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Intern Power Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Intern Power Engineer information

What does an intern power engineer do?

An Intern Power Engineer assists experienced engineers in designing, testing, and maintaining electrical power systems, such as those used in utilities or industrial facilities. Their tasks may include conducting research, performing calculations, helping prepare technical drawings and reports, and participating in field inspections. The internship provides hands-on experience with real-world power engineering projects and exposure to industry standards and safety practices. This role is designed to help engineering students or recent graduates gain practical skills and knowledge relevant to a career in power engineering.

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

To thrive as an Intern Power Engineer, you typically need a strong background in electrical engineering fundamentals, problem-solving skills, and enrollment in or completion of a relevant engineering degree program. Familiarity with simulation software such as MATLAB, ETAP, or PSCAD, and basic knowledge of power systems design tools are often required. Strong communication, teamwork, and eagerness to learn help interns integrate with engineering teams and adapt quickly. These skills and qualities are crucial for contributing effectively to projects, gaining practical experience, and building a foundation for a career in power engineering.

What types of projects and tasks can an intern power engineer expect to work on during their internship?

As an Intern Power Engineer, you can expect to assist with a variety of tasks such as conducting power system analyses, supporting the design and testing of electrical components, and preparing technical documentation. Interns often collaborate with senior engineers on projects involving grid reliability, renewable energy integration, and substation design. You may also participate in site visits, data collection, and troubleshooting activities, which provide valuable hands-on experience. This collaborative environment helps interns build technical skills and gain insight into the daily responsibilities of a professional power engineer.

What is the difference between Intern Power Engineer vs Junior Power Engineer?

AspectIntern Power EngineerJunior Power Engineer
CredentialsTypically pursuing or recently completed a degree in electrical or power engineeringPossesses a degree and may have some relevant certifications or licenses
Work EnvironmentLearning-focused, supervised, often in training or internship programsMore independent, involved in ongoing projects, with some supervision
Employer & Industry UsageInternships offered by power companies, utilities, or engineering firms for studentsEntry-level role in power generation, transmission, or distribution companies

In summary, an Intern Power Engineer is a student or recent graduate gaining practical experience, while a Junior Power Engineer is a more experienced role with responsibilities in supporting power engineering projects. The internship is a learning position, whereas the junior role involves applying skills in real-world tasks.

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Intern Power Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 56% Internship, and 44% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Intern, Power Electronics Controls Engineer

Scotts Valley, CA • On-site

$18.25 - $23.75/hr

Other

Re-posted 16 days ago


Job description

What to Expect

Heron Power is a startup company building cutting‑edge power electronics for the 21st‑century grid. We aim to debottleneck the growth of electricity generation and consumption with scalable, innovative, and less costly hardware solutions, accelerating the electrification of everything.

Our first goal is to build better converters (inverters & rectifiers) to connect large‑scale renewables, storage, and loads to the grid. Heron’s leadership team is made up of seasoned veterans who have designed and shipped gigawatts of power conversion products over the past decade.

We understand that no one individual knows everything. We will all learn a lot together and from each other. We strive to build a collaborative, enriching environment conducive to personal, technical, and career growth. You can expect to work in a dynamic and collaborative environment, driven by first principles engineering, solving difficult problems.

Job Overview

As an Intern, Power Electronics Controls Engineer, you will be responsible for dynamic modeling, controller design, implementation, and validation for power converters. Additionally, you will be responsible for system analysis and integration.

How You Will Contribute
  • Evaluate system‑level requirements and translate to dynamic performance and controls specs
  • Analyze and model candidate converter topologies and architectures, and work with the hardware team to evaluate engineering trade‑offs
  • Outline and design controller architecture to achieve design and dynamic objectives
  • Capture controller design in Matlab/Simulink
  • Perform small‑signal modeling aimed at tuning and stabilizing controller responses
  • Review electrical schematics and suggest changes to ensure signal acquisition and the plant are well‑designed to handle transients and edge‑cases
  • Translate algorithms from Simulink into embedded code (in C language)
  • Create and utilize hardware‑in‑the‑loop (HiL) setups for validation
  • Work with hardware team to perform prototype bring‑up and validation
  • Create and execute dynamic stress‑test plans
  • Design and support special behaviors required for thermal, reliability, and compliance tests
  • Design and support special behaviors required for end‑of‑line testing for volume production
  • Review and analyze fleet data, and devise performance improvement and failure mitigation strategies
  • As a startup, we expect individuals to engage and overlap with teams with adjacent skill‑sets. Expect to overlap both with circuit‑design engineers and firmware engineers as needed.
What You Will Bring

We have a short list of must‑have requirements. We prioritize a strong grip on first principles, hands‑on skills, and a sense of initiative. Domain‑specific knowledge and experience will help determine the career level for each hire.

Must‑Have Requirements
  • Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD in Electrical Engineering (or a related field).
  • Strong electrical engineering fundamentals
  • Familiarity with simple power conversion topologies
  • Understanding of dynamic models and control systems
  • Ability to write and troubleshoot C‑code
  • Hands‑on circuit troubleshooting experience
Nice‑to‑Haves
  • Experience with design and controls of grid‑tied inverter systems
  • Familiarity with modular architectures and/or multi‑level topologies
  • Familiarity with grid‑code requirements such as IEEE1547, IEEE2800, UL1741, or equivalent
  • Embedded coding and troubleshooting experience
  • Experience in high‑volume production and support
  • Familiarity with power system modeling, operation, and common protection techniques
  • Experience with PV conversion systems including maximum power point tracking (MPPT) and arc‑fault detection

If you are passionate about technology and enjoy working in a fast‑paced environment, we would love to hear from you. Join us in accelerating the electrification of everything at Heron Power.

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