is available upon request in connection with the recruitment process and/or employment/partnership. RSM is committed to providing equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for people with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete an application, interview, or otherwise participate in the recruiting process, please call us at 800-274-3978 or send us an email at careers@rsmus.com.
RSM does not intend to hire entry-level candidates who require sponsorship now or in the future. This includes individuals who will one day request or require RSM to file or complete immigration-related forms or prepare letters on their behalf in order for them to obtain or continue their work authorization.
RSM will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records. For those living in California or applying to a position in California
At RSM, an employee’s pay at any point in their career is intended to reflect their experiences, performance, and skills for their current role. The salary range (or starting rate for interns and associates) for this role represents numerous factors considered in the hiring decisions including, but not limited to, education, skills, work experience, certifications, location, etc. As such, pay for the successful candidate(s) could fall anywhere within the stated range.
Compensation Range: $36 - $43 per hourAutomation Internship Market
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Manufacturing
- Electronics & Hardware
- Distribution & Wholesale
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals
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 77% 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 23% 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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