---
title: 'GVSU Controls Engineering Intern Co-op at Axis Automation'
canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/gvsu-controls-engineering-intern-co-op-axis-automation-walker-082g6kspp9bw'
type: 'job'
last_seen: '2026-10-23'
---

# GVSU Controls Engineering Intern Co-op at Axis Automation

- **Company:** Axis Automation
- **Location:** Walker, MI
- **Posted:** 2026-10-06
- **Last confirmed live:** 2026-10-23
- **Apply:** https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/axiscompany/jobs/8870866002

## Job description

Controls Engineer Intern

- Position Description –

Position Overview: The Controls Engineering Intern learns and applies foundational automation skills while supporting internal and customer projects under close supervision. The intern works closely with other interns and the Controls team to complete tasks in PLC/HMI/robotics, documentation, and basic commissioning while building good engineering habits in safety, standards, and communication.

Rotational Development Path:

- Rotation 1 – Foundations: Gain familiarity with electrical schematics, PLC coding basics, HMI structure, standards, and documentation. Contribute to Axis internal projects and update documentation for existing customer programs.
- Rotation 2 – Expansion: Tackle more advanced internal projects; begin supporting customer projects (electrical design tasks and code edits). Intro to robot programming and simulation.
- Rotation 3 – Application: Provide hands-on support to customer projects: schematics updates, programming, commissioning, debug, and runoffs with supervision.

Key Responsibilities:

- Completes structured training/checklists; seeks feedback; applies lessons on subsequent tasks.
- Performs small, scoped PLC ladder edits, basic structured-text tweaks, HMI tag routing and simple screens within established architecture and standards.
- Reads and updates prints with redlines; maintains I/O lists, tag maps, device tagging, and device databases under review.
- Assists I/O checkout, device bring-up, and online debug; follows test procedures; supports FAT/SAT with supervision.
- Runs provided simulations; adjusts simple parameters; safely jogs/teaches points with guidance.
- Keeps backups, change logs, and manuals current; practices disciplined version control.
- Works constructively with Mechanical, Electrical, Build, and PM; communicates status/risks early.
- Gathers accurate technical details and relays them to the project lead.
- Follows LOTO/site rules; maintains organized benches, panels, and work areas.
- Learns and practices our Operating Principles daily; asks for feedback; shows timeliness, accountability, and safe execution on small tasks.

Qualifications:

- Education: Currently enrolled in, or recently graduated from, a university program in Electrical/Controls/Mechatronics (or related field).
- Technical Skills:
- PLC/HMI: Basic ladder logic, simple ST edits, tag creation and implementation, simple screens/alarms.
- Robotics: Safe jogging, point teaching, basic tool/frame setup.
- Electrical Basics: Reads schematics/wire lists; verifies wiring against prints.
- Networks & Devices: Basic device/IP setup and commissioning.
- Documentation/Tools: Uses templates, checklists, and version control per team process.
- Communication: Clear, timely communicator with project teams and other interns; asks clarifying questions early; provides crisp status and thorough hand-offs.
- Problem-Solving: Demonstrates critical thinking and a structured troubleshoot-verify-document approach; knows when to escalate with clear context.
- Teamwork: Collaborative, coachable, and respectful; supports peers during busy phases and shares what they learn.
- Reliability: Punctual, meets commitments, follows procedures/standards, and keeps documentation current.
- Travel: Occasional supervised visits to customer sites or supplier facilities as assigned

## About Axis Automation

## Company Overview
- **One-liner**: Axis Automation engineers and builds advanced factory automation solutions, including robotics integration, project management, and service support, for manufacturers across multiple industries.
- **Entity Type**: Private (Funding not publicly disclosed)
- **Headquarters**: Grand Rapids, Michigan, United States
- **Founded**: 2016
- **Founders**: Boyd Vor Broker (Founder & President)

## Core Business
- **Primary industries**: Automation machinery manufacturing, factory automation, robotics integration
- **Markets served**: Automotive, Packaging, Semiconductor, Aerospace, Food & Beverage, Transportation, Health & Medical, Consumer
- **Target customers**: Manufacturers (B2B, primarily mid-market to enterprise)
- **Mission/purpose**: “To be the leading automation solutions provider for the manufacturing community” – supporting the adoption of automation solutions that empower people and enhance productivity

## Products & Services
- **Factory Automation Solutions**: Full lifecycle services including conceptualization, design, engineering, robotics integration, machine build, welding, and deployment – not a packaged SaaS product but a custom engineering and integration service.
- **Project Management & Support**: Dedicated project management, service, and after-deployment support to ensure long-term reliability.
- **Skilled Trades & Co-op Programs**: Internships and co-op positions (partnered with Grand Valley State University) in mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering.

## Market Standing
- **Valuation/Market Cap**: Not publicly disclosed
- **Key Metric**: Headcount ~51 employees (as of 2025/2026; slight YoY decline of 1.3%). Revenue is not publicly disclosed.
- **Notable Investors/Partners**: No external investors identified. Partnered with Grand Valley State University for talent pipeline.
- **Growth Signals**: Monthly headcount growth of +1.4% (LinkedIn estimate); LinkedIn follower growth of +17.1% yearly. Active job postings (10 open positions). However, yearly headcount declined slightly (-1.3%) and job postings decreased 37.5% YoY.

## Competitive Advantages
- Extensive cross-industry experience (automotive, semiconductor, aerospace, etc.)
- Collaborative culture with deep in-house expertise in robotics integration and project management
- Strong local talent partnerships (e.g., Grand Valley State University co-op program) and a reputation for promoting from within
- Full-service offering from concept through deployment and support, reducing handoff friction for customers

## Strategic Focus
- Continued expansion of automation solutions for evolving manufacturing needs
- Emphasis on teamwork and employee development to retain expertise and drive quality
- Supporting adoption of automation to “empower people and enhance productivity” – likely investing in new technologies (e.g., advanced robotics, Industry 4.0 integration)

## Why Work Here
- **Culture**: Described as “powerhouse team with exceptional project execution” and a “collaborative culture”; employee reviews on LinkedIn rate culture 5.0/5.0 and career opportunities 4.4/5.0.
- **Benefits**: Comprehensive benefits package with immediate eligibility upon hire.
- **Career Development**: Strong promotion-from-within philosophy; co-op/internship pipeline to full-time roles.
- **Work Environment**: Offices in Grand Rapids, MI; no explicit remote/hybrid policy mentioned, likely on-site given the hands-on nature of automation engineering.
- **Team**: Small but tight-knit (51 employees) with experienced leadership across engineering, project management, and applications.

## Sources
1. [Axis Automation Official Website](https://www.axisco.com/)
2. [Axis Automation Careers Page](https://www.axisco.com/careers)
3. [Axis Automation LinkedIn Page](https://www.linkedin.com/company/axiscoautomation)
4. [Axis Automation About Us](https://www.axisco.com/about-us)
5. [Axis Automation Contact](https://www.axisco.com/contact)

## Other roles at Axis Automation

- [Senior Mechanical Engineer - Automation](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-mechanical-engineer-automation-axis-automation-walker-mp74t641dgp8) — Walker, MI
- [Machine Builder Level 3](https://feeny.ai/job/machine-builder-level-3-axis-automation-walker-765th6qezcpm) — Walker, MI
- [Mechanical Engineer Levels 2 - 3](https://feeny.ai/job/mechanical-engineer-levels-2-3-axis-automation-walker-78cyfrbnzr7q) — Walker, MI
- [GVSU Mechanical Engineering Intern Co-op](https://feeny.ai/job/gvsu-mechanical-engineering-intern-co-op-axis-automation-walker-hnfjfqxzdx7p) — Walker, MI
- [Applications Engineer Level 3/4](https://feeny.ai/job/applications-engineer-level-3-4-axis-automation-walker-z7j34cqsqejf) — Walker, MI
- [Controls Electrician](https://feeny.ai/job/controls-electrician-axis-automation-walker-snbaaaz8zeqc) — Walker, MI
- [Senior Controls Engineer - Automation](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-controls-engineer-automation-axis-automation-walker-pcp0jwdq21cq) — Walker, MI
- [Welding Engineer Intern](https://feeny.ai/job/welding-engineer-intern-axis-automation-walker-12c2ndsx1ymt) — Walker, MI
- [Project Manager](https://feeny.ai/job/project-manager-axis-automation-walker-073fce1wan2b) — Walker, MI
- [Controls Engineer Levels 2/3](https://feeny.ai/job/controls-engineer-levels-2-3-axis-automation-walker-m18j0nnpzk52) — Walker, MI