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Solar Design Internship Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Blattner Energy, Inc.

Commissioning Foreman

Avon, MN · On-site

$41.29 - $58.32/hr

Performs a detailed review of the design documents, contract specifications, and utility ... Background in all electrical trades we currently perform (Collection, Substation, and Solar) and is ...

Allete

SCADA Engineer I

Duluth, MN · On-site

$67K - $84K/yr

You'll help design, implement, and maintain SCADA technology that ensures reliable operations ... Coursework or internship experience with SCADA systems, industrial controls, power systems, or ...

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Solar Design Internship information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Solar Design Intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Solar Design Intern, you need a basic understanding of renewable energy systems, electrical engineering concepts, and proficiency in drafting or design, often supported by enrollment in a relevant engineering or technical degree. Familiarity with design software such as AutoCAD, PVsyst, and Microsoft Office, as well as knowledge of solar modeling tools, is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help interns excel in collaborating with teams and solving practical design challenges. These skills are crucial for creating accurate solar project plans that meet client needs and comply with industry standards.

What are the typical responsibilities of a Solar Design Intern, and how do they contribute to project success?

As a Solar Design Intern, you'll typically assist in creating and reviewing solar system layouts, performing site assessments, and preparing technical documentation using design software such as AutoCAD or PVsyst. You may also support senior engineers by gathering data, conducting shading analyses, and helping with permitting processes. Your work ensures designs are both efficient and compliant with regulations, directly contributing to the timely and successful execution of solar projects. This collaborative environment offers valuable exposure to engineering best practices and the renewable energy industry.

What is a Solar Design Internship?

A Solar Design Internship is an entry-level position where students or recent graduates gain hands-on experience in the planning and designing of solar energy systems. Interns typically work under the supervision of experienced engineers or designers to assist with site assessments, create layout plans using design software, and help prepare technical documentation. This role helps interns develop practical skills in renewable energy technology, project management, and industry-standard tools. Such internships are valuable for building a foundation in the fast-growing solar energy sector and can lead to full-time opportunities in the field.

What is the difference between Solar Design Internship vs Solar Design Engineer?

AspectSolar Design InternshipSolar Design Engineer
CredentialsTypically pursuing or recent graduate in engineering, architecture, or related fieldBachelor’s or Master’s degree in engineering, architecture, or related field; professional licensure often preferred
Work EnvironmentInternship setting, often in renewable energy companies or engineering firmsFull-time professional role, often in design teams or project management
ResponsibilitiesAssisting with design calculations, site assessments, and learning project workflowsCreating detailed solar system designs, performing site analysis, and overseeing project implementation

The Solar Design Internship provides hands-on learning experience for students or recent graduates, focusing on assisting with design tasks. In contrast, the Solar Design Engineer is a full-time role requiring more experience and responsibility in designing and managing solar projects. Both roles are essential in the solar industry, but they differ mainly in experience level and scope of work.

What are the most commonly searched types of Solar Design jobs in Minnesota? The most popular types of Solar Design jobs in Minnesota are:
What are popular job titles related to Solar Design Internship jobs in Minnesota? For Solar Design Internship jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Solar Design Internship jobs in Minnesota look for? The top searched job categories for Solar Design Internship jobs in Minnesota are:
Solar Design Internship jobs near you
Infographic showing various Solar Design Internship job openings in Minnesota as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Electrical Project Engineer, Distributed Generation

Westwood Professional Services, Inc.

Minnetonka, MN • On-site

$90K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 23 days ago

Westwood Professional Services rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

101st of 439 rated engineering

Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
Electrical Project Engineer
Westwood Professional Services, Inc.
Westwood Professional Services, Inc. Westwood Professional Services is seeking an Electrical Project Engineer to join our distributed generation practice. This role focuses on small-to-mid-scale solar PV systems in the 1-10 MW range, including commercial ground-mount and community solar projects as well as BESS design and coordination. The Electrical Project Engineer will lead electrical design scopes from concept through construction documents, coordinate across civil, structural, and survey disciplines, and serve as the day-to-day technical lead on assigned projects. This position works closely with senior engineers and may include mentorship responsibilities for interns and early-career engineers.
Electrical Design & Technical Leadership
  • Lead electrical engineering design for distributed generation solar PV projects (1-10 MW), including plant layout, system hardware selection, and interconnection coordination.
  • Develop and stamp construction documents including single-line diagrams, three-line diagrams, panel schedules, site plans, and electrical details.
  • Design low voltage DC collection systems including string and combiner wiring, DC homerun sizing, and overcurrent protection coordination.
  • Develop DC system documentation including DC wiring diagrams, combiner box schedules, and string layout plans.
  • Perform electrical calculations including short circuit, load flow, voltage drop, arc flash, and DC wire sizing in compliance with NEC Article 690 and applicable equipment ratings.
  • Perform design and creation of construction documents for projects across multiple disciplines.
  • Maintain awareness of currently available equipment and industry best practices for distributed generation and low voltage DC systems.

Project Coordination & Delivery
  • Manage electrical scope delivery, track schedules, flag scope changes, and coordinate change orders with the project manager.
  • Coordinate with clients, utilities, AHJs, and other project disciplines throughout design and permitting.
  • Coordinate with other project disciplines including civil engineers, geotechnical/structural engineers, and surveyors.
  • Review and respond to contractor RFIs and submittals during construction.
  • Collaborate with and support electrical engineering teams in other offices as projects and workload sharing between offices dictates.

Contacts / Direction
  • Works under the direction of a Senior Engineer or Project Manager.
  • Receives guidance on overall project objectives, critical issues, and technical standards.
  • Independent management and prioritization of day-to-day tasks and deliverables required.
  • Close collaboration with project managers, project teams, designers, and drafters.

Supervisory Responsibility
  • QA/QC of design work performed by interns, graduate engineers, and staff engineers.
  • Mentor and support the development of interns and early-career engineers on project teams.

Success Measures
  • Quality and accuracy of construction documents and engineering calculations.
  • On-time delivery of electrical engineering scope.
  • Client and team satisfaction.
  • Winning repeat work.

Requirements
Required Experience
  • 4+ years of electrical engineering experience with direct involvement in solar PV design.
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field.
  • Electrical PE license, or active pursuit of licensure with the ability to obtain in multiple states.
  • Hands-on experience with low voltage DC systems in a solar PV context, including string inverter and central inverter architectures.
  • Familiarity with NEC Article 690 (Solar Photovoltaic Systems) and DC system protection requirements.
  • Proficiency in AutoCAD or AutoCAD Electrical; familiarity with PV layout tools (PVcase, RatedPower, Helioscope, or similar).
  • Experience with PV production modeling software (PVsyst, Helioscope, SAM, or equivalent).
  • Working knowledge of NEC, IEEE standards, and utility interconnection requirements applicable to distributed generation.

Preferred Skills and Qualifications
  • NABCEP PV Design Specialist or Installation Professional certification.
  • Experience with energy storage systems (battery or DC-coupled BESS) integrated into distributed generation projects.

About Westwood Professional Services, Inc. (Westwood)
At Westwood, our purpose is to create a better world for people through our work. We transform the energy grid, design resilient infrastructure, and develop communities that will flourish today and for future generations. With over 50 years of experience and a legacy of innovation, we stand at the forefront of our industry, dedicated to understanding the unique needs of the markets we serve.
Our approach revolves around people. We are committed to building a culture that attracts, retains, and develops high performers. Our team values relationships, innovation, dedication, initiative, and growth. We believe fostering a collaborative "One Team" mentality yields superior outcomes in everything we do.
We customize our technical capabilities and geographic reach to meet our clients where they are and help them realize their vision. We are partners in our clients' success, driving to provide solutions that make a lasting difference. Safety, sustainability, and operational excellence are not just facets of our work; they are intrinsic to our identity, guiding every decision we make.
We are deeply invested in the communities we serve. Through our projects and giving-back initiatives, we enrich the lives of those we serve, engage others within our industry, and create a lasting impact on communities around the world. To us, success transcends the completion of projects; it is reflected in the lives we have positively impacted by our work.
Join us in creating a better world.
In 2025, Westwood was recognized as #77 on the ENR Top 500 Design Firms. Additionally, Westwood was ranked #5 for ENR's Top Design Firm for Solar, #6 for Battery Storage, and #3 for Wind (2025). The firm consistently ranks on the industry's top 25 lists and receives recognition for its involvement in award-winning projects nationwide.
Westwood provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. We believe that diverse backgrounds strengthen our business. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.
Salary Description
$90,000-$120,000

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