Manufacturing Controls Engineering Intern

Department: Manufacturing Engineering

Location: Austin, TX

Employment Type: Intern

About Base

Base is America’s next-generation power company. We’re rebuilding the foundation of modern civilization–electricity–by deploying a vast network of distributed batteries that is transforming today’s fragile, centralized grid into a resilient and abundant system. We are engineers, operators, and creatives solving some of the most complex, interdisciplinary challenges of our time.

About the Role

Base is looking for an intern to join our Manufacturing Controls Engineering team as we build new manufacturing lines to produce battery backup systems. As an intern, you’ll get hands-on exposure to designing, testing, and troubleshooting the systems that power our manufacturing operations. You’ll work closely with engineers across multiple teams, learning how large-scale production systems are developed and launched for the first time.

This internship is designed to give you real-world experience with manufacturing controls and automation while contributing directly to Base’s mission of delivering reliable, affordable energy.

What You’ll Do

• Support the design, build, and launch of manufacturing lines for new energy storage products.

• Learn how to develop and test controls systems that combine PLC logic with modern software.

• Gain hands-on experience working with full-scale production equipment during commissioning and ramp-up.

• Assist with troubleshooting and maintaining electro-mechanical equipment on the production floor.

• Participate in supplier design reviews, testing activities, and cross-functional team meetings.

• Contribute to the development of hardware and software standards for future equipment.

What You’ll Bring

• Working toward a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Mechatronics, or Computer Engineering (or a related field).

• Coursework or projects involving PLCs, industrial automation, or robotics.

• Interest in programming (e.g., Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Python, or similar).

• Familiarity with tools such as AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or schematic design software is a plus.

• Hands-on skills with common hand tools, diagnostic equipment (e.g., multimeters), or lab projects.

• Curiosity, problem-solving skills, and excitement to learn in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

About this Team

Makers of the machines that power tomorrow. The Manufacturing Engineering team owns the interface between a proof of concept and a scalable, profitable product. Our team focuses on how a product can be built, defining the process technology and equipment solutions along the way. We are the feedback loop with the product design team to ensure designs are manufacturable both at cost and scale. The Manufacturing Engineering team owns every aspect of bringing the physical mechanisms of manufacturing a product into the factory.

Please note: Base is a startup, which means priorities shift and evolve quickly. Your role may expand or change based on the needs of the business at any given time, so the responsibilities listed may not be exhaustive.

Our Values

• First Principles Thinking: Question assumptions. Principles > rules.

• Operate at Base Pace: Focus on what matters, act quickly, and learn by doing.

• Give & Get Feedback: Be direct, be humble, and maintain a growth mindset.

• Everyone’s an Owner: Follow through on commitments and own results.

• Strong Opinions, Loosely Held: Drive clarity and make calls with imperfect information.

• Committed to the Mission: Rebuilding the grid is a big challenge. We work hard because we care deeply about the impact we’re creating. We work in-person. It’s not a 9-to-5. We are all-in.

• Fun & Optimism Coexist with Grit: Collaboration and celebration coincide with the intensity of building real things.

Do the best work of your life at Base.