Automation Engineering Intern - Commutable/Local Only

This opportunity is available through Project Onramp, a program to help Pell-granted undergraduates gain access to paid summer internships, industry mentors, and early career training in the Life Sciences sector and related industries. We are partnered with 100+ companies across the country, and have placed 1,000 students in summer internships since 2019. You can read more about us here.

PROJECT ONRAMP

THIS PROGRAM HAS NO COST TO STUDENTS. IT IS FREE.

Automation Engineering Intern

🚨 IMPORTANT ELIGIBILITY NOTE: 

 Applicants MUST permanently reside or ALREADY HAVE CONFIRMED HOUSING within a commutable distance of the facility. Housing/relocation is NOT provided. 

• Location: Bridgewater, NJ (On-site)
• Duration: Summer 2026
• Compensation: $20.00 per hour

The Corporate Partner

Our Corporate Partner is a pioneering, well-funded biotech firm operating the world’s first Integrated Development and Manufacturing Organization (IDMO) for advanced cell therapies. By taking an Industry 4.0 approach and leveraging end-to-end automation, they are drastically lowering manufacturing costs and accelerating global patient access to life-saving, living drugs. They are headquartered in California, with a brand-new, commercial-scale Smart Factory located in Bridgewater, New Jersey.

The Role

Our partner is seeking an innovative and highly motivated Automation Intern who is ready to learn from a hands-on, collaborative, and fast-paced environment. This individual will interface across many parts of the company and contribute directly to the development of an advanced, automated quality control platform. This role will support ongoing cross-functional projects that bridge biology, mechanical design, and process systems engineering.

Responsibilities

• Reagent Stability Tracking & Studies: Establish an digital pipeline for reagent tracking, identify outstanding stability data, and design/execute laboratory automation experiments.
• Workstation Improvements: Design, prototype, and test physical and technical solutions for consumable loading/unloading, heat extraction, utility carts, and hardware management.
• Workflow Optimization: Analyze, design, and implement system-level solutions to improve the efficiency, compliance, and ergonomics of complex quality control workflows using Lean/6 Sigma principles.

Qualifications

• Education: Current undergraduates pursuing a degree in Bioengineering, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related STEM field. Open to 2026 graduates.
• Technical Skills & Interests: Interest or exposure to CAD modeling (SolidWorks), 3D printing, systems integration, liquid handlers, or QC assays. An interest in GMP manufacturing and highly regulated environments is a plus.
• Core Competencies: Strong attention to detail, robust documentation accuracy, excellent communication/presentation skills, and a strong growth mindset.
• Requirements: Must be a Pell Grant Recipient for the current academic year. Candidates must live within a commutable distance of the Bridgewater, NJ facility.

How to Apply

1. Verify Pell Grant Status: Submit a screenshot of the Pell Grant section from your Financial Aid portal for the 2025-26 school year. You may black out dollar amounts.
    
2. Submit Documentation: Send the screenshot and your resume (saved as a PDF titled “First Name Last Name”) via Handshake message or directly to kevin.nicholas@lifesciencecares.org.
    
3. Virtual Intro Meeting: Once verified, you will be invited to a 30–35 minute video call to learn more about the Project Onramp program and share your background. This is a preliminary step.