Student Internship - How Agent Harness and Loop Engineering Helps Grid Planning

ISO New England Inc.; Holyoke (MA); On-site; USD 26,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Wellness program

Mentorships

Job summary

ISO New England is seeking a PhD candidate for an internship in Advanced Technology Solutions to explore agent‑based AI frameworks for grid planning. You will investigate how agent workflows can automate repetitive planning tasks, run recursive simulations, evaluate many scenarios in parallel, and manage large stateful grid datasets to aid planners in making faster, smarter expansion decisions.

The role targets students with strong Python skills and a background in power systems, electrical

Qualifications

• PhD in electrical engineering, computer science, power systems, AI or data science.
• Experience with Python is required.
• Familiarity with grid planning tools and AI agent frameworks is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Apply AI agent frameworks to transmission planning tasks.
• Analyze large grid datasets and run simulations to inform expansion decisions.
• Collaborate with the Advanced Technology Solutions team in Holyoke.

Skills

Python

Data analysis

Education

PhD

Power System Engineering

Tools

PSS®E

PowerWorld

LangChain

LangGraph

Strands

CrewAI

AutoGen

Job description

ISO New England is the independent system operator responsible for ensuring the safe and reliable flow of electricity in our region and planning for the future of the electric grid. We are at the forefront of New England's ongoing transition to clean energy. Internship Title - How Agent Harness and Loop Engineering Helps Grid Planning Department - Advanced Technology Solutions Minimum Education level: PhD Preferred Majors: Power System Engineering Help shape the future of the electric grid with AI. Join ISO New England for a hands‑on internship exploring how agent‑based AI frameworks can make transmission planning faster, smarter, and more scalable - while supporting the reliable flow of electricity for millions of people across New England.

Who We Are

ISO New England is one of the most pivotal energy companies you've probably never heard of. Our job is to oversee the 24/7 operation of the power grid that covers the six‑states of New England and to administer the region’s $10+ billion "stock exchange" for buying and selling of wholesale electricity. Our work ensures that over 14 million people can reliably turn their lights on and complete their jobs, take care of their families, and live in comfort with convenience.

Department Description

The Advanced Technology Solutions (ATS) department engages in both long‑term research projects and near‑term design/process improvements. The department consists of experts in three topic areas: power systems, simulations, and markets. In all projects, the goal of the department is to provide innovative and practical solutions to current and emerging questions for ISO New England.

What You'll be Working On

This internship explores how AI agent harness and loop engineering frameworks can support the future of transmission grid planning. You'll investigate how agent‑based workflows could automate repetitive planning tasks, run recursive simulation testing, evaluate many scenarios in parallel, and manage large, stateful grid datasets - helping planners make faster, better‑informed network expansion decisions.

How You'll Make an Impact

Your work will help ISO New England evaluate whether AI agent frameworks can accelerate transmission planning workflows, reduce manual analysis effort, improve scenario evaluation scalability, and support smarter planning decisions as the grid becomes more complex through electrification, clean energy integration, and changing demand patterns.

What We Look for in a Candidate

We're looking for a curious, analytical student pursuing a degree in electrical engineering, computer science, power systems, artificial intelligence, data science, or a related field.

• Experience with Python is required.
• Familiarity with PSS®E or PowerWorld is preferred. Exposure to AI agent frameworks such as LangChain, LangGraph, Strands, CrewAI, or AutoGen, as well as experience working with large datasets, is a plus.
• Strong problem‑solving skills, clear communication, and an interest in applying emerging technology to real‑world grid challenges will help you succeed.

This employer will not sponsor applicants for work visas for this position (ex: H-1B, F-1/CPT/OPT, O-1, E-3, TN, J, etc.).

The expected hourly range for this position is $19-$36 per hour, depending on your year in college. Interns are eligible for some paid time off benefits and have access to our wellness program. Our internships also provide interns with exposure to the energy industry, mentorships, and real‑world experience.

This is a U.S. based role. If the successful candidate resides outside of the U.S., relocation will be required.

Equal Opportunity

We are proud to be an EEO employer. Applicants for employment are considered without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, citizenship, national origin, age, ancestry, marital status, disability (including learning, mental, intellectual, and physical), service in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable law.

Drug Free Environment

We maintain a drug‑free workplace and perform pre‑employment substance abuse testing.