Automation Engineering Intern
Polar SemiconductorIndustrial Engineer Intern
Location: Bloomington, MN| [On-Site]
Employment Type: Temporary – 12-13 weeks
About the Role
The Industrial Automation Engineering Intern will report to the Lead Engineer within the Industrial Engineering group and support automation, operational efficiency, and manufacturing improvement initiatives. This role is ideal for someone interested in the intersection of automation systems, factory operations, and industrial engineering principles.
You will collaborate closely with Industrial Engineering, Operations, Process Engineering, IT/Integration teams, and Maintenance Engineering to support automation-related projects including AMR (Autonomous Mobile Robot) integration and AMHS (Automated Material Handling System) workflows.
Key Responsibilities
- Perform capacity studies and develop reports on key toolsets to improve modeling accuracy for production planning
- Conduct labor studies and identify improvement opportunities that enhance operational efficiency
- Support integration work between automation systems (AMHS, AMRs) and internal software systems
- Analyze robot workflow data and assist in developing optimized transport logic and process flows
- Participate in fab floor observations to identify operational bottlenecks and improvement opportunities
- Assist with system tests, data validation, and troubleshooting for automation-related projects
- Utilize analytical and engineering software tools (Excel, SQL, Python, Power BI, simulation tools, etc.) to solve complex problems and present findings
- Prepare clear documentation, reports, and presentations for engineering stakeholders
Qualifications
Required:
- Pursuing a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial & Systems Engineering, Automation Engineering, Robotic Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field; must have completed sophomore year
- Foundational skills in statistical analysis, programming basics, and optimization techniques
- Strong analytical/problem-solving skills and the ability to work with large datasets
- Interest in automation technologies, factory operations, and system integration
- Effective communication skills and willingness to collaborate across engineering and operations teams
Preferred (Nice to Have):
- Experience or coursework related to automation systems, robotics, material handling, or system integration
- Familiarity with AMRs, MES, MCS, PLCs, or manufacturing software systems
- Basic knowledge of Python, SQL, or simulation/optimization tools.
- Exposure to industrial engineering methods (time studies, workflow analysis, Lean principles)
About Us
At Polar Semiconductor, we’re on a mission to fulfill our future as the U.S. based manufacturing partner of choice for differentiated power and sensor technologies. With a $525M investment from the CHIPs Act, the state of Minnesota, and private equity, we are looking for the best in the industry to help Polar transform from a captive fab to a pure-play foundry. We are doubling our manufacturing capacity and investing in advanced BCD and Wide Bandgap technology such as GaN. Polar has a long history in manufacturing automotive grade semiconductors and we are expanding in strategic markets such as national defense and AI data centers. We pride ourselves on state-of-the-art semiconductor manufacturing, a collaborative culture, and a commitment to helping our customers succeed.
What We Offer:
Salary: $25.50 - $32.20 per hour. Pay offered is based on many factors including, but not limited to, the job-related experience, skills, education, and credentials of each candidate.
Benefits & Other Eligible Compensation: Includes 401(k) plan and paid time off.
Polar Semiconductor is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. We are committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate.
About Minneapolis/St. Paul Area
Our offices and manufacturing facility are located in Bloomington, Minnesota, a suburb of Minneapolis. Living in the Minneapolis / Saint Paul area offers a strong sense of community, a vibrant arts and music scene, and abundant outdoor activities year-round. The city boasts a lower cost of living than many major metros, excellent parks and lakes, and a well-educated workforce with diverse job opportunities. Its distinct seasons bring variety, from colorful autumns to lively summers filled with festivals and waterfront activities.