2024 Summer College Internship - Distribution Operations Engineering Intern

Apply By Date: 01/31/2024 

Hourly Min:  $22.89
Hourly Max: $27.89
 

The Distribution Operations Engineering (DOE) team supports the real-time operations and delivery of safe and reliable power to SMUD's Distribution grid. DOE is responsible for maintaining SMUD’s Advanced Distribution Management System (ADMS) and Distributed Energy Management System (DERMS) to bring real-time visibility and control of the grid, while also allowing advanced applications to optimize all distribution assets. During system emergencies, the DOE team provides engineering support to assess the state of the grid and help minimize outage duration for customers. DOE also investigates Power Quality (PQ) issues on the distribution system by combining engineering expertise and a variety of innovative tools such as advanced metering and data analytics.   
 
The selected candidate will have the opportunity to learn about power systems, distribution system operations, and develop technical skills relevant to engineering analysis and computer programming. The selected candidate will also be exposed to real-time operations, ADMS, DERMS and data analytics.

 

Under the guidance of Distribution Operations Engineers, the selected candidate will:  

• Support Distribution Operations Engineering department with day-to-day operations  
• Assist with grid system studies (e.g. load studies, DER impact, etc.)  
• Support ad-hoc data validation  
• Maintain updated records of Distribution Automation devices  
• Maintain updated records of Power Quality analysis  
• Maintain updated records of Fault Location analysis    
   

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. 

Required 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 Major: Electrical Engineering
• Junior or Senior year
• Preferred Classes: Circuit analysis, Power systems, Electric Power Distribution
• Experience with:
  • Programming (i.e., Python, SQL, C)  
  • Data analytics  
  • Understanding of distribution system  
  • Understanding of power flow  
  • Familiarity with Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) and impacts of DERs on the grid  

Physical Requirements

Applicants must be able to perform the essential job functions with or without