Electrical Engineering Intern, Power Generation: Year Round

Department: Power Generation

Location:

Pollock Pines, CA, US, 95726-1500

Category: Student

Apply by Date:

SMUD is seeking a junior or senior Electrical Engineering student eager for hands-on experience in a meaningful role. Join our Power Generation team and support the ongoing maintenance of our hydroelectric facilities in Pollock Pines, CA-about 15 miles east of Placerville on Highway 50.

You will collaborate with experienced professionals supporting activities related to the Upper American River Project (UARP), SMUD's key hydroelectric development on the western slope of the Sierra Nevada. The UARP comprises 11 reservoirs and 9 powerhouses situated along streams and rivers throughout the American River basin, with a total installed capacity of 732 Megawatts (MW). This vital project provides approximately 20% of SMUD's customer electricity needs during peak hours.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

- Gain hands-on experience maintaining essential, hydroelectric infrastructure

- Work in a stunning natural setting, surrounded by forests, streams, and reservoirs

- Learn from an experienced engineers passionate about clean energy and innovation

- Collaborate closely with skilled trades such as expert mechanics, electricians, and electrical technicians.

If you're ready to apply your knowledge outside the classroom-and don't mind a scenic commute through one of California's most beautiful regions-we'd love to hear from you!

This internship position will require travel to Pollack Pines, CA to work with the hydro maintenance engineering team. For short days where commuting is not practical due to class schedule, the intern can report to SMUD's East Campus at 4401 Bradshaw.

COVER LETTER REQUIREMENT: Engineers working in power generation maintenance balance engineering analysis and research in the office with frequent travel to remote sites to troubleshoot and study electrical equipment. Close collaboration with skilled trade workers and other engineers is also required to be successful. Please explain in your cover letter why power generation, field work and hands-on collaboration are of interest to you, and why you will be successful.

Failure to provide a cover letter could preclude a candidate from moving forward in the selection process.

About SMUD's College Internship Program

SMUD's College Internship Program provides college interns with an opportunity to contribute their skills and knowledge to SMUD while gaining valuable work experience. Workshops and activities will also be part of the program where interns will have the opportunity to be immersed in SMUD's culture and learn leadership skills as well as develop their professional skills.

SMUD was also recognized by Interns 2 Pros for the 2020 Internship Program of The Year Award in recognition of excellence in internship strategy, implementation, and impact and was one of five finalists for the 2023 Internship Program of the Year from Interns 2 Pros along with Paramount, Fox Corporation, Intuit, and Toyota.

Purpose

Under staff direction, incumbents in this classification are full-time students in a Science, Technology, Engineering or Math program who perform research and analytical tasks for projects and assignments that utilize specific and acquired academic skills and knowledge in alignment with their educational disciplines.

Nature and Scope

The work performed in this classification calls for regular application of analytical and independent research skills. Work is closely related to the employee’s academic major in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics.

Duties and Responsibilities

Work may include, but is not limited to, the following: (NOTE: While in general all the functions and requirements listed are essential, individual positions and/or locations may not require all duties be performed.)

- Performs tasks of an analytical or research nature for suitable projects or ongoing assignments which call for specific acquired academic skills and knowledge in Science, Technology, Engineering or Math.

- May locate sources of information; collect and organize data.

- Makes computations and analyzes data for degree of confidence and for alternative courses of action.

- May develop computer programs relating to assignments and may code material for established programs.

- May develop written, graphical and/or oral reports.

- May assist staff analysts and technical personnel by performing elements of their work under close supervision.

Desirable Education

Registration as a full-time student (minimum of 12 units) at an accredited college or university in a declared curriculum with a Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) emphasis that will provide the specific skills and knowledge that will contribute to available work assignments.

Desirable Qualifications

- College Status: Junior or Senior

- College Major: Electrical Engineering

- Experience in computer aided design (CAD)

- Comfortable communicating with diverse audiences

- Willing to perform work offsite in hydroelectric power stations

- Power specialization

Physical Requirements

Applicants must be able to perform the essential job functions with or without a reasonable accommodation.

Application Deadline: It is guaranteed that the online system will accept applications until 5 PM by the apply by date. It is highly encouraged that applications are submitted well before the due date and time mentioned to make sure that it is submitted successfully.

- Students must be able to commute to the SMUD Offices in Sacramento/Pollock Pines, CA when requested to come in.

- To have a student position at SMUD, you must not have any relatives working at SMUD.

- Students must be enrolled as a full-time student, complete and pass at least 12 undergraduate units OR 8 graduate units, and receive at least a 2.0 GPA .

- During the summer internship, students can work up to 130 hours per month.

- Currently, SMUD is not hiring candidates for its student internship positions who require sponsorship from an employer either now or in the future. Such sponsorship is not needed for citizens, a U.S. National, a permanent resident, or one granted refuge or asylum status by the U.S. government. Visa holders typically require sponsorship in one form or another at some point in time.

- Diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) are a part of who we are and how we do things. Supporting efforts that promote pay equality is part of that. Salary placement for the selected candidate will be determined in alignment with the California Equal Pay Act or the applicable MOU. Determination for salary placement of internal candidates will be made without respect to current classification or compensation, and will be based upon the candidate's qualifications as compared to those performing substantially similar work. In the event there is a guaranteed pay progression outlined in an applicable MOU, the MOU takes precedence.

SMUD provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. SMUD complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

SMUD expressly prohibits any form of unlawful employee harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of SMUD employees to perform their expected job duties is absolutely not tolerated.

Req ID: 2658