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Industrial Software Engineer Intern/Co-op (E&A)

SMS group Inc. - East Pittsburgh

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Pittsburgh, PA
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Job Description

As posted by the hiring company

Job Overview:

Summary

This program offers hands-on experience in developing, deploying and servicing Supervisory and Advanced Process Control Systems (Level-2) that optimize real-time manufacturing processes in the metals industry. 

You will work closely with senior engineers, gaining practical exposure to full-stack software development using C#/.NET and MS SQL, and learning how complex mathematical models are integrated into production systems. This role bridges academic knowledge with real-world industrial applications. 

Who we are

At SMS group, our people are our greatest asset. We offer an entrepreneurial environment that promotes a culture of innovation, growth, and inclusion. We offer company events, activities, and opportunities to participate in charitable initiatives that benefit the communities where we work. 

www.sms-group.us 

What you'll do 

Key Responsibilities

 Software Development Support 

  • Assist in coding non-critical components within the Level-2 framework using C#/.NET (helper functions, data parsers, unit tests). 
  • Support HMI/UI development by implementing minor features or updates for desktop/web-based user interfaces. 
  • Learn to configure industrial communication tools and drivers for information exchange with Level-1 system and various production systems. 

 

Data Analysis & Modeling Support 

  • Write and optimize SQL queries to extract and analyze historical process data. 
  • Validate data integrity within Level-2 archives to ensure clean, reliable inputs for process models. 
  • Document and review input/output parameters of metallurgical or mathematical models. 

 

Testing & Documentation 

  • Conduct functional and integration testing of Level-2 modules (e.g., Order Data Management, Data Archiving) and report issues. 
  • Create and update technical documentation, including requirements, design, user guides. 
  • Observe key project milestones such as Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT) and system deployment. 

 

Technical Exposure 

  • Languages & Frameworks: C#, .NET, Python (optional) 
  • Databases: MS SQL Server 
  • Industrial Communication: TCP/IP protocols, OPC DA/UA 
  • Version Control: Git 
  • Visualization/BI Tools: Grafana, Metabase 

 

Learning & Growth Opportunities 

  • Hands-on experience with mission-critical automation systems 
  • Mentorship from senior engineers and technical consultants 
  • Exposure to Agile development practices and industrial project lifecycles 
  • Foundation for careers in Automation Systems Engineering, Industrial Software Development, or Process Optimization in the metals industry 

What you'll need

  • Education: Currently enrolled in a Bachelor’s or Master’s program in any engineering discipline, physics, mathematics, or other related STEM fields, with some coding experience (academic coursework or personal projects). 

 

  • Core Competencies:
    1.  Critical thinking combined with strong analytical and problem-solving skills to approach complex challenges logically and effectively. 
    2. Collaboration skills for working in cross-functional teams and contributing to shared goals. 
    3. Excellent written and verbal communication. 
    4. High curiosity and eagerness to learn industrial automation and process control. 

 

  • Technical Skills (Preferred): 
    1. Coursework or projects in Object-Oriented Programming (C#, Java, Python). 
    2. Basic understanding of relational databases and SQL. 
    3. Familiarity with version control tools (e.g., Git). 

 

Career Path After Internship 

Successful interns and co-op students may advance into roles such as: 

  • Industrial Software Engineer – Develop advanced automation and control applications 
  • Automation Systems Engineer – Design and implement Level-2 supervisory control systems 
  • Process Engineer – Optimize production workflows and integrate automation solutions 
  • Project Engineer / Technical Consultant – Lead automation and process improvement initiatives 

What we do 

SMS group is the leading partner in the world of metals. We are an original equipment supplier offering comprehensive maintenance and spare part services for metals production, continuous casting and rolling (flat and long products), tubes, welded pipes, forging, non-ferrous technology, and heat treatment plants - all from a single source. 

SMS group Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, gender identity or other categories protected by law. 

 

 

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