Research & Development - PhD Engineering Intern

PPL Corporation; Lexington (KY); On-site; USD 27,552 - 34,440; Part time

Job summary

A leading utility company is seeking PhD Engineering interns to join their R&D Department in Lexington, Kentucky, starting in May 2026. Candidates will work on renewable energy projects including wind, solar, and carbon capture. This role involves part-time work during the school year transitioning to full-time in summer, with travel opportunities to different locations. Ideal candidates should pursue an ABET-accredited PhD program and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.00, ensuring a rigorous engineering background.

Qualifications

• Available part time during the semester and full time during the Summer 2026 semester.
• Minimum 3.00 GPA.

Responsibilities

• Plans and controls all activities to provide an accident-free workplace.
• Uses engineering principles to plan projects and create reports.
• Gathers and analyzes data using established procedures.

Education

PhD in Engineering from an ABET Accredited program

Job description

Company Summary Statement

As one of the largest investor‑owned utility companies in the United States, PPL Corporation (NYSE: PPL), is committed to creating long‑term, sustainable value for our 3.5 million customers, our shareowners and the communities we serve. Our high‑performing regulated utilities—PPL Electric Utilities, Louisville Gas and Electric, Kentucky Utilities and Rhode Island Energy—provide an outstanding experience for our customers, consistently ranking among the best utilities in the nation. PPL’s companies are also addressing challenges head‑on by investing in new infrastructure and technology that is creating a smarter, more reliable and resilient energy grid. We are committed to doing our part to advance a cleaner energy future and drive innovation that enables us to achieve net‑zero carbon emissions by 2050 while maintaining energy reliability and affordability for the customers and communities we serve. PPL is a positive force in the cities and towns where we do business, providing support for programs and organizations that empower the success of future generations by helping to build and maintain strong, diverse communities today.

Overview

The PPL R&D Department is looking for PhD Engineering students from all engineering disciplines to begin in May 2026. We are looking for interns who are passionate about renewable energy, including wind and solar, energy storage, green hydrogen, sustainability, carbon capture and other decarbonization technologies.

Ideal candidates will be based in Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, or Kentucky and would be interested in the potential of transitioning to full‑time employment with PPL upon graduation. During the school year, students will work part time, but during the summer, the position will work on‑site and may include travel to work on clean energy R&D projects at numerous locations across PPL Corporation including Allentown, Pennsylvania, Providence, Rhode Island, as well as Louisville and Lexington, Kentucky. While traveling, all expenses will be paid.

Responsibilities

• Plans and controls all activities so as to provide an accident‑free work place.
• Uses engineering and scientific principles to plan projects, collect and analyze data, and create professional reports.
• Gathers, correlates, and analyzes data using established procedures.
• Coordinates and communicates results and participation in research projects within applicable business units and prepares summaries of value and results to management.
• Identifies opportunities for improvement and/or suggests improved methods.
• Performs detailed and/or engineering assignments involving established calculations, tests and analysis.
• Performs other duties as directed by management.

Qualifications

Requirements

• Available part time during the semester and full time during the Summer 2026 semester
• Pursuing a PhD in Engineering from an ABET Accredited program.
• Minimum 3.00 GPA