Substation Electrical Engineer Intern - Grid (Summer 2027)

Sargent Lundy; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 25,000 - 41,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid time off

401(k)

Tuition assistance

Flexible work arrangements

Job summary

Sargent & Lundy in Chicago seeks a Substation Engineer Intern to join a Grid project team. You'll assist senior engineers on transmission, substation, renewable, and battery energy storage system projects and gain hands-on experience in design execution and 3D modeling.

Under guidance, you will prepare engineering calculations, specifications, and project reports, participate in equipment procurement specs, and learn to apply automation and AI tools to improve workflows.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in BS/MS in engineering with strong preference in EE/ME/Aerospace/Chemical and/or courses including Coding, 3D Modeling/Design, and experience using AI tools.
• Familiarity with creating technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models and visualizing parts in 3D.
• Strong organizational skills with high attention to detail and the ability to work independently.
• Coursework or experience in AI applications and agentic AI is a plus.
• Minimum 3.0 GPA preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the preparation of engineering calculations, specifications, and designs.
• Support project reporting, tracking progress and data across projects.
• Be involved in power design and procurement specifications for major electrical equipment and services.

Skills

Electrical Engineering

3D Modeling/Design

Coding

AI agentic tools knowledge

Project reporting

Independent work

Attention to detail

Education

ABET-accredited engineering program

Tools

Python

MATLAB

Advanced Excel

Job description

Description

This position has a target start date in summer 2027.

As a Substation Engineer Intern, you will be assigned to work on a project team in our Grid business unit and assist the engineering team members in the execution of their project work. These projects may involve the design of new and/or modifications and upgrades to transmission, substation, distribution, renewable, and battery energy storage system engineering projects.

Working under the direction of senior engineers, this internship will offer you the opportunity to utilize and expand your academic background in engineering in one or more of the following areas:

• Assist in the preparation of engineering calculations, specifications, and designs.
• Work on a variety of tasks associated with project reporting, such as tracking and evaluating project activities, project progress, and associated data.
• Be involved in power designs and the preparation of specifications for the procurement of major electrical power equipment and related installation services.

Qualifications

We do not sponsor employees for work authorization in the U.S. for this position.

Essential skills and experience:

• Active enrollment in a Bachelor of Science or Master of Science degree with strong preference in an Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace or Chemical Engineering degree, and/or coursework including Coding, 3D Modeling/Design, and experience using agentic AI.
• Knowledge of design techniques, tools and principles involved in production of technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models with the ability to visualize parts in 3D without the aid of a computer.
• Strong organizational skills with high attention to detail.
• Self-starter, proactive, and able to work independently with minimal direction.
• Ability to quickly identify and prioritize issues, create solutions, and meet deadlines.

Valued but not required skills and experience:

• Enrollment in a BS, MS, or equivalent degree from an ABET Engineering Accreditation Commission-approved program.
• Familiarity in designing or developing AI applications and/or agents.
• Demonstrated leadership experience within campus and/or the community.
• Minimum of a 3.0 GPA strongly preferred.
• Prior, related internship or co-op experience.

AI & Automation at Sargent & Lundy

In this role, we expect people to be willing or able to solve problems using modern tools:

• You are expected to take engineering problems from issue to solution using data and modern tools such as automation and AI to improve workflows, reduce rework, and deliver cost-effective designs.
• Many engineers in these roles build or use automation to create calculations, summarize technical documents, or draft design documentation, including appropriate use of agentic AI tools, with strong engineering judgment and verification of results.
• Programming or scripting (e.g., Python, MATLAB, advanced Excel) to automate calculations, design checks, reporting, or data transformation is valued but not required.
• We also value additional learning, such as a minor, certificate, or other training in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Software Engineering, or related fields that helps you apply automation or agentic AI to real engineering problems.

Award-Winning Benefits

At Sargent & Lundy, we care about the health and well-being of our employees. Our commitment extends beyond the workplace, offering comprehensive healthcare plans and generous paid time off to support our team members in every aspect of their lives. We understand the importance of work-life balance, which is why we are proud to provide competitive, award-winning benefits. Our dedication to employee satisfaction has earned us the prestigious Top Workplaces Culture Excellence Award for compensation and benefits in 2022, 2023, 2024.

Health & WellnessFinancial BenefitsWork-Life Balance

• Health Plans: Medical, Dental, Vision
• Life & Accident Insurance
• Disability Coverage
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Back-Up Daycare
• FSA & HSA

• 401(k)
• Pre-Tax Commuter Account
• Merit Scholarship Program
• Employee Discount Program
• Corporate Charitable Giving Program
• Tuition Assistance
• First Professional Licensure Bonus
• Employee Referral Bonus

• Paid Annual Personal/Sick Time (PST)
• Paid Vacation
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Parental Leave
• Paid Bereavement Leave
• Flexible Work Arrangements

Compensation Range

$18.00 - $30.00

Transparency Statement

Sargent & Lundy discloses compensation ranges that comply with all local and state regulations. The total compensation package for eligible positions will include a base salary or an hourly rate and a comprehensive benefits package, reflecting our commitment to rewarding performance and supporting the overall well-being of our employees. Individuals may also be eligible to participate in our yearly discretionary bonus.

Equal Opportunity

Sargent & Lundy is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any protected status as defined by applicable law.