Position
Automation and Controls Engineering Co-Op
Location
US format: Arden, NC
About Us
BorgWarner is a global product leader in delivering innovative and sustainable mobility solutions. We are a company of innovators and independent thinkers that brings together talented employees, meaningful work and amazing technology in a unique environment. At BorgWarner, we constantly work towards our vision of a clean and energy-efficient world.
Our Culture
BorgWarner promotes and nurtures a diverse and inclusive environment, honors integrity, strives for excellence, commits to responsibility for our communities and the environment, and builds on the power of collaboration. We believe the health and safety of our employees are a top priority.
Career Opportunities
We manage talent as seriously as we manage our businesses and encourage you to learn about our proud history, strong culture, technologies, and vision for the future. We offer positions locally and globally with over 80 locations in 19 countries.
If this position energizes you and you feel you can help us achieve our mission and vision, you are invited to submit an application for consideration.
You may see the list of requirements and feel you do not meet all of them. However, remember that BorgWarner thinks differently. If your qualifications align with the majority of those outlined in this job description, we encourage you to apply and share your experience and skills with us.
For a listing of Asheville/Arden openings: BorgWarner Openings
Job Purpose
The BorgWarner Arden campus offers two world class technical centers and a cutting-edge manufacturing facility that designs and produces turbos, fan, and fan drive components for the automotive industry. The Arden campus offers a multitude of career opportunities and is in the beautiful mountains of Western North Carolina.
We are seeking a controls-focused Automation & Controls Engineering co-op to support PLC and HMI/SCADA activities in a high-volume manufacturing environment. This is a hands-on learning role where you will work alongside Controls Engineers and Maintenance teams to help maintain, troubleshoot, document, and improve industrial automation systems while building strong foundational skills in controls engineering.
Key Responsibilities
Assist with PLC programming tasks such as adding or updating tags, implementing simple ladder logic changes, and supporting standardized code structure under engineering review
Help with commissioning and validation activities (I/O checks, sensor verification, device addressing, safety interlock verification) and document test results.
Support troubleshooting of automation equipment by collecting symptoms, checking I/O status and alarms, and helping identify root causes with a mentor.
Assist with basic industrial networking and device communications checks (e.g., Ethernet/IP, Profinet, Modbus) under guidance
Document system configurations, troubleshooting notes, and standard work instructions; help build training and turnover materials.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams (Operations, Maintenance, Quality, IT/BRM) to support production, reduce downtime, and improve reliability.
Support continuous improvement activities by gathering data, performing basic analysis, and proposing small enhancements under supervision
Follow all BorgWarner safety rules and EHS requirements while working around energized equipment and production machinery
What we are looking for
Working towards a Bachelor’s degree in Mechatronics Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Automation Engineering, Robotics, Computer Science, or a related engineering discipline.
Academic or project-based exposure to PLC concepts and logic (Ladder, Function Block, or Structured Text)
Basic understanding of sensors, actuators, motors/drives, and control fundamentals
Ability to read (or learn to read) electrical schematics and follow troubleshooting steps
Proficiency in Microsoft Suite
Comfort using a laptop and basic tools for commissioning/troubleshooting in a plant environment.
Strong problem-solving mindset, curiosity, and willingness to learn quickly.
Clear communication skills and ability to document work and follow standard processes.
Preferred experience:
Exposure to PLCs
Exposure to HMI/SCADA platforms
Exposure to industrial communications and basic networking concepts
Basic scripting/programming skills (Python, SQL, C/C++)
Hands-on lab or project experience with robotics or motion control
What we offer
All positions start at an above market pay rate for that position. Benefits are also above market and include the below for all student employees:
Retirement Savings Plan (401k) with a matching program
All positions are paid opportunities based on college class standing
Housing support and travel reimbursement according to policy requirements
Join the company that is creating solutions that support a cleaner, more energy-efficient world. For more information about BorgWarner, please visit www.borgwarner.com