Title: 2026 Summer College Internship: Distribution Operations Engineering Intern
Department: Talent Management
Location:
Sacramento, CA, US, 95817-1899
Category: Student
Apply by Date: 01/30/2026
Hourly Minimum Pay Rate: $23.63
Hourly Maximum Pay Rate: $28.80
The Distribution Operations Engineering (DOE) team supports the real-time operations and delivery of safe and reliable power to SMUD's Distribution grid. DOE is responsible for maintaining SMUD's Advanced Distribution Management System (ADMS) and Distributed Energy Management System (DERMS) to bring real-time visibility and control of the grid, while also allowing advanced applications to optimize all distribution assets. During system emergencies, the DOE team provides engineering support to assess the state of the grid and help minimize outage duration for customers. DOE also investigates Power Quality (PQ) issues on the distribution system by combining engineering expertise and a variety of innovative tools such as advanced metering and data analytics.
The selected candidate will have the opportunity to learn about power systems, distribution system operations, and develop technical skills relevant to engineering analysis and computer programming. The selected candidate will also be exposed to real-time operations, ADMS, DERMS and data analytics.
This internship position is onsite, Monday through Friday.
About SMUD's College Internship Program
SMUD's College Internship Program provides college interns with an opportunity to contribute their skills and knowledge to SMUD while gaining valuable work experience. Workshops and activities will also be part of the program where interns will have the opportunity to be immersed in SMUD's culture and learn leadership skills as well as develop their professional skills.
SMUD was also recognized by Interns 2 Pros for the 2020 Internship Program of The Year Award in recognition of excellence in internship strategy, implementation, and impact and was one of five finalists for the 2023 Internship Program of the Year from Interns 2 Pros along with Paramount, Fox Corporation, Intuit, and Toyota.
Purpose
Under staff direction, incumbents in this classification are full-time students in a Science, Technology, Engineering or Math program who perform research and analytical tasks for projects and assignments that utilize specific and acquired academic skills and knowledge in alignment with their educational disciplines.
Nature and Scope
The work performed in this classification calls for regular application of analytical and independent research skills. Work is closely related to the employee's academic major in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics.
Duties and Responsibilities
Work may include, but is not limited to, the following: (NOTE: While in general all the functions and requirements listed are essential, individual positions and/or locations may not require all duties be performed.)
Performs tasks of an analytical or research nature for suitable projects or ongoing assignments which call for specific acquired academic skills and knowledge in Science, Technology, Engineering or Math.
May locate sources of information; collect and organize data.
Makes computations and analyzes data for degree of confidence and for alternative courses of action.
May develop computer programs relating to assignments and may code material for established programs.
May develop written, graphical and/or oral reports.
May assist staff analysts and technical personnel by performing elements of their work under close supervision.
Required Education
Registration as a full-time student (minimum of 12 units) at an accredited college or university in a declared curriculum with a Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) emphasis that will provide the specific skills and knowledge that will contribute to available work assignments.
Desirable Qualifications
Majoring in: Electrical Engineering
Coursework in: Electrical Engineering, Power Engineering, Computer Programing
College Status: Sophomore, Junior, or Senior
Experience with:
Programing (i.e. Python, SQL, C)
Data analytics
Understandiing of distribution system
Understanding of power flow
Familiarity with Distributed Energy Resources (DERS) and impacts of DERs on the grid
Physical Requirements
Applicants must be able to perform the essential job functions with or without a reasonable accommodation.
Application Deadline: It is guaranteed that the online system will accept applications until 5 PM on January 30, 2026. It is highly encouraged that applications are submitted well before the due date and time mentioned to make sure that they are submitted successfully.
Official SMUD Title: STEM Student Assistant
Students must be able to commute to the SMUD Offices in Sacramento, CA when requested to come in.
To have a student position at SMUD, you must not have any relatives working at SMUD.
Internship dates are as follows: Semester students (May - August) and Quarter students (June - September) of this year.
Students must be enrolled as a full-time student, complete and pass at least 12 undergraduate units OR 8 graduate units and receive at least a 2.0 GPA in the Spring Semester/Quarter of 2026. Students must be graduating in Summer 2026 or later.
If the student is graduating in Summer 2026, they must be enrolled as a part-time student in the Summer of 2026.
If the student is graduating in the Spring Semester/Quarter of 2026 but is pursuing another degree in the Fall Semester/Quarter of 2026, you will still be eligible. However, please make sure that it shows it clearly on your resume to show that you are eligible.
During the summer internship, students can work up to 130 hours per month.
Currently, SMUD is not hiring candidates for its student internship positions who require sponsorship from an employer either now or in the future. Such sponsorship is not needed for citizens, a U.S. National, a permanent resident, or one granted refuge or asylum status by the U.S. government. Visa holders typically require sponsorship in one form or another at some point in time.
Diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) are a part of who we are and how we do things. Supporting efforts that promote pay equality is part of that. Salary placement for the selected candidate will be determined in alignment with the California Equal Pay Act or the applicable MOU. Determination for salary placement of internal candidates will be made without respect to current classification or compensation and will be based upon the candidate's qualifications as compared to those performing substantially similar work. In the event there is a guaranteed pay progression outlined in an applicable MOU, the MOU takes precedence.
SMUD provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. SMUD complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.
SMUD expressly prohibits any form of unlawful employee harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of SMUD employees to perform their expected job duties is absolutely not tolerated.
Req ID: 2639
