System Integrator Intern – I – Critical Infrastructure in Dallas, Texas at SmartTech Contracting LLC

Smart Tech Contracting delivers turnkey BAS & EPMS solutions for mission-critical colocation and hyperscale data centers operating at national program scale. As a Master Systems Integrator (MSI), we unify controls construction (DDC, PLC, SCADA) with software engineering, optimized graphics / UI standards, and program-level governance.

Complex integrations are delivered cleanly, consistently, and fast. Our teams thrive in high-stakes environments where quality control and uptime matters, schedules are compressed, and coordination is everything.

Join us and be part of a team where your voice matters, your work makes an impact, and your growth is a shared priority.

Position Title: System Integrator Intern – I – Critical Infrastructure

Position Location: Remote - work virtually from anywhere in the United States, Atlanta, GA, or Dallas, TX

Summer 2027 Internship Dates: May 17th, 2027- August 13th, 2027

JOB SUMMARY

The System Integration Intern supports the installation, startup, testing, commissioning, and deployment of Building Automation Systems (BAS), Electrical Power Monitoring Systems (EPMS), PLC, and SCADA systems on mission-critical infrastructure projects.

This is a hands-on field-focused internship designed for students and early-career individuals interested in industrial automation, controls, commissioning, and system integration. Interns will work alongside experienced System Integrators, Controls Engineers, and SCADA Engineers to learn how physical equipment, field devices, PLCs, networks, and software systems operate together.

Interns will gain experience working at the intersection of controls hardware, industrial networking, PLCs, SCADA software, and field deployment activities. The role serves as a bridge between physical system installation and software implementation, helping interns understand how automation systems are deployed, validated, commissioned, and supported in real-world environments.

This position includes significant project-site exposure and provides opportunities to participate in construction, startup, testing, commissioning, deployment, and Integrated Systems Testing (IST) activities.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Installation, Startup & Field Support

Assist with verification of controls installations and field wiringSupport point-to-point checkout and I/O verification activitiesAssist with startup and testing of BAS, EPMS, PLC, and SCADA systemsHelp verify field devices, sensors, actuators, instrumentation, and network communicationsSupport troubleshooting efforts during startup and commissioning activitiesDocument field observations, deficiencies, and corrective actions

Testing & Commissioning

Participate in system startup, commissioning, and Integrated Systems Testing (IST) activitiesAssist with execution of test procedures and validation of system operationSupport functional testing of equipment and control sequencesHelp verify system operation against project requirements and sequences of operationAssist with owner demonstrations and turnover activities when appropriate

Controls & Automation Exposure

Gain exposure to Rockwell Automation PLC platforms and industrial control systemsAssist with PLC startup, troubleshooting, and communications testingLearn SCADA fundamentals, including Ignition 8.3 deployment and operationLearn software deployment, gateway administration, and system validation practicesGain exposure to industrial communication protocols including Ethernet/IP, Modbus, BACnet, MQTT, and OPC UAAssist with validating connectivity between PLCs, SCADA systems, databases, APIs, and enterprise applicationsGain exposure to operational technology (OT) and information technology (IT) integration conceptsLearn how industrial protocols are used to integrate PLCs, SCADA systems, BAS systems, EPMS systems, field devices, and enterprise applications

Technical Documentation & Digital Tools

Complete daily reports, field notes, issue logs, and testing documentationAssist with updating redlines, as-built documentation, and punch listsUse Microsoft Office and digital project tools to organize project informationGain exposure to Git, Azure DevOps, and software development workflowsUtilize approved AI-enabled tools to improve reporting, documentation, and learning

Technical Growth & Development

Participate in Ignition 8.3 training with the potential opportunity to earn an Ignition Core CertificationParticipate in OSHA 10 safety training and other professional development opportunities as applicableLearn commissioning, startup, deployment, and troubleshooting best practices from experienced field personnelGain practical exposure to mission-critical infrastructure environmentsParticipate in technical training, toolbox talks, and project coordination meetingsDemonstrate continuous improvement through feedback, learning, and hands-on experience

Completion of Assigned Tasks and Deliverables on Time and on Budget

Performs Other Related Duties as Assigned

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

Interest in controls, automation, commissioning, PLCs, SCADA, and industrial systemsBasic understanding of electrical systems, networking, automation, or mechanical systemsWillingness to work in construction and commissioning environmentsStrong communication skills and willingness to learnAbility to work both independently and as part of a project teamAbility to travel to project sites as required

PREFERRED (NOT REQUIRED)

o Exposure to PLCs, SCADA systems, BAS, EPMS, or industrial automation systems

o Familiarity with Rockwell Automation products

o Exposure to Ignition, Modbus, BACnet, MQTT, OPC UA, or industrial networking

o Exposure to Git, Azure DevOps, Docker, Kubernetes, or modern software deployment tools

o Familiarity with APIs, JSON, MQTT, software integration concepts, or AI-assisted development

o Previous internship, trade school, laboratory, military, or hands-on technical experience

o Experience using hand tools, meters, testing equipment, or troubleshooting electrical systems

DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Ignition 8.3 SCADA deployment, administration, and developmentPotential opportunity to earn an Ignition Core CertificationOSHA 10 CertificationRockwell Automation PLC hardware and software platformsStartup, commissioning, Integrated Systems Testing (IST), and owner acceptance activitiesBAS, EPMS, PLC, and SCADA integrationIndustrial networking fundamentals including switches, VLANs, routing, and network troubleshootingIndustrial communication protocols including EtherNet/IP, BACnet/IP, BACnet MS/TP, Modbus TCP, Modbus RTU, MQTT, and OPC UATroubleshooting communications between PLCs, SCADA systems, field controllers, sensors, meters, and third-party equipmentSystem integration between operational technology (OT) and information technology (IT) environmentsGit, Azure DevOps, and modern software delivery practicesDocker containers, Kubernetes, and orchestration fundamentalsAPIs, databases, and software integration conceptsGenerative AI, agentic AI, and AI-assisted engineering workflowsField troubleshooting, deployment, operational support, and system validationMentorship from experienced System Integrators, Controls Engineers, and SCADA Engineers

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The following physical demands must be met by the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Frequently standing, walking, climbing ladders, and working in active construction environmentsWorking in mechanical rooms, electrical rooms, rooftops, and confined spacesLifting and carrying equipment weighing up to 50 poundsWorking in varying environmental conditions, including heat, cold, humidity, dust, noise, and outdoor weatherUsing hand tools, test equipment, laptops, and instrumentation for extended periodsTraveling to customer sites and working extended hours during project startup and commissioning activities as required

TRAVEL / RELOCATION REQUIREMENTS

Approximately 50–75% travel is required based on project assignments Travel may include overnight stays, extended assignments at customer project sites, and temporary relocation for the duration of major construction projectsEmployees who reside within a reasonable commuting distance of the assigned project site will be expected to travel to and from the site daily rather than utilize overnight accommodationsMust possess and maintain a valid driver's license and be able to travel by automobile and commercial air as requiredAvailability to work extended schedules, weekends, holidays, and multiple shifts during critical project milestones, startup, commissioning, and Integrated Systems Testing (IST)

EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

Currently pursuing or recently completed technical education in:

o Industrial Automation

o Electrical Engineering

o Mechanical Engineering

o Controls Engineering

o Engineering Technology

o Computer Engineering

o Industrial Technology

o A related technical discipline

BENEFITS

Smart Tech Contracting offers a very competitive benefits package; highlights include

Choice of comprehensive medical plans (including two PPO-style plans and a HDHP w/ HSA option)Dental and vision plansComprehensive medical, dental and vision benefits extended to spouse / domestic partner and dependent children up to age 26401k with company match and self-directed brokerage account optionPTO including additional paid time off during the last week of the yearCompany paid life insurance coverage for employees and their eligible dependentsShort and long-term disability, AD&D coverageProfessional development opportunities, tuition reimbursement and professional licensing assistancePaid parental leave after one year of employment

CO, CA, IL, NY, WA, and Washington DC residents only: In accordance with CO, CA, IL, NY, WA, and Washington DC law, the range provided is STC's reasonable estimate of the base compensation for this role. The actual amount may differ based on non-discriminatory factors such as experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, and location.

Smart Tech Contracting is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer and participates in the E-Verify program with the Department of Homeland Security. We encourage diversity in our workforce.

Are you ready to challenge yourself and redefine standards in the AEC industry? Apply now and join our award-winning team!

NOTICE TO THIRD PARTY AGENCIES:

STC does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters, employment agencies, or other staffing services. Unsolicited resumes include any resume or hiring document sent to STC in the absence of a signed Service Agreement where STC has expressly requested recruitment/staffing services specific to the position at hand. Any unsolicited resumes, including those submitted to hiring managers or other business leaders, will become the property of STC and STC will have the right to hire that candidate without reservation – no fee or other compensation will be owed or paid to the recruiter, employment agency, or other staffing service.

The pay range for this role is:27.50 - 27.50 USD per hour(Remote (United States))