Electrical Engineer Intern - Grid (Summer 2026)
Company : Sargent &lundy
Location : Chicago, IL, 60603
Job Type : Intern
Date Posted : 14 January 2026
Description
This position has a target start date in summer 2026.
As an Electrical Engineering 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 Electrical 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.
Please note that this internship position does not provide a subsidy for relocation expenses.
Qualifications
We do not sponsor employees for work authorization in the U.S. for this position.
Essential skills and experience:
- An expected graduation date in Fall 2026, Spring 2027, Fall 2027, or Spring 2028 with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering or Master of Science in Electrical Engineering (BSEE or MSEE) degree with a strong academic background and coursework in electrical power.
- 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:
- BSEE or MSEE from an ABET Engineering Accreditation Commission-approved program.
- Demonstrated leadership experience within campus and/or the community.
- Minimum of a 3.0 GPA strongly preferred.
- Prior, related internship or co-op experience.
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, and 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
$17.50 - $27.00Transparency 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.
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Frequently asked questions
In Chicago's energy sector, skills in power systems, substation design, and renewable integration stand out. Interns with strong electrical power coursework and hands-on experience in transmission or battery energy storage systems are highly sought after for grid-related summer roles.
Sargent & Lundy’s grid-focused internship offers direct exposure to transmission and distribution projects, emphasizing real-world design tasks and procurement specs. This role blends academic knowledge with industry-grade project reporting, setting it apart from more generalized engineering internships.
Expect involvement in upgrading substations, designing renewable energy connections, or working with battery energy storage. Projects often require preparing engineering calculations, reviewing specifications, and supporting procurement efforts under seasoned engineers’ guidance.
While not mandatory for interns, local employers favor candidates pursuing EIT (Engineer in Training) certification, as it demonstrates commitment. Additionally, familiarity with NERC standards and OSHA safety certifications can enhance competitiveness in Chicago’s grid engineering internships.
Interns can anticipate hourly pay between $17.50 and $27.00, reflecting the role’s technical demands and regional market rates. This competitive range complements the company’s comprehensive benefits, aligning well with Chicago’s cost of living and engineering internship standards.
This internship immerses candidates in practical power system challenges and design processes, fostering skills like project tracking and specification development. Exposure to transmission and renewable projects equips interns with a robust foundation to advance in power engineering careers.
Interns at Sargent & Lundy gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge grid modernization projects, including renewable and battery storage systems. The company’s award-winning benefits and culture further enhance the internship experience, supporting both professional and personal growth.
Chicago’s energy sector internships attract many candidates, but grid-focused roles are relatively niche. Candidates with strong power systems knowledge and proactive problem-solving skills tend to stand out, although competition remains steady due to the city’s robust engineering community.
This internship primarily requires on-site participation in Chicago to collaborate effectively with project teams and access specialized equipment. While some tasks may be flexible, hands-on grid engineering projects benefit from in-person engagement.
Although previous related internships can strengthen an application, Sargent & Lundy values strong academic backgrounds in electrical power and demonstrated leadership. Self-driven candidates with solid coursework and problem-solving abilities are encouraged to apply.