Spring 2027 Mechanical Engineering Co-op - Multiple Positions Available!

PPL Corporation; Shawnee (KY); On-site; USD 28,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

PPL Corporation's Louisville Gas and Electric Company and Kentucky Utilities Company invite students to join their Mechanical Engineering co-op program in Kentucky. You will gain hands-on experience across fleet engineering, power plant operations, and project engineering, applying classroom knowledge to real-world utility challenges.

Avail full-time Spring 2027 (January–May). You must be pursuing an ABET-accredited bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering with a minimum 2.50 GPA.

Qualifications

• Pursuing ABET-accredited bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering.
• Available full-time Spring 2027 (January–May).
• Minimum 2.50 GPA.

Responsibilities

• Identify opportunities for process improvement and propose solutions.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret data using established engineering procedures.
• Perform routine engineering tasks such as calculations, testing, and analysis.
• Support operations and maintenance teams with troubleshooting and evaluations.
• Assist engineers with large-scale projects and initiatives.
• Contribute to development of engineering goals, budgets, and procedures.
• Promote a safe and environmentally responsible workplace.
• Review assignments for efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
• Perform other duties as assigned by management.

Education

ABET Accredited Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

Job description

Company Summary Statement

Louisville Gas and Electric Company and Kentucky Utilities Company, part of the PPL Corporation (NYSE: PPL) family of companies, are regulated utilities that serve more than 1.3 million customers and have consistently ranked among the best companies for customer service in the United States. LG&E serves 334,000 natural gas and 433,000 electric customers in Louisville and 16 surrounding counties. KU serves 569,000 customers in 77 Kentucky counties and five counties in Virginia. LG&E and KU are major employers and active supporters of the communities they serve. They empower employees, community members and initiatives across their service territory through volunteerism and investments in organizations that support education, sustainability and wellbeing.

Overview

Why Choose LG&E and KU for Your Mechanical Engineering Co-op?

At LG&E and KU, our engineering co-op and internship program offers a dynamic and engaging environment where students can apply classroom knowledge to real-world challenges. As part of our robust engineering workforce, you’ll gain hands-on experience in a variety of disciplines that require analytical thinking, problem-solving, and innovation.

We take pride in our collaborative culture and strong commitment to serving our communities. Our employees are united by a shared purpose: delivering safe, reliable energy to our customers every day.

Qualifications

Required Education/Experience

Available full time during the Spring 2027 semester (January - May)

Pursuing an ABET Accredited Bachelor’s degree with declared major in Mechanical Engineering

Minimum 2.50 GPA

#LG&EKU

#INDLGE

Responsibilities

What You’ll Do

As an engineering co-op or intern, you will work alongside experienced professionals and contribute to meaningful projects that support our operations. Your responsibilities may include:

• Identifying opportunities for process improvement and recommending solutions.
• Collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data using established engineering procedures.
• Performing routine engineering tasks such as calculations, testing, and analysis.
• Supporting operations and maintenance teams with troubleshooting and technical evaluations.
• Assisting engineers with large-scale projects and initiatives.
• Participating in the development of engineering goals, budgets, and procedures.
• Promoting a safe and environmentally responsible workplace.
• Reviewing assignments for efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
• Performing other duties as assigned by management.

What You’ll Gain

• Exposure to practical engineering applications in the utility industry.
• Mentorship from experienced engineers.
• Opportunities to contribute to impactful projects.
• Insight into utility operations, safety standards, and environmental regulations.

Openings Available in the following Departments:

Fleet Engineering

As a co-op inFleet Engineering, you’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of power plant operations through guided plant tours and hands-on study of generating equipment. You’ll learn the fundamentals of project planning and management, and apply your skills by visiting various plants to investigate operational issues. You’ll be responsible for analyzing problems and presenting engineering-based solutions to both plant and engineering teams. This role offers a balanced experience between office-based planning and fieldwork at generation sites.

Gas Transmission Integrity & Compliance:Learning engineering specifications, construction standards, and inspection practices. GIS and document management system knowledge developed. Conduct quality assurance reviews of construction records and compile engineering data in GIS.

Mill Creek and Trimble County Generating Stations - Power Plant Operations

InPower Plant Operations, you’ll support the daily operation and maintenance of our power generating stations. You’ll apply analytical skills to investigate root cause failures and recommend corrective actions. This role also involves working with experienced engineers on projects that will improve system reliability, and engineering design solutions that directly impact plant performance and safety.

Project Engineering

As a co-op inProject Engineering, you will assist with large-scale construction and design initiatives across our facilities. You’ll gather technical data, coordinate with vendors, and track project milestones. As your term progresses, you may take ownership of smaller contracts or projects, gaining valuable experience in project management. Most roles in this department are based full-time at active project sites, offering immersive, hands-on learning.

Transmission Investment Planning:The co-op will assist in analyzing and organizing data, focusing on asset nameplate information and asset health data. The co-op will learn how to review as-built drawings and comparing to digital records, assist with monthly performance reporting and review and analyze algorithms related to asset health to ensure accuracy and reliability; improve the quality of data. The co-op will also assist with development of need statements and project proposals for upcoming initiatives, and create and maintain spreadsheets, databases and dashboards to accommodate data requests and enhance data visualization.