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Internship Electrical Engineering Jobs in Champaign, IL

Internship Electrical Engineering information

See Champaign, IL salary details

$11

$21

$29

How much do internship electrical engineering jobs pay per hour?

As of May 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for internship electrical engineering in Champaign, IL is $21.70, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.32 and $24.09 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Electrical Engineering Intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Electrical Engineering Intern, a solid understanding of electrical circuit theory, problem-solving skills, and progress toward a degree in electrical engineering are essential. Familiarity with industry-standard tools like MATLAB, AutoCAD, and circuit simulation software, as well as basic programming knowledge, is typically required. Strong teamwork, communication, and a willingness to learn help an intern stand out in collaborative engineering environments. These competencies enable interns to contribute effectively to projects, adapt quickly, and gain valuable, practical experience for future growth.

What types of projects and responsibilities can I expect during an Electrical Engineering internship?

As an Electrical Engineering intern, you can expect to work on a variety of projects such as circuit design, product testing, data analysis, and assisting with the development of prototypes. You'll often support senior engineers on larger projects while also having opportunities to take ownership of smaller tasks. Typical daily responsibilities might include drafting schematics, conducting experiments in the lab, troubleshooting hardware, and documenting results. Interns usually collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams, gaining valuable exposure to both engineering best practices and cross-functional teamwork.

What are internship electrical engineering positions?

Internship electrical engineering positions are temporary roles designed for students or recent graduates to gain hands-on experience in the field of electrical engineering. These internships typically involve assisting with designing, testing, and analyzing electrical systems and components under the supervision of experienced engineers. Interns gain practical knowledge, industry exposure, and professional networking opportunities, which can be valuable for future employment. These positions are often offered by companies in industries such as electronics, energy, telecommunications, and manufacturing.

Is a 3.0 GPA good for internships?

For an electrical engineering internship, a 3.0 GPA is generally considered acceptable, especially if complemented by relevant skills, projects, or certifications. Many employers value practical experience and technical abilities alongside GPA when evaluating candidates.

What is the difference between Internship Electrical Engineering vs Electrical Engineer?

AspectInternship Electrical EngineeringElectrical Engineer
Required CredentialsTypically pursuing or recently completed a degree in electrical engineeringBachelor's degree in electrical engineering or related field
Work EnvironmentTemporary, training-focused, often in labs or project sitesFull-time, professional setting, including offices, labs, or field sites
Employer & Industry UsageInternships offered by companies for training and evaluationFull-fledged roles in industries like power, electronics, or telecommunications
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding entry-level opportunities and training rolesSeeking full-time electrical engineering careers

In summary, an Internship Electrical Engineering is a temporary, training-focused position for students or recent graduates, whereas an Electrical Engineer is a full-time professional role requiring a degree and offering ongoing responsibilities in the electrical industry.

What are the most commonly searched types of Electrical Engineering jobs in Champaign, IL? The most popular types of Electrical Engineering jobs in Champaign, IL are:
What cities near Champaign, IL are hiring for Internship Electrical Engineering jobs? Cities near Champaign, IL with the most Internship Electrical Engineering job openings:
Infographic showing various Internship Electrical Engineering job openings in Champaign, IL as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Internship, 86% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 83% Physical, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,130 per year, or $21.7 per hour.
Embedded Systems Software - Rivian - Motor Controls Development

Embedded Systems Software - Rivian - Motor Controls Development

University of Illinois

Champaign, IL • On-site

$33 - $40/hr

Other

Medical

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

About Rivian
Rivian is on a mission to keep the world adventurous forever. This goes for the emissions-free Electric Adventure Vehicles we build, and the curious, courageous souls we seek to attract.
As a company, we constantly challenge what's possible, never simply accepting what has always been done. We reframe old problems, seek new solutions, and operate comfortably in areas that are unknown. Our backgrounds are diverse, but our team shares a love of the outdoors and a desire to protect it for future generations.
About the Role
Rivian internships are experiences optimized for student candidates. To be eligible, you must be an undergraduate or graduate student in an accredited program during the internship term. If you are not pursuing a degree, please see our full-time positions on our Rivian careers site.
Note that if your university has specific requirements for internship programs, it is your responsibility to fulfill those requirements.
In this role, you will assist the Electric Power Conversion (EPC) team in developing and validating motor control algorithms. This entails using Model-Based Design to simulate motor behavior, and then utilizing Python and SQL within our cloud data platform to analyze how these algorithms perform in the field.
Responsibilities
  • Develop motor control logic in Matlab/Simulink while simultaneously building Python/SQL scripts in Databricks.
  • Create a unified workflow where simulation results are compared directly against fleet data.
  • Run test cases on Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) benches to verify performance.
  • Document and present root-cause findings to the EPC team.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:
  • Must be currently pursuing a PhD degree at the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign
  • Actively pursuing a degree or one closely related in Electrical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering
  • Strong proficiency in Matlab/Simulink for control logic development.
  • Core understanding of AC motor theory and 3-phase power electronics.
  • Solid programming foundations in C and Python.
  • Prior experience in the EV industry or with high-voltage laboratory equipment preferred.
  • Knowledge of SQL and cloud-based data analysis preferred.
  • Understanding of Functional Safety (ISO 26262) principles is a plus.
Pay Disclosure
Salary Range/Hourly Rate for Internships: The range of pay for internships is $33.00-$40.00 per hour. Actual compensation will be determined based on location, and other factors permitted by law.
Rivian provides robust wellness benefits, and a medical insurance package for interns, their spouse or domestic partner, and children up to age 26. Coverage is effective on the first day of employment, and Rivian covers most of the premiums.
To apply, please use this link: https://go.researchpark.illinois.edu/Winter2026RivianUIUCResearchParkInternMotorControlsDevelopment

University of Illinois logo

About University of Illinois

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The University of Illinois, located in Urbana, Illinois, US, is a prominent entity in the higher education sector. Operating its official functions through its website uillinois.edu, the institution provides a range of educational programs and services. The University was founded in 1867 and has since grown dramatically both in size and reputation. Its core values are embodied in its mission to enhance the lives of its students and citizens in the state, nation, and world through leadership in learning, discovery, engagement, and economic development. The university boasts several notable achievements including producing Nobel laureates and Pulitzer prize winners. It is renowned for its research programs and is known for significant advancements across various fields including engineering, science, and humanities.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Urbana, IL, US

Year founded

1974

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