Undergraduate Automation and Controls Engineer (2026/2027) – Australia Wide
17/03/2026
15/05/2026
Casual
Around Australia
EICSS
Build Your Engineering Future with GPA Engineering
Are you an undergraduate Automation and Controls Engineering student looking for hands-on industry experience? GPA Engineering offers an exciting opportunity to gain valuable skills, collaborate on impactful projects, and launch your engineering career.
GPA’s Undergraduate Program is up to 12-week paid placement, offered from November to February of each year. This gives students exposure to exciting projects and be mentored by our experienced engineers.
High performing students also have the opportunity to be offered a continuous employment at GPA, either in a casual or Graduate role.
About GPA
GPA Engineering is a leading multidisciplinary engineering and management firm with over 38 years of experience delivering innovative solutions. We specialise in engineering, procurement, and construction management services for large-scale projects in industries such as:
Oil & gas
Defence
Water treatment & distribution
Mining & minerals
Ports and material handling
Power generation & distribution
Renewable energy and hydrogen
As a 100% Australian-owned business with offices in Adelaide, Brisbane, Perth, Melbourne, Darwin, Sydney, we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment. At GPA, you’ll learn from industry leaders, develop your technical skills, and gain exposure to diverse projects while contributing to a better future.
Job Description
About the Internship
GPA's Undergraduate placement provides hands-on experience where you will work on real projects and be provided with practical learning in a professional environment. You will be under the guidance of experienced mechanical engineers and may work on multiple projects in a variety of industries.
The work you do will be valuable for the completion of the projects and you will be encouraged to take ownership of the work you are doing. You will be a valued member of both the mechanical team and project teams, working with multiple disciplines. Tasks our Undergraduates are exposed to typically include:
Configuration and programming of PLC’s & RTU’s to automate systems and processes across various industries.
Development and testing of HMI & SCADA solutions across a range of platforms.
Configuration of networks and network connected devices including learning Cybersecurity best practices.
Configuration and testing of wireless networks.
Participation in factory testing, site testing and commissioning activities across a range of clients and industries.
Development of professional and accurate project documentation, including design, testing and user documents.
GPA’s Undergraduate Program is open to undergraduates, Australia-wide, who are studying in their penultimate year, and can be tailored to meet individual university course requirements
Desired Skills and Experience
What We're Looking For
We’re seeking passionate undergraduate engineers eager to kick-start their careers. To be considered for this placement, you will:
Be actively pursuing a degree in Electrical, Electronics, or other relevant Engineering degree and with eligibility for Engineers Australia membership
Have a professional curiosity and have a passion for learning and adapting.
Be ready to challenge your strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
Have a personal and professional commitment to safety, sustainability and the environment.
Effectively communicate with other engineers, project managers, and clients as you work into our culture of teamwork where everyone’s voice is heard and where any question is valid and answered.
What We Offer
At GPA, we’re committed to helping you grow and succeed. Our internship program includes:
Professional Development: Undergraduates’ development is supported with hands-on experience, mentorship, and technical training
Career Opportunities: Our largest source of graduates is internal promotion via the Undergraduate program
Work-Life Balance: Flexible working arrangements to help support your studies while you work
Supportive Culture: A welcoming team environment and opportunities to network
Inclusive Workplace: Diverse teams, cultural leave options, and social events
Diverse Projects: Opportunity to contribute to a diverse range of projects, spanning various industries and cutting-edge technologies
We are a diverse, motivated and inquisitive team aligned under our values of teamwork, integrity, quality, safety and sustainability. We work collaboratively whilst harnessing and developing our individual strengths. We aspire to empower and support employees to reach their full potential, to take on challenges and grow through experience, training, coaching and development.
GPA are committed to maintaining a workforce with meaningful equity and diversity, as well as a workplace that embraces and celebrates the value of all cultures and backgrounds.
How to Apply
Kick-start your career with GPA Engineering. Submit your application - including your resume, cover letter and academic transcript (combined into a single PDF or Word file) via our online recruitment system by mid-May 2026.
For any questions, reach out to us at HR@gpaeng.com.au.
*** The below process is based upon end of year graduation. GPA recognises however that many graduates graduate mid-year. If you graduate mid-year, we welcome your application and will be flexible to agree a mutually agreeable start date.
