Substation Electrical & Distribution Intern

HDR, Inc.; Middleton Junction (WI); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

HDR, Inc. in Madison, Wisconsin, is seeking a Substation/Distribution Electrical Engineering Intern to gain real-world experience on exciting projects and learn under licensed engineers.

Ideal candidates are enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate Engineering program with strong attention to detail, problem-solving and communication skills. Local candidates are preferred; the internship is full-time and temporary at our Madison office, offering exposure to substation design, equipment placement

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate Engineering program.
• Attention to detail and strong problem-solving skills.
• Basic Microsoft Office skills and effective communication.

Responsibilities

• Gain real-world experience on engineering projects.
• Mentor with engineers and project managers.
• Create/modify substation drawings and wiring diagrams as directed.
• Support grounding studies and equipment placement.
• Collaborate with engineers, drafters and construction teams to execute designs.

Skills

Attention to detail

Problem solving

Communication skills

Microsoft Office

Engineering software

Education

Engineering student status

2 years completed toward degree with 3.0+ GPA

Tools

Engineering software

Job description

At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. As we foster a culture of inclusion throughout our company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves: What is our impact on the world?
Watch Our Story:' https://www.hdrinc.com/our-story'
Each and every role throughout our organization makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better. Read further to learn how you could help make great things possible not only in your community, but around the world.
We believe electricity powers modern life. As part of our Power sector, you'll help shape how electricity is generated, transmitted and delivered as global energy demands grow. From massive data centers to modernizing transmission systems, our industry-recognized engineers and scientists have been at the forefront of grid transformation for more than a century. You'll work side‑by‑side with these experts and contribute to reliable, resilient and sustainable power systems, helping communities thrive and industries expand. This isn't just a job, it's a chance to drive infrastructure forward, power innovation and leave your mark on our energy future.

Responsibilities

In the role of Substation/Distribution Electrical Engineering Intern, we'll count on you to:

• Offer real-world experience on exciting projects
• Connect with recent college graduates and our company leaders through mentoring and young professionals programs
• Apply standard engineering techniques and procedures
• Perform assignments under the direct supervision of a professional or Project Manager
• Create/modify substation physical drawings including equipment selection & placement according to project scope.
• Complete grounding studies to mitigate dangerous step & touch potentials within substations.
• Create/modify substation wiring diagram and control schematics according to project scope.
• Create/modify circuit schematics, equipment detail drawings, maps, wiring diagrams, schedules, system studies, and other documents according to project scope.
• Engage with Engineers, Drafters, and Construction to execute designs for new services, maintenance/repair of aging infrastructure, and renewable energy
• Perform other duties as needed

Preferred Qualifications

• Understanding of basic circuit analysis and fundamental electrical laws
• Prefer 2 years completed toward degree with 3.0+ GPA
• Demonstrated knowledge of software packages related to field of study/industry
• Preference given to local candidates

Required Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate Engineering program
• Attention to detail
• Possess strong problem-solving and communication skills
• Basic Microsoft Office skills
• An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must

What We Believe

HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.

Our Commitment

As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day.

Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.

Primary Location: United States-Wisconsin-Madison

Industry: Power

Schedule: Full-time

Employee Status: Temporary

BusinessClass: Substation Engineering

Job Posting: Aug 27, 2026