Austin Energy Intern, Power System Engineering (Undergraduate, Graduate or Postgraduate)

JOIN THE CITY OF AUSTIN TEAM

 

At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer—we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities. As we strive to fulfill our commitment as public servants, it is important that we ground our efforts in a set of guiding principles – Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity – anchors in delivering services that significantly impact the lives of Austinites. Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee.

 

What Makes the City of Austin Special?

• Make a Difference: Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation.

• Value and Innovation : Work in an environment where employees are valued and innovation thrives.

• Competitive Benefits: Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits.

• Retirement Security: Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System.

• Sustainable Transportation Options: Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure.

• Focus on Wellness: Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support.

• Career Growth: Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities.

• Modern Workspaces: Work in innovative and sustainable environments that foster collaboration and inspiration.

 

By joining us, you become part of a community that values its people and is committed to making Austin the most thriving and resilient city in the country.

 

Austin Energy Careers in Energy Internship Program provides a unique opportunity to learn about the energy industry as a public power utility by working with passionate, dedicated professionals. As an intern, you will work side by side with some of our critical projects to gain experience in your desired field. You will be assigned a mentor and leader who will help you understand our role as a municipally owned utility for the City of Austin and take your skills to the next level. As an intern working with Engineering, you will be assigned to work in one of our business units that is related to your degree plan, such as: Facilities, Relay, Transmission, Equipment & Materials, Project Management, and Systems Protection. In addition to day-to-day work assignments, interns will be assigned a unique project(s) to complete during their time with us. At the end of the program, interns will give a formal presentation describing their project and outcomes.

 

Job Description:

A full description and the minimum qualifications for each intern level can be found by clicking the links below.

<b>Intern – Undergraduate</b>

Minimum Qualifications:

• Graduation from an accredited high school or equivalent.
• Enrolled in an accredited college or university undergraduate degree program, with some advanced coursework related to the internship program.

<b>Intern – Graduate</b>

Minimum Qualifications:

• Enrolled in an accredited college or university graduate degree program, with some advanced coursework related to the internship program.

<b>Intern – Post Graduate</b>

Minimum Qualifications:

• Enrolled in an accredited college or university post-graduate degree program, with some advanced coursework related to the internship program.

Student Eligibility Requirements: 

• Must be enrolled full-time and classified as Junior, Senior, Graduate student or recent graduate within the last year (May 2025 - current) of an accredited university or college.
• Must have completed a minimum of 60 college semester hours.
• Must have a minimum overall GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale as an undergrad, post grad or recent grad.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Currently pursuing a degree in Electrical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Engineering Technology, or a closely related field.
• Ability to learn to read and interpret electrical schematics, one‑line diagrams, wiring diagrams, and engineering drawings.
• Basic understanding of electric utility systems, including distribution or transmission system components, gained through coursework or self‑study.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with attention to detail when reviewing protection settings, documentation, or design requirements.
• Ability to work with standard engineering software tools and Microsoft Office applications to support analysis, documentation, and reporting.
• Strong written communication skills to assist with drafting specifications for equipment, materials, and CIP project documentation.
• Willingness to learn project scheduling, stakeholder coordination, and asset management concepts under the guidance of a Senior Engineer.
• Completed foundational coursework in circuits, power systems, or energy systems.
• Ability to apply engineering analysis methods to support identification of system improvements or equipment needs.
• Strong interest in learning relay protection concepts, settings review, and high‑voltage system documentation.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and technical writing skills to support CIP documentation, engineering reports, and design packages.
• Ability to collaborate with engineers, project managers, construction, operations, planning, compliance, finance, contractors, and other stakeholders.
• Willingness to learn project scheduling, asset management practices, and CIP processes within an electric utility environment.

 

Notes to Candidate:

The 2026 Austin Energy Summer Internship Program will start on June 1, 2026, and run until July 24, 2026. You must commit to working Monday – Friday, 8:00am – 5:00pm in the office from June 1, 2026, through July 24, 2026. Those who cannot commit to this schedule will not be considered for this year’s program.

Student Eligibility Requirements: Must be enrolled full-time or recent graduate within the last year (May2025-May2026) of an accredited university or college. Must be classified as a Junior, Senior or Graduate student, or be recent graduate student within the past year of May 2025 – May 2026  with a Minimum of 60 college semester hours. Must have a minimum overall GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale as an undergrad, postgrad or recent grad.

Intern Program requirements: The 2026 Austin Energy Summer Internship Program will start on June 1, 2026, and run until July 24, 2026. Graduates who are not currently enrolled in a post graduate program or who have graduated prior to May 2025 will not be considered for the 2026 Summer Internship Program. A copy of your current official/unofficial transcript will be required. Use the “Other Document” in the Optional and Required Documents section of your application to attach your transcript. The City of Austin employment application is an official document; incomplete applications will not be considered. Please be sure that your application is a reflection of your entire work history and education. Describe your specific experience for each position. Include all job duties, responsibilities, employment dates, and relevant college courses. Statements such as “see resume” will not be accepted. You may use “N/A” for fields that are not applicable. Once the requisition has closed, the application cannot be changed to update work history, supplemental questions, or any other information. We reserve the right to verify high school and college education for the top candidate(s). A criminal background check may be required for all top candidates depending on the area of work they are assigned. Must commit to working Monday – Friday, 8:00am – 5:00pm in the office from June 1, 2026, through July 24, 2026. Those who cannot commit to this schedule will not be considered for this year’s program.

Pay Rates: 

STEM Undergraduate $22-$24 

STEM Graduate $24-$26
STEM Post Graduate Masters or PHD $26-$28
 

Employment Application Instructions:

• The City of Austin employment application is an official document; incomplete applications will not be considered.
• Please be sure that your application reflects your entire work history and education. Describe your specific experience for each position. Include all job duties, responsibilities, employment dates, and relevant college courses.
• A copy of your current official/unofficial transcript is required with your application submission.  Use the “Other Document” in the Optional and Required Documents section of your application to attach your transcript.  You may also include a résumé; however, it will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application. You may use “N/A” for fields that are not applicable.
• Please note that Austin Energy may close the job posting at any time after 7 days from the date of the initial advertisement. Once the job posting has closed, applications cannot be changed.

If you are selected as a top candidate:

• We reserve the right to verify high school and college education for the top candidate(s). You must provide proof of education from an accredited organization/institution.
• A criminal background check may be required for all top candidates depending on the area of work they are assigned.

Important Note to Applicants:
Please be aware that the Job Posting Close Date reflects the final day to apply, but the posting will close at 11:59 PM the day before the date listed. All application steps, including attachments and submission, must be fully completed before that time.

We also recommend that you save or print a copy of the job posting for your records. Once a posting has closed, it will no longer be viewable in the system.

 

EEO Statement for City of Austin:

The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual's AIDS, AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.

City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.