Why Join Mission?

At Mission Design & Automation, we build custom automation systems that solve real manufacturing challenges. Every project is different, every solution is engineered from the ground up, and every team member has a direct impact on the final result.

Your experience at Mission will depend on your area of study and the projects you're supporting, but you can expect to:

• Gain exposure to challenging, custom automation projects—not repetitive work.
• Work on real projects with real deliverables.
• Gain hands-on experience alongside experienced engineers, designers, builders, and business professionals.
• See projects develop from concept through completion and understand how different functions work together.
• Apply what you're learning in the classroom to real-world manufacturing and engineering challenges.
• Build professional skills through mentorship, collaboration, and meaningful project work.

What It’s Like to Work Here

At Mission, we believe great engineering starts with great people.

You'll work alongside experienced professionals who enjoy solving difficult problems, sharing knowledge, and supporting one another. We value accountability, trust, continuous improvement, and taking pride in building quality equipment.

As a student, you'll be encouraged to ask questions, learn from others, contribute your ideas, and take ownership of meaningful work. Whether you're helping design a machine, troubleshooting a control system, supporting a customer project, or creating content for our team, your work can have a visible impact.

We're looking for motivated college students who want to gain hands-on experience in a growing custom automation environment. Opportunities may be available across several functions, depending on current business needs and the student's area of study.

Mechanical Engineering

Work alongside mechanical engineers to design custom automated equipment. Students may assist with machine design, 3D modeling, component selection, drawing creation, design calculations, and problem-solving throughout the machine development process. 

Controls Engineering

Gain hands-on experience designing and programming the electrical and controls systems that make custom automation equipment work. Students may support PLC programming, HMI development, electrical design, troubleshooting, commissioning, and controls documentation.

Applications Engineering

Help turn customer needs into automation solutions. Students may assist with developing machine concepts, researching solutions and components, preparing quotes, estimating project costs, and supporting the transition from sales opportunities into engineering projects.

Project Management

Learn how custom automation projects move from concept to completed machine. Students may support project planning, scheduling, documentation, communication, resource coordination, and tracking project progress across multiple departments.

Marketing & Communications

Support the communication and promotion of Mission's people, projects, culture, and capabilities. Students may contribute to content creation, social media, internal communications, events, recruiting initiatives, website content, and other marketing projects.

Employee Development & Human Resources

Gain experience supporting the people and programs that help Mission grow. Students may contribute to recruiting, onboarding, employee development, training, engagement initiatives, communications, and other people-focused projects.

Technical Writing & Documentation

Help create the documentation that allows customers and employees to understand, operate, and support custom automation equipment. Students may work on technical manuals, procedures, training materials, digital documentation, and other technical communications.
 

Don't see your fit?

Our internship and co-op opportunities aren't limited to the areas listed above. If your field of study or interests don't seem to fit one of these functions, we still encourage you to apply, and note in your application what department you are interested in.

What You Bring

We're looking for students who are curious, willing to learn, and excited to apply their education in a real-world environment.

Ideal candidates will have:

• Current enrollment in a college or university.
• A field of study related to the internship or co-op opportunity.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.
• A willingness to learn and take on new challenges.
• The ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• An interest in manufacturing, engineering, technology, business, or another area relevant to the opportunity.

Specific qualifications will vary by function and opportunity.

Location & Schedule

Internship and co-op opportunities are based onsite at Mission Design & Automation in Holland, Michigan. Schedules and hours will vary based on the student's academic program, availability, and the requirements of the specific opportunity.

Why West Michigan?

West Michigan is more than a great place to work. It is a great place to build your life.

West Michigan offers:

• A strong manufacturing and engineering economy.
• An affordable cost of living compared to many major metropolitan areas.
• A variety of communities, from urban cities to small towns or rural areas, all within a reasonable commute.
• Welcoming communities, quality schools, and short commute times that support a healthy work-life balance.
• Easy access to both the lakeshore and the city, with Holland located just 10 miles from Lake Michigan and 25 miles from downtown Grand Rapids.
• Year-round recreation, including beaches, parks, hiking and biking trails, skiing, festivals, local restaurants and breweries, arts and culture, and professional sports.

Whether you're looking to launch your career, gain hands-on experience, enjoy an active lifestyle, or put down roots in a growing community, West Michigan offers the opportunity to do all.