STUDENT INTERN - ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING (TSM)

Basin Electric Power Cooperative; Menoken (ND); On-site; USD 36,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

Basin Electric Power Cooperative invites a summer intern to join the TSM Menoken team in Menoken, ND for 2027 (May 17–Aug 20). You will support protection, controls, and relaying engineers, aiding in database maintenance, relay settings, and record drawing updates while learning power system operations.

The role emphasizes hands-on experience in reliability improvements, with CIP compliance exposure and collaboration with drafting and field teams.

Qualifications

• Be at least 18 years of age.
• Be enrolled as a full‑time student in a four‑year Electrical Engineering (EAC/ABET accredited) program with Sophomore year completed, or recent graduate (within the past 12 months).
• Maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5.
• Hold a valid driver’s license.
• Transcript is required for all student intern positions.

Responsibilities

• Assist with maintaining the database for ASPEN OneLiner Fault Analysis software.
• Assist with the development or modification of new or existing protective relay settings.
• Work closely with engineers to understand the bulk electric system and Basin's electrical topology.
• Collaborate with field and drafting personnel to complete record drawings and ensure quality control of modifications.
• Assist in ensuring CIP, PRC, FAC standards compliance.

Skills

Effective written communication

Verbal communication

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Outlook

Microsoft Excel

Data entry

Recordkeeping

Team collaboration

Initiative and adaptability

Education

Electrical Engineering (ABET accredited)

Tools

ASPEN OneLiner

Tarigma GEM

Job description

POSITION PURPOSE

This position is at our TSM Menoken location in Menoken, ND.

This position is for the summer months of 2027 (approximately May 17, 2027 through August 20, 2027).

This is a temporary position that will collaborating with our Protection, Controls, and Relaying Engineers to support the design and maintenance of electrical protection systems. As an intern, you'll gain hands‑on experience in a dynamic engineering environment, contributing to the development of innovative solutions for enhancing power grid reliability and efficiency.

Essential Duties

• Assist with maintaining the database for ASPEN OneLiner Fault Analysis software.
• Assist with the development or modification of new or existing protective relay settings.
• Work closely with engineers to gain an understanding of the bulk electric system and Basin's electrical topology
• Work with field and drafting personnel and the drafting department to complete record drawings, while providing quality control of record drawings by drawing modification content and determining whether other drawings are affected by field modifications.
• Assist in ensuring compliance with The North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) regulations including Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP), Protection and Control (PRC), and Facilities Design, Connections, and Maintenance (FAC) standards.
• Ensure Switching Diagrams are available and updated to newest format at all substation locations.
• Validate relays are communicating with Tarigma GEM and matches relay access document.
• Perform sweep of CIP Baseline document to verify internal compliance audit.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Be at least 18 years of age.
• Be enrolled as a full‑time student in a four‑year Electrical Engineering (EAC/ABET accredited) program with Sophomore year completed, or recent graduate (within the past 12 months).
• Maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5.
• Hold a valid driver’s license.
• Did you attach your transcript to this application?

A transcript is required for all student intern positions, your application will NOT be reviewed unless a transcript is attached.

This position is identified as a Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) related position, which may allow physical and/or logical access to Bulk Electric System (BES) cyber related assets or systems.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous internship or relevant work experience.
• Additional certifications or coursework in field of study.

PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS

This position requires the ability to remain in a stationary position and to move about the office building, occasional reaching below and above shoulder level, constant use of a keyboard/computer and other office productivity machinery, bending, climbing, kneeling crawling, pushing/pulling up to 100 pounds, and lifting/carrying up to 50 pounds. This position requires finger dexterity, good hearing and color vision, and the ability to perform close work. This position requires the ability to analyze data/reports and conduct research; implement recommendations; develop plans, procedures, and goals; and present information to others. The incumbent may be required to work under pressure due to conflicting priorities and deadlines. Occasionally works in conditions of dirt/dust, fumes, chemicals, extreme heat and cold, vibration, noise, poor ventilation, electrical risks, and confined areas. This position may be required to occasionally work at heights up to 50 feet, which requires the use of safety equipment, including a harness, in accordance with ANSI Z359 standards. Occasional travel may be required for this position, either by car or cooperative/commercial plane. Equipment operated includes computers, various control devices, electrical test equipment, and normal shop tools.

Key Skills

• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrate proficiency with Microsoft Word, Outlook, and Excel.
• Research and analytical thinking.
• Microsoft Office proficiency.
• Organization and attention to detail.
• Data entry and recordkeeping.
• Team collaboration.
• Initiative and adaptability.
• Confidentiality and professionalism.
• Compliance with safety procedures.

Wage: $26.50/hour