Returning Relay Tech Internship - Summer 2027

Duke Energy; Asheville (NC); On-site; USD 25,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

Duke Energy seeks Relay Technician Interns to join our team across multiple locations. You will work alongside Journeymen and Apprentices to gain exposure to relay fundamentals, protective schemes, controls, alarms, and SCADA concepts, while emphasizing safety and reliability in grid operations.

The role supports students pursuing engineering technology with hands-on training, print reading, and basic troubleshooting, contributing to NERC compliance and project teamwork.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in a 2- or 4-year degree in Engineering Technology or related major.
• At least 18 years of age before starting with Duke Energy.
• GPA of at least 2.75; must not graduate before August 2027.
• Valid driver's license.
• Completed 12 credit hours with courses: Electrical Utilities, Print Reading, Physics/Trig, CAD.

Responsibilities

• Develop understanding of relaying fundamentals, protective schemes, controls and alarms.
• Develop basic isolation procedure writing.
• Learn print reading and red mark processes.
• Learn RTS usage and NERC compliance importance.
• Develop basic trouble shooting skills.
• Think methodically and arrange activities in logical order.
• Understand CT and VT circuits at a basic level.

Skills

Written and oral communication

Leadership qualities

Prioritization and planning

Teamwork and collaboration

Problem solving

Education

Engineering Technology degree

Intro to Electrical Utilities

Electrical Utility Print Reading

Physics/Trig for Relay Technicians

Intro to CAD

Job description

Important Application Submission Information

In order to ensure your application is successfully received before the job posting expires, please submit your application by 11:59 PM on Tuesday, August 25, 2026. More than a career - a chance to make a difference in people's lives.

Build an exciting, rewarding career with us - help us make a difference for millions of people every day. Consider joining the Duke Energy team, where you'll find a friendly work environment, opportunities for growth and development, recognition for your work, and competitive pay and benefits.

Program Location for 2027:

Potential opportunities at locations across our footprint: North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Ohio, and Indiana

The Relay Construction and Maintenance department executes the design packages developed by the Transmission Engineering department for the construction of substation and transmission facilities throughout the Duke Energy service area. This department is also responsible for ensuring grid reliability by executing the day-to-day operations and maintaining the protective relays and SCADA control systems in compliance with state and federal regulations. Relay Technician Interns will work alongside Journeymen and Apprentice level Relay Technicians to get exposed to the technical skills and safety focused work behaviors necessary to be proficient in this profession.

Responsibilities

• Develops understanding of the fundamentals of relaying, protective schemes, controls, alarms, distribution SCADA, communications
• Develops basic isolation procedure writing
• Develops understanding of how to utilize print reading, red mark process
• Develops understanding of RTS and its use
• Develops understanding of NERC compliance and importance for accurate data and timely completion
• Develops basic trouble shooting skills
• Develops the ability to think methodically and arrange activities in logical order
• Develops basic understanding of CT and VT circuits

Basic/Required Qualifications

• Currently enrolled and pursuing a two or four year degree in Engineering Technology or a related major
• At least 18 years of age prior to beginning employment with Duke Energy
• Cumulative GPA of at least 2.75Must not graduate prior to August 2027
• Valid driver's license

Desired Qualifications

• Previous Duke Energy intern/co-op experience
• Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
• Students must have completed 12 credit hours with specific courses: Introduction to Electrical Utilities, Electrical Utility Print Reading, Physics/Trig for Relay Technicians, Introduction to CAD
• Demonstrated excellent written and oral communication skills
• Demonstrates ability to provide the quantity and quality of work necessary to reach an accomplishment
• Demonstrated leadership qualities through effective decision making
• Works effectively with others from diverse backgrounds to achieve a common goal
• Ability to deliver superior results within an allocated time though effective prioritization, scheduling, planning and execution of assigned work
• Demonstrates tenacity by remaining persistent in the face of adversity
• Demonstrated technical proficiency in the use of computers, software, and engineering applications
• Desire to pursue a career in the energy industry

Working Conditions

• Onsite Mobility Classification - Work will be performed at a company facility
• Ability to pass a pre-employment background check and pass a pre-employment drug test
• Depending on work location, may be required to meet requirements for unescorted access/security clearance
• Exposure to mechanical, electrical, noisy and/or other hazards
• Exposure to Carrier and Tone equipment
• Required to wear personal protective equipment (hardhat, safety glasses, appropriate clothing, ear plugs, fall protection, etc.), as needed
• Ability to lift 50 pounds
• Ability to work at heights and from suspended work platforms
• Required to work in all areas of the power plant

Relocation Assistance Provided (as applicable)

Represented/Union Position: No

Visa Sponsored Position: No. This is not a Visa Sponsored Position. This role requires the ability to work lawfully in the U.S. without employment-based immigration sponsorship, now or in the future.

Please note that in order to be considered for this position, you must possess all of the basic/required qualifications.