Engineering Intern: Year-Round

Sacramento Municipal Utility District; Sacramento (CA); On-site; USD 34,000 - 41,000; Part time

Job summary

Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) invites a STEM student to join the Zero Carbon Engineering Intern program in Sacramento, CA. The role collaborates with project development managers to support the design, construction, and commissioning of a major solar and battery facility under SMUD's Zero Carbon Plan.

The intern will gain experience in site visits, technical reviews, and documentation while working in a dynamic, in-person setting three days a week.

Qualifications

• Must be a full-time student in a STEM program at an accredited college or university.
• Strong customer service skills preferred.
• Able to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and work independently.

Responsibilities

• Support development, design, and construction of SMUD’s largest solar and battery facility planned.
• Review multidisciplinary engineering design submittals and participate in milestones.
• Attend site visits and assist in technical engineering reviews and writing/critique of protocols.
• Document and facilitate project milestones and meetings (in person and via web conference).
• Develop an Internship Work Portfolio showcasing exposure to power generation assets.

Skills

Customer service

Microsoft Suite

Team collaboration

Independent work

Growth mindset

Education

STEM student (full-time)

Job description

Engineering Intern: Year-Round

Department: Project Development and Renewable Generation

Location: Sacramento, CA, US, 95817-1899

Category: Student

Apply by Date: 09/03/2026

Hourly Minimum Pay Rate: $24.58 / hour

Hourly Maximum Pay Rate: $29.95 / hour

The Zero Carbon Engineering Intern will work closely with the project development manager, primarily in-person, tasked with constructing zero carbon power generating facilities that will support SMUD's Zero Carbon Plan.

Zero Carbon Plan
SMUD's goal to eliminate carbon emissions from our power supply by 2030 is more ambitious than already aggressive state mandates and is ahead of virtually all other utilities in the United States. Our 2030 Zero Carbon Plan is a exible road map to achieve our zero-carbon goal while ensuring all customers and communities we serve reap the benets of decarbonization.

What the Intern will do

• Support the development, design, and construction of what will be the largest SMUD solar and battery facility to date gain familiarization with project development process
• Working with multidisciplinary engineering design submittal review
• Facilitation and documentation of project milestones
• Performing site visits as needed with mentor
• Performing technical engineering reviews and learning professional writing/critique protocols in a dynamic work environment
• Managing of technical meetings in person and via web conference technology
• Development and completion of Internship Work Portfolio that demonstrate your exposure and expertise around power generating assets

This internship is in-person, on-site, 3-days a week.

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

• 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, mechanical, civil, or I&C engineering. Other related majors will be considered on a case‑by‑case basis
• College Status: Sophomore and above
• Strong customer service skills
• Strong understanding of Microsoft Suite
• Desire to learn and grow
• Ability to collaborate in a team
• Ability to work independently

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 on 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

Internship Program Requirements

• Students must be able to commute to the SMUD Offices in Sacramento, 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 and maintain enrollment 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 the semester/quarter prior to employment and for the duration of the internship. SMUD does not look at cumulative GPAs.
• 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.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

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.