Overview
Protection & Automation Mechanical Engineering Summer - Fall 2026 Co-op (North Carolina State University) at Siemens.
What you'll do
- Rotate through PPA teams (typically each summer, fall, and spring) such as Solutions Engineering, Solutions Offers, Customer Solutions & Innovations (CSI), and Global Customer Care (GCC), with exposure to other departments across PPA. Learn each team's day-to-day role while gaining a deeper understanding of the full project lifecycle.
- In Solutions Engineering, assist with configuring protective relays, RTUs, and HMIs, support system testing and troubleshooting, and gain practical experience with AC / DC schematics, wiring diagrams, communication diagrams, and logic diagrams.
- In Solutions Offers, learn how technical scope is translated into engineering hours, costs, and customer proposals.
- In Customer Solutions & Innovations (CSI), help standardize solutions and prepare customer-ready designs for execution.
- In Global Customer Care (GCC), see how projects are supported after delivery, including warranty, issue resolution, and customer case management.
Program exposure
Protection – designing and implementing relay-based systems that safeguard transformers, motors, and substations.Automation – configuring RTUs, HMIs, relays, and communication networks to ensure smooth operation and reliable data exchange.Successful Co-Ops may transition into the full-time Protection & Automation Engineering Development Program (PA EDP), with potential for later specialization in either Protection or Automation.You'll impact the program by
Assisting with and completing development work on protection and automation projects to improve engineering productivity.Learning how to configure and test Siemens energy automation systems, including Remote Terminal Units (RTUs), protection relays, and Human Machine Interfaces (HMIs).Supporting engineering design processes by working with AC / DC schematic drawings, single line drawings, logic diagrams, signal lists, and communication network diagrams.Using digital twin technology to simulate and test protection relay signals in a digital environment.Contributing to projects such as Microgrids and renewable technologies including photovoltaic panels and battery storage systems.Gaining practical experience in testing Automation panels, conducting Factory Acceptance Tests (FATs) with customers, and working in the Power & Automation laboratory.Gaining hands-on experience with Siemens electrical equipment, including switchgear, motor control centers, breakers, transformers, and more, through direct exposure and practical application.Based on progress and learning path, opportunities may arise to accompany senior engineers to customer sites for on-site, real-world experiences.Qualifications
Current undergraduate student pursuing a bachelor's or master's degree in Mechanical Engineering at North Carolina State University.Candidates must be enrolled with the NCSU co-op program and cannot graduate prior to December 2026.Legally authorized to work in the United States on a continual and permanent basis without company sponsorship.Eligible candidates must be located within 50 miles of Wendell, NC as this role does not provide housing or relocation support.Ability to work full-time during the Summer and Fall 2026 semesters. On-site requirement will vary based on team placement, as will expected working hours.About Siemens
We are a global technology company focused on industry, infrastructure, transport, and healthcare. From more resource-efficient factories, resilient supply chains, and smarter buildings and grids, to sustainable transportation as well as advanced healthcare, we create technology with purpose adding real value for customers.
Our Commitment to Equity and Inclusion in our Diverse Global Workforce : We value your unique identity and perspective. We are fully committed to providing equitable opportunities and building a workplace that reflects the diversity of society, while ensuring that we attract the best talent based on qualifications, skills, and experiences.
Learn more about Siemens here.
Location
Wendell, NC
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