Student Intern - Load Forecast Model Design Engineer

ISO New England is the independent system operator responsible for ensuring the safe and reliable flow of electricity in our region and planning for the future of the electric grid. We are at the forefront of New England’s ongoing transition to clean energy.

Internship Title- Zonal Load Forecast Model Design

Department – Operations

Minimum Education level: Senior

Preferred Majors: Computer Science, Programming, Statistics

Ever wonder how the grid predicts tomorrow’s electricity use? Join ISO New England’s Forecasting team and help design models that forecast demand across the region. You’ll dive into data, use VBA, Python, SQL, and Excel to build load forecasting tools, and see firsthand how your work helps ensure the lights stay on. This is your chance to combine coding, statistics, and energy system knowledge to solve real-world challenges.

Who we are

ISO New England is one of the most pivotal energy companies you’ve probably never heard of. Our job is to oversee the 24/7 operation of the power grid that covers the six states of New England and to administer the region’s $10+ billion “stock exchange” for buying and selling of wholesale electricity. Our work ensures that over 14 million people can reliably turn their lights on and complete their jobs, take care of their families, and live in comfort with convenience.

About the Department

The Operations Forecasting team is responsible for producing and updating the New England Reliability Coordinator and Balancing Authority Area Current Operations Plan (COP) for the current and next operating day. To meet this responsibility, the team performs several key functions, including:

- Producing hourly forecasts of demand and distributed energy resources (DERs) for the current and next six days.

- Operating the seven-day forecast of capacity margin.

- Executing and analyzing the Reserve Adequacy Analysis (RAA) to ensure reliability.

What You’ll Be Working On

As a Zonal Load Forecast Model Design Intern, you will:

- Develop statistical analyses showing the correlation and effects of individual variables on native and net load at the zonal level.

- Design and build zonal load forecast models that capture distinct variable types.

- Use VBA in the ITRON Metrics Platform to build, train, and automate all model processes and outputs.

- Apply SQL, Python, and Excel to support modeling, data management, and analysis.

How You’ll Make an Impact

You’ll help improve how we predict electricity demand across New England, supporting reliable operations and planning for a cleaner, more efficient grid.

What We Look For in a Candidate

- Proficiency with VBA, Excel, SQL, and Python.

- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

- Ability to work independently while collaborating with team members.

- Clear communication skills for presenting findings and recommendations.

What You’ll Gain

This internship provides a unique opportunity to:

- Gain hands-on experience with the real-time operation of the New England power grid and its diverse resources.

- Build in-depth knowledge of load forecast modeling and the many dependent variables that drive forecast behavior.

- Contribute directly to ISO New England’s ability to address the challenges of a rapidly changing energy mix.

- Develop valuable technical and industry expertise that could lead to future employment opportunities within the Operations Forecasting department or elsewhere at ISO New England.

This employer will not sponsor applicants for work visas for this position (ex: H-1B, F-1/CPT/OPT, O-1, E-3, TN, J, etc.).

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This is a U.S. based role. If the successful candidate resides outside of the U.S., relocation will be required.

To be eligible for the internship candidate must have completed at least the first year of college and be currently enrolled in a four year or graduate-level academic program. Candidates must have the authority to work in the US on a permanent basis, without requiring sponsorship.

Equal Opportunity: We are proud to be an EEO employer. Applicants for employment are considered without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, citizenship, national origin, age, ancestry, marital status, disability (including learning, mental, intellectual, and physical), service in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable law.

Drug Free Environment: We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing.