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Energy Engineer Intern Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Engineer intern

Simi Valley, CA · On-site

$17.25 - $22.50/hr

Job Summary / Objectives The Intern position is focused on Engineering or Physics students that can ... High energy with can do attitude * Strong team contributor in a dynamic workflow environment with ...

Civil Engineer Intern

Concord, CA · On-site

$25 - $29/hr

The Civil Engineer Intern will support civil engineering teams in the planning, design, analysis ... energy customers. Together, we create sustainable and resilient communities for all. What you can ...

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Showing results 1-20

Energy Engineer Intern information

See California salary details

$11

$20

$31

How much do energy engineer intern jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for energy engineer intern in California is $20.97, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.97 and $23.94 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an energy engineer intern do?

An Energy Engineer Intern assists professional engineers in analyzing and improving energy systems within buildings, industrial facilities, or renewable energy projects. Their tasks often include collecting and interpreting data, performing energy audits, developing recommendations for efficiency improvements, and supporting the design or implementation of energy-saving measures. Interns also help with research, report writing, and sometimes participate in fieldwork or site visits. This role provides hands-on experience with real-world energy challenges and helps build a foundation for a future career in energy engineering.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an energy engineer intern?

To thrive as an Energy Engineer Intern, you need a solid foundation in engineering principles, energy systems, and data analysis, often supported by coursework in mechanical or electrical engineering. Familiarity with tools like AutoCAD, MATLAB, and energy modeling software such as RETScreen or EnergyPlus is typically expected. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help interns stand out in collaborative project environments. These skills and qualities are crucial for accurately analyzing energy data, contributing to efficiency projects, and supporting the technical needs of energy engineering teams.

What is the difference between Energy Engineer Intern vs Mechanical Engineering Intern?

AspectEnergy Engineer InternMechanical Engineering Intern
Required CredentialsTypically pursuing or holding a degree in energy engineering, mechanical engineering, or related fieldsUsually pursuing or holding a degree in mechanical engineering or related disciplines
Work EnvironmentOften involved in energy systems, sustainability projects, and renewable energy initiativesEngaged in product design, manufacturing processes, and mechanical systems
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by energy companies, consulting firms, and industrial plants focusing on energy efficiencyCommon in manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, and product development sectors

While both roles involve engineering principles, an Energy Engineer Intern focuses on energy systems, efficiency, and sustainability projects, whereas a Mechanical Engineering Intern works on mechanical design, manufacturing, and product development. The roles share similar educational backgrounds but differ in industry focus and project types.

What are the most commonly searched types of Energy Engineer jobs in California?

The most popular types of Energy Engineer jobs in California are:

What job categories do people searching Energy Engineer Intern jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Energy Engineer Intern jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Energy Engineer Intern jobs?

Cities in California with the most Energy Engineer Intern job openings:

Infographic showing various Energy Engineer Intern job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,617 per year, or $21 per hour.

$26/hr

Full-time, Internship

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago


Southland Industries rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 28 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

 

Our Internship and New College Graduate program is best designed for those students who seek a truly immersive and hands-on experience. At Southland, we view every student as a potential hire and ensure each intern, co-op student, and every new college graduate is truly set up for success to accomplish short and long term career goals. If a student program that exposes you to exciting projects and potential career paths with one of the country's largest MEP building systems firms appeals to you and you're ready for the next big step in your career, then JOIN our team and become a part of an organization that values PEOPLE, SAFETY, INNOVATION, COLLABORATION, INTEGRITY, ACCOUNTABILITY & SUSTAINABILITY.

Position Summary

Our internship program is designed to introduce candidates to a career in the field of Energy Engineering for the Design/Build construction industry. Primary responsibility is to assist the Energy Engineering team in all aspects of our work.

Position Details

  • Assist senior resources in performing field audits and measurement and verification which will include data logger installation, data collection, utility bill and rate analysis, and developing energy savings analysis models.
  • Support energy audits that are used to identify and recommend energy efficiency improvements.
  • Support obtaining energy incentives and verifying tax benefits on large projects.
  • Perform basic deliverables in support of energy reports, validating and analyzing energy efficiency design concepts leveraging the fundamentals of building mechanical, electrical, and domestic/irrigation water system engineering. Assist in planning and conducting building energy analysis.

Qualifications

  • A Bachelor's Degree in Environmental, Energy, or Mechanical Engineering; or in a related field. Completion of classes in energy systems, energy efficiency, power systems, or generation systems highly desirable.
  • A strong work ethic
  • Initiative and drive to get the job done
  • Strong communication skills
  • The ability to be resourceful and resilient
  • Able to solve problems with limited support
  • Quick learner, seeks answers on their own
  • Positive attitude during adverse/non-ideal situations
  • Exercises Accountability in stressful situations (avoids placing blame)
  • Goal Oriented
  • Collaborative spirit and a Good Teammate - has a "We vs. Me" attitude
  • Strong active listening skills
  • Competent general business writing and public speaking

What you'll gain from our Student Programs at Southland Industries:

  • Increase your knowledge of energy modeling
  • Become more familiar with planning and executing data collection, leveraging real data for real systems
  • Gain experience in planning and conducting measurements sand verification activities
  • You'll have the ability to communicate with all levels of management

Pay: For California-based internship roles, the pay rate is set at $26.00 per hour, in alignment with program guidelines and market standards.

Internship/Co-op Program Benefits:

  • Hands-on classroom and on-the-job experience in your specific role
  • Opportunity to work side by side with company leaders
  • Socially distant group activities and team events
  • Paid housing (some locations)
  • Paid internship/Co-op
  • Potential full-time employment opportunities

Full-time Employee Benefits:

As a 100% employee-owned company, we offer a comprehensive benefits package for you and your family:

  • 401(k) plan with 50% company match (no cap) and immediate 100% vesting
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance (100% paid for employee)
  • Annual bonus program based upon performance, achievement, and company profitability
  • Term life, AD&D insurance, and voluntary life insurance
  • Disability income protection insurance
  • Pre-tax flexible spending plans (health and dependent care)
  • Paid parental leave
  • Paid holidays, vacation, and personal time
  • Training/professional development opportunities and company-paid memberships for professional associations and licenses
  • Wellness benefits

About Southland Industries

As one of the nation's largest MEP companies, Southland Industries is built on the foundation of great people. Since 1949, we have put our people first, enabling growth, professional achievement, and innovation. If you want to join a fast-paced environment where you're engaged, challenged, and valued, apply now to join our dynamic team.

To learn more about careers at Southland, explore our career opportunities, follow us on social media, and check out our website.

Southland Industries and all its subsidiaries are an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. We are committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing our employees with a safe work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at Southland Industries are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, gender, gender identity, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, medical condition, marital status, sexual orientation, family care or medical leave status, veteran status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. Southland Industries will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics.

Contingent Employment: All employment offers are contingent upon successful drug tests, background checks, and professional reference checks. Roles that include driving as an essential job duty will be required to have a successful Motor Vehicle Record check (MVR). We are not able to offer sponsorship of employment at this time.

External Agency Announcement: Its Southland Industries' policy not to accept candidate submissions from recruiting agencies without an active and authorized work order. Candidate ownership can only be established after a bona fide work order is issued by a member of the Southland Industries Talent Acquisition team and the candidate is appropriately submitted through our Applicant Tracking System (ATS).


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