Operational Technology Intern (OTCR Group)

Operational Technology Intern (OTCR Group) Pay rate: $26hr (Lake Oswego, OR). Status: Full-time, Exempt. Location(s): Lake Oswego, OR ( This position requires in-office attendance. This internship is ideal for students interested in industrial automation, PLC programming, SCADA systems, and operational technology (OT) within critical infrastructure environments. Your work will contribute to systems that provide safe drinking water, protect public health, and improve the resilience of critical infrastructure serving communities across the United States. This is not a "shadowing" internship. You will work alongside experienced engineers and consultants on real projects supporting critical water and wastewater infrastructure. We are looking for curious, self‑motivated individuals who want hands‑on experience, enjoy solving technical problems, and are excited to learn how automation, OT, and cybersecurity are applied in the real world. Successful interns will leave with practical experience, professional mentorship, and a strong foundation for a career in industrial automation and critical infrastructure consulting. Who Thrives Here naturally curious and eager to learn comfortable tackling unfamiliar technical challenges strong problem‑solvers interested in engineering, technology, and real‑world operations motivated to contribute beyond assigned tasks effective communicators and team collaborators What You’ll Learn industrial automation and control systems engineering PLC and SCADA platforms used in critical infrastructure OT cybersecurity and digital resilience principles engineering consulting and project delivery technical communication and client interaction real‑world troubleshooting and system integration As an intern, you will be assigned meaningful project work and will be expected to take ownership of specific deliverables with guidance from senior team members. Depending on experience and project needs, interns will perform: PLC programming and SCADA configuration human–machine interface (HMI) development control system troubleshooting and commissioning technical writing and development of control strategies and SOPs control system and network infrastructure design electrical, control and instrumentation design technology master planning and existing system assessments risk and resilience assessments for critical infrastructure systems submittal reviews and engineering support tasks cybersecurity and operational technology initiatives research of emerging OT technologies and present recommendations to project teams Services Provided by the OTCR Group Process Controls and Optimization: PLC programming, SCADA configuration, HMI development, control system integration, troubleshooting, commissioning, and OT system improvements for water and wastewater utilities. Digital Resilience: assessment and improvement of OT cybersecurity, risk and resilience planning, emergency preparedness, and implementation of strategies to maintain reliable operations during cyber, physical, or environmental events. Electrical, Instrumentation and Controls Design: engineering for industrial facilities, including control panel layouts, instrumentation integration, power distribution coordination, control system design, and engineering drawings and specifications. Technology Master Planning: evaluation of existing SCADA and OT systems, development of improvement recommendations, and long‑term planning for modernization and infrastructure upgrades. Project Management: support for project coordination, scheduling, and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams throughout planning, design, implementation, and commissioning activities. Qualifications Core Responsibilities Function as an integral support team member and Operations Technology Specialist‑in‑training. Assist with PLC programming and SCADA configuration activities. Support troubleshooting, commissioning, system upgrades, and operational testing activities. Assist with development of technical documentation including control strategies, SOPs, and technical memoranda. Support SCADA Master Plan development efforts, including existing condition assessments, conceptual alternatives analysis, recommendations, and implementation planning. Collaborate with engineers, programmers, and project managers on multidisciplinary project tasks. Conduct technical research and assist with engineering and OT‑related tasks as needed. Additional Responsibilities Assist with electrical, instrumentation, and controls engineering and design activities. Support development of risk and resilience assessments and emergency preparedness planning efforts. Assist with technology architecture and OT system reviews. Support review of technical submittals and engineering documentation. Assist with development of policies, procedures, and technical standards documentation. Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities Strong interest in industrial automation, OT, control systems, and critical infrastructure systems. Foundational understanding of engineering, troubleshooting, or programming concepts. Ability to learn technical systems and apply problem‑solving skills in a team environment. Strong written and verbal communication skills, including technical documentation. Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships. Ability to manage multiple assignments and consistently meet deadlines. Strong attention to detail and commitment to high‑quality work. Demonstrated professionalism and ethical behavior. Nice to Haves Familiarity with water and/or wastewater operations, engineering, or infrastructure systems. Exposure to PLC programming, SCADA systems, industrial networking, or automation concepts. Experience troubleshooting automation, communication, or computer systems. Familiarity with electrical design concepts, instrumentation, control panels, or power distribution systems. Familiarity with scripting languages such as Python or similar. Exposure to cybersecurity, networking, servers, IoT, or OT environments. Familiarity with technical drawings, hardware layouts, or engineering specifications. Relevant coursework, laboratory experience, personal projects, or internships related to controls, automation, or OT. Required Education and/or Experience Currently pursuing or recently completed a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Industrial Cybersecurity, Mathematics, or a related technical discipline. Preferred Education and/or Experience Coursework, project experience, laboratory experience, or internships related to industrial automation, control systems, SCADA, PLC programming, networking, or cybersecurity. Interest in water, wastewater, environmental, or critical infrastructure systems. Experience with technical writing, troubleshooting, or engineering documentation. Familiarity with programming languages, scripting, or industrial communication concepts. Preferred Certifications PLC, SCADA, industrial automation, or controls‑related coursework or training. Water, wastewater, environmental, or critical infrastructure systems‑related coursework or training. Networking, cybersecurity, or OT‑related coursework or training. CompTIA Network+ CompTIA Security+ Travel Requirements May require travel to other offices and/or client offices. Benefits Medical, dental, and vision coverage. Flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts (with West Yost contribution). Paid vacation, paid sick leave, and holidays. Employee assistance programs, travel assistance program, 401(k) profit sharing with employer match. Leaves of absence with supplemental paid time off, parental leave, life and AD&D insurance. Short‑term and long‑term disability insurance. Pet insurance. 529 college savings plan/student loan repayment program, tuition reimbursement, paid professional memberships, paid training, Leadership Academy programs. Recognition through milestone anniversary benefits, peer‑to‑peer recognition programs, potential for employee stock ownership, annual monetary and paid time off bonuses, performance‑based bonus eligibility, merit increase eligibility, and employee referral bonuses. Wellness reimbursement. #J-18808-Ljbffr West Yost