Discovery Internship - Grad Edition: Digital Process Control & Brewery Automation Intern (Colbier Brewery)

***Ringfenced to level 6 LJMU students only***

***Applications must be submitted using the application form linked below. Please upload it instead of a CV. Any other method will not be accepted***

Job Title: Digital Process Control & Brewery Automation Intern

Department: Production / Operations / Innovation

Location: On-site at the brewery with some scope for remote data analysis work

Duration: approx 2 months (flexible, depending on academic requirements)

Reporting To

Head Brewer / Operations Manager / Engineering Lead

• Purpose: The internship will support the brewery in designing, implementing, and improving digital process monitoring and control systems to enhance quality consistency, efficiency, traceability, and energy use. The intern will work on real production processes, helping to move from manual or semi-manual control to data-driven, low-cost digital solutions.

Duties and responsibilities
Key Responsibilities:

Process Understanding & Mapping

• Learn and document key brewery processes (e.g. mashing, boiling, fermentation, conditioning, packaging).
• Identify critical process parameters such as temperature, pressure, flow, pH, gravity, and time.
• Assist in mapping current control and monitoring practices and identifying improvement opportunities.
• Sensors & Instrumentation: Assist in selecting, installing, and testing sensors (e.g. temperature probes, pressure sensors, level sensors).
• Support calibration, validation, and basic fault-finding of measurement systems.
• Help ensure sensors are suitable for food-grade and brewery environments.

Data Acquisition & Monitoring

• Support the collection of process data using PLCs, microcontrollers (e.g. Arduino, Raspberry Pi), or industrial I/O.
• Assist in structuring data for storage (local databases, CSV logs, or cloud-based platforms where appropriate).
• Help develop simple data pipelines from sensor to dashboard.

Digital Dashboards & Visualisation

• Design and build basic digital dashboards to display live and historical process data.
• Create visualisations for operators (e.g. trends, alarms, batch summaries).
• Support usability improvements so dashboards are clear and practical for brewery staff.

Automation & Control

• Assist in developing simple automated or semi-automated control routines (e.g. temperature control loops, timed operations).
• Support testing and tuning of low-cost control systems.
• Help document control logic and operating procedures.

Continuous Improvement & Documentation

• Analyse data to identify process variability, losses, or inefficiencies.
• Support small improvement projects based on evidence from data.
• Produce clear technical documentation, wiring diagrams, code comments, and user guides.

Learning & Development Opportunities

• Hands-on experience with real-world industrial processes in a live production environment.
• Exposure to Industry 4.0 concepts in a small-scale manufacturing setting.
• Opportunity to complete coursework projects, dissertations, or theses based on real data and systems.
• Mentoring from experienced brewers and engineers.

Education & Academic Background

Degree subject in one of the following (or closely related):

• Electrical / Electronic Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Computer Science
• Mathematics / Applied Mathematics
• Biotechnology

Strong grounding in analytical, technical, or computational subjects.

Desirable:

Evidence of strong academic performance in relevant modules.

Course includes a project, dissertation, or applied/industrial component.

Skills and experience

Technical Knowledge & Skills

Essential

Ability to apply engineering, mathematical, or computational principles to practical problems.

Experience gained through coursework, labs, or projects in:

• Systems, electronics, control, or mechanical design
• Programming or computational problem‑solving
• Data analysis, modelling, or simulation

Competence in using standard IT tools (e.g. Microsoft Office).

Able to document work clearly and logically.

Desirable

Experience with tools/languages such as MATLAB, Python, C/C++, CAD, or simulation/data analysis software.

Understanding of real‑world engineering or computing constraints (e.g. safety, efficiency, scalability, reliability)

Familiarity with innovation, prototyping, or experimental methods.

Experience

Essential:

Academic experience through labs, coursework, or group projects.

Desirable:

Internship, placement, or industrial project experience.

Experience in multidisciplinary teams.

Exposure to practical problem‑solving beyond theory.

Analytical & Problem‑Solving Skills

Essential:

Logical and structured approach to problem solving.

Ability to analyse information, identify key issues, and propose solutions.

Confidence working with numerical, technical, or abstract concepts.

Desirable:

Ability to evaluate different solution options and justify decisions.

Interest in innovation and system improvement.

Personal Attributes

Essential:

Motivated and intellectually curious.

Willingness to learn and develop technical and professional skills.

Professional, reliable, and able to manage workload effectively.

Able to work independently with appropriate supervision.

Desirable:

Proactive and confident in contributing ideas.

Comfortable asking questions and seeking clarification.

Interest in applying academic learning to real‑world challenges.

Communication & Teamwork

Essential:

Able to communicate technical information clearly to non-specialists.

Willingness to work collaboratively with colleagues from different backgrounds.

Desirable:

Experience presenting technical work or project outcomes.

Confidence engaging with stakeholders, supervisors, or project partners.

Values & Professional Behaviour

Essential:

Commitment to professional standards, integrity, and safe working practices.

Respect for equality, diversity, and inclusion.

Willingness to follow organisational policies and guidance.

Practical Requirements

Essential:

Ability to commit to the full duration of the internship.

Ability to attend the workplace or work remotely as agreed.

Location
L20 8AH/Hybrid