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Substation Design Intern Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

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Substation Design Intern information

What does a substation design intern do?

A Substation Design Intern assists engineering teams in designing and developing electrical substations, which are facilities that help control and distribute electricity within the power grid. Their tasks may include preparing drawings, performing calculations, and supporting project documentation. Interns gain hands-on experience with industry-standard software, learn about electrical systems, and collaborate with engineers to ensure designs meet safety and regulatory standards. This role is an opportunity to apply classroom knowledge to real-world power engineering projects.

What types of projects and responsibilities can a substation design intern expect during their internship?

As a Substation Design Intern, you can expect to work on tasks such as assisting in the preparation of engineering drawings, updating design documentation, and performing calculations related to electrical systems. Interns often collaborate with engineers and CAD technicians to learn about substation layouts, protection schemes, and equipment selection. You may also participate in project meetings, site visits, and quality checks, gaining hands-on experience with industry software and standards. This role provides a supportive environment to build technical skills and understand how different teams coordinate to deliver successful substation projects.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a substation design intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Substation Design Intern, you need a solid grounding in electrical engineering principles, coursework related to power systems, and progress toward a relevant degree. Familiarity with AutoCAD, MicroStation, and industry standards like IEEE or NESC, along with experience using project management or modeling software, is typically required. Strong attention to detail, teamwork, and clear communication skills help you collaborate effectively and learn quickly in a technical environment. These competencies are crucial for producing accurate designs, ensuring safety, and supporting the successful delivery of substation projects.

What is the difference between Substation Design Intern vs Substation Engineer?

AspectSubstation Design InternSubstation Engineer
QualificationsEnrolled in electrical engineering or related field, some internship experienceBachelor's or master's in electrical engineering, professional licensure often preferred
Work EnvironmentSupportive, learning-focused, often in office or field sitesProject management, design, and oversight in office and field settings
ResponsibilitiesAssist with design tasks, data collection, and documentationLead design projects, ensure compliance, and coordinate with teams

While both roles involve electrical substation work, a Substation Design Intern is primarily a learning position supporting design tasks, whereas a Substation Engineer is a professional responsible for leading and managing substation projects.

How to become a substation design intern?

To become a substation design intern, candidates typically need to be pursuing or have recently completed a degree in electrical engineering or a related field. Relevant skills include knowledge of power systems, electrical design software, and safety standards; internships often require strong academic performance and some hands-on experience or coursework related to substation design.
Infographic showing various Substation Design Intern job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 57% Full Time, 23% Part Time, and 20% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Structural Engineer Intern - Grid (Summer 2027)

Sargent & Lundy

Chattanooga, TN • On-site

$18 - $30/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


Sargent & Lundy rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

121st of 453 rated engineering


Job description

Description
This position has a target start date in summer 2027.
As a Structural Engineering Intern, you will be assigned to work on a project team and assist the engineering team members in the execution of their project work. These projects may involve the design of new electrical substations or modifications and upgrades to existing substation systems, components, and structures. Working under the direction of engineers, this position may offer you the opportunity to utilize and expand your academic background in Structural Engineering in one or more of the following areas:
  • Assist in the preparation of engineering calculations, specifications, and designs.
  • Assist in the review of structural design drawings and vendor drawings.
  • Directly apply your knowledge of materials, structural analysis, structural steel design, and reinforced concrete design.
  • Be assigned to support a team of engineers and designers in performing structural analysis and design of steel structures, connections, concrete members, platforms, and foundations.

Qualifications
We do not sponsor employees for work authorization in the U.S. for this position.
Essential skills and experience:
  • Active enrollment in a Bachelor of Science or Master of Science in Structural/Civil Engineering or Architectural Engineering.
  • Must have a strong academic background and an interest in behavior of materials, structural analysis, structural steel design, reinforced concrete design and foundation design.
  • Good verbal and written communication skills along with strong PC skills are required.

Valued but not required skills and experience:
  • BSCE or MSCE from an ABET Engineering Accreditation Commission-approved program.
  • Previous internship or co-op experience in an engineering office.
  • Familiarity with design codes and standards such as IBC, ASCE 7, AISC, and ACI 318.
  • Knowledge of any of the following programs: MathCad, STAAD PRO, RISA 3D and Bluebeam / Adobe.

AI & Automation at Sargent & Lundy
In this role, we expect people to be willing or able to solve problems using modern tools:
  • You are expected to take engineering problems from issue to solution using data and modern tools such as automation and AI to improve workflows, reduce rework, and deliver cost-effective designs.
  • Many engineers in these roles build or use automation to create calculations, summarize technical documents, or draft design documentation, including appropriate use of agentic AI tools, with strong engineering judgment and verification of results.
  • Programming or scripting (e.g., Python, MATLAB, advanced Excel) to automate calculations, design checks, reporting, or data transformation is valued but not required.
  • We also value additional learning, such as a minor, certificate, or other training in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Software Engineering, or related fields that helps you apply automation or agentic AI to real engineering problems.

Award-Winning Benefits
At Sargent & Lundy, we care about the health and well-being of our employees. Our commitment extends beyond the workplace, offering comprehensive healthcare plans and generous paid time off to support our team members in every aspect of their lives. We understand the importance of work-life balance, which is why we are proud to provide competitive, award-winning benefits. Our dedication to employee satisfaction has earned us the prestigious Top Workplaces Culture Excellence Award for compensation and benefits in 2022, 2023, and 2024.
Health & WellnessFinancial BenefitsWork-Life Balance
  • Health Plans: Medical, Dental, Vision
  • Life & Accident Insurance
  • Disability Coverage
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Back-Up Daycare
  • FSA & HSA
  • 401(k)
  • Pre-Tax Commuter Account
  • Merit Scholarship Program
  • Employee Discount Program
  • Corporate Charitable Giving Program
  • Tuition Assistance
  • First Professional Licensure Bonus
  • Employee Referral Bonus
  • Paid Annual Personal/Sick Time (PST)
  • Paid Vacation
  • Paid Holidays
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Paid Bereavement Leave
  • Flexible Work Arrangements

Compensation Range
$18.00 - $30.00
Transparency Statement
Sargent & Lundy discloses compensation ranges that comply with all local and state regulations. The total compensation package for eligible positions will include a base salary or an hourly rate and a comprehensive benefits package, reflecting our commitment to rewarding performance and supporting the overall well-being of our employees. Individuals may also be eligible to participate in our yearly discretionary bonus.
Equal Opportunity
Sargent & Lundy is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any protected status as defined by applicable law.

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About Sargent & Lundy

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Sargent & Lundy is one of the most experienced full-service architect-engineering firms in the world. Founded in 1891, the firm is a global leader in power and energy with expertise in grid modernization, renewable energy, energy storage, nuclear power, and fossil fuels. Sargent & Lundy delivers comprehensive project services--from consulting, design and implementation to construction management, commissioning and operations/maintenance--with an emphasis on quality and safety. The firm serves public and private sector clients in the power and energy, gas distribution, industrial, and government sectors.

Industry

Civil engineering construction

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Chicago, IL, US

Year founded

1891

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