Internship: A Systematic Approach to Automated PLC Software Analysis for Ensuring Global Code Integrity and Performance Reliability

This internship assignment focuses on developing a systematic approach to automated PLC software analysis to ensure global code integrity and performance reliability.

Description of assignment

Vanderlande operates hundreds of customer sites with large numbers of Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), making software version management highly complex. Customers may also independently modify PLC software, creating challenges in maintaining consistency and identifying the root cause of issues. During this internship, you will develop a prototype tool that automatically analyses PLC software (Programmable Logic Controllers). The tool will perform offline analysis by comparing customer PLC function blocks with Research and Development (R&D) baseline versions to detect deviations. In addition, it will perform online analysis by extracting performance metrics from running PLC systems to identify early signs of performance deterioration. The outcome will improve version control, troubleshooting accuracy, and overall system reliability.

Department description

You will join the Amazon Dedicated Service Department (DSD) team within Vanderlande’s Service business unit. This team operates at the crossroads of high‑performance logistics, customer support, and technical innovation, working closely with global Amazon Fulfillment Centers and multiple internal departments.

The environment is fast‑paced, multidisciplinary, and highly collaborative. Creativity, ownership, and proactive thinking are strongly encouraged. As an intern, you will be considered a full team member contributing directly to meaningful projects, participating in strategic discussions, and influencing solutions that support real‑world operations.

Tasks/responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and testing of the PLC (Programmable Logic Controllers) function block version control and analysis tool, ensuring reliable offline and online comparison capabilities
• Collect, process, and upload analysis results to a centralized database, enabling long term tracking of PLC (Programmable Logic Controllers) software changes and performance trends at individual customer sites
• Collaborate closely with engineers, domain experts, and stakeholders to validate requirements, clarify expected tool functionalities, and integrate feedback into iterative improvements
• Produce clear and comprehensive documentation, including methods, findings, tool architecture, and recommendations, ensuring the project can be continued and scaled by R&D after the internship

Your profile

• Proactive, analytical, and problem-solving mindset, with the ability to investigate complex technical issues and propose practical solutions
• Experience with programming or scripting languages (e.g., Python, C#, or similar) to support tool development, data processing, and automated analysis
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, enabling effective interaction with engineers, stakeholders, and domain experts
• Willingness to learn, explore PLC technologies, and adapt to new tools, standards, and engineering environments
• *Mandatory enrolment to a Dutch Education System & resident of The Netherlands

internship@vanderlande.com