STUDENT INTERN - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING (DCS)

Basin Electric Power Cooperative; Elkton Township (SD); On-site; USD 30,000 - 43,000; Full time

Job summary

Basin Electric Power Cooperative is seeking a Student Intern - Mechanical Engineering (DCS) for the Deer Creek Station near Brookings, SD. This summer internship (May 17, 2027–August 20, 2027) provides hands-on engineering support to operations and maintenance teams under guidance.

You will gain exposure to cooperative practices and collaborate on real projects. The role emphasizes data analysis, drawing updates, and safety adherence, with opportunities to contribute to plant projects and learn

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Enrolled as full-time student in a four-year ABET-accredited Mechanical Engineering program with Sophomore year completed, or recent graduate (within past 12 months).
• Maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5.
• Hold a valid driver’s license.
• Transcript attached is required for all student intern positions.

Responsibilities

• Assist with plant performance data trending and analysis.
• Create as-build drawings and document updates.
• Assist with preparation for outage maintenance and modification projects.
• Gather field data and assist the Deer Creek Station Engineer with upcoming projects.
• Follow safety, security, and procedural guidelines.

Skills

Communication

Written communication

Verbal communication

Data analysis

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Outlook

Organization

Team collaboration

Initiative

Education

Four-year Mechanical Engineering (ABET-accredited)

Sophomore year completed or recent graduate

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Outlook

Microsoft Excel

Job description

STUDENT INTERN - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING (DCS)

Posting Start Date: 9/8/26

POSITION PURPOSE

This position is at our Deer Creek Station location near Brookings, SD. This position is for the summer months of 2027 (approximately May 17, 2027 through August 20, 2027). This position provides temporary, that will provide lower-level engineering assistance and support to the operations and maintenance staff under the direction of the Superintendent of South Dakota Operations. This work includes creating as-built system drawings, reviewing performance data from the process interface (Pl) system, creating scope of work descriptions for contractors, creating drawing changes, system monitoring and improvement projects, and other duties as assigned. The incumbent will gain exposure to Cooperative operations and practices while supporting teams with hands-on tasks and assignments appropriate to their field of study.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Assist with plant performance data trending and analysis functions.
• Create as-build drawings and document updates.
• Assist with preparation for outage maintenance and modification projects.
• Gather field data, conduct research, and assist the Deer Creek Station Engineer with upcoming plant projects.
• Follow safety, security, and procedural guidelines.
• 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 Mechanical 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.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

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

PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS

This position requires frequent sitting; and occasional standing/walking, bending/reaching, climbing, kneeling, crawling, use of keyboard/computer, pushing/pulling up to 60 pounds and lifting/carrying up to 50 pounds. This position also requires finger dexterity, hand coordination, good hearing, and color vision. It also 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. This position occasionally may work in conditions of dirt/dust, fumes, chemicals, extreme heat/cold, vibration, noise poor ventilation, electrical risks, and confined areas. It also may have to work at heights up to 160 feet, which requires the use of safety equipment, including a harness, in accordance with ANSI Z359 standards, and may access all areas of the plant site.

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

Basin Electric is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer regarding race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, and veterans status.