Electrical Engineering Intern, Power Generation: Year Round

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.

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.
 
Official SMUD Title: STEM Student Assistant

• 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.   

We recommend you create a SMUD Candidate account through our SMUD Careers page, upload your resume and cover letter to be considered for this and other open position.