Optimization Intern Jobs Near Me

Ohio's Electric Cooperatives is seeking an Electrical Engineering Student Intern for Summer 2027. The Electrical Engineering Intern provides support to the engineering and technical services teams for the Cardinal Plant and Buckeye's other generating resources, with a focus on optimizing equipment performance and operational reliability.

About the Internship: This internship offers hands-on experience in the operation and performance optimization of power generation facilities. As an Electrical Engineering Intern, you will gain exposure to real-world applications of power systems, electrical machines, and control systems while working directly with experienced engineers. You'll contribute to projects that enhance plant reliability, electrical safety, and operational efficiency, and you'll develop skills in data analysis, system monitoring, technical reporting, and troubleshooting of electrical equipment. This role provides valuable insight into how electrical engineering principles are applied within the power generation industry.

Responsibilities:

• Possesses entry-level knowledge of engineering theory and analytical techniques to support solving diverse problems and performing detailed analyses.
• Supports the resolution of routine problems, which typically require additional definition or clarification before analysis can begin.
• Assists in the development, review, and presentation of technical reports, such as improvement requisitions, studies, and analyses.
• Communicates clearly-both verbally and in writing-with peers at Buckeye, Cardinal, Mone, and Greenville to support the completion of various work activities.
• Contributes new ideas and creative approaches to problem-solving by extrapolating beyond known facts to reach logical conclusions.
• Assists with economic analyses as part of the approval process for planned work at Cardinal, Mone, and Greenville plants.
• Uses analytical techniques to complete assignments of moderate complexity, breaking problems into component steps and performing the necessary analyses to complete each one.

• Develops an understanding of plant emissions control equipment to support optimal performance and compliance with environmental regulations.
• Assists in maintaining existing tools used to monitor unit performance and in developing new tools, including data tracking software, spreadsheets, and physical measurement systems.

Focus Areas:

• Assist with the optimization of fossil plant equipment performance, efficiency, and reliability.
• Support efforts to improve fossil plant production costs and dispatch economics, including improving fuel flexibility, enhancing emissions control efficiency, reducing heat rate deviations, and optimizing unit dynamic capabilities (ramp rate, minimum load).
• Support projects at the Mone and Greenville facilities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Education:

• Currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering, preferably Electrical Engineering.

 Licenses and Certifications:

• None required.

 Experience:

• Relevant on-the-job experience in the power generation industry is preferred but not required.

Abilities & Skills Required:

• General knowledge of electrical circuits and components.
• Strong mathematics background with the ability to apply analytical skills to problem-solving.
• Ability to convert technical data into written reports and graphical presentations using personal computer applications, including spreadsheet software.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Buckeye Power is the generation and transmission cooperative jointly owned by the 25 electric distribution cooperatives serving Ohio. Today's energy market requires a balance between environmental concern and the ability to meet future demand for electricity, while ensuring that power remains reliable and affordable. We believe that technology, efficiency, and innovation are crucial to providing for the electricity needs to over 400,000 homes, farms, and businesses. We have successfully dealt with economic and legislative challenges by always keeping the best interests of our member systems and their consumers at the forefront. Buckeye Power's flagship Cardinal Generating Station is a best-in-class world performer in reduction of emissions, such as sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, mercury, and particulates. The flue gas desulfurization systems, or scrubbers, remove about 98 percent of sulfur dioxide - acid rain -produced in the generation process. The addition of the scrubbers means that the Cardinal plant is now one of the cleanest of its kind in the world. Buckeye Power is diversifying its generation mix by acquiring additional capacity from both traditional and renewable energy sources, such as green power in the form of animal waste anaerobic biodigesters, as well as solar panels.

Ohio Rural Electric Cooperatives (OREC) is the statewide trade association for the 25 independently owned and operated electric cooperatives in Ohio and one in West Virginia. The Columbus- based, not-for-profit organization fosters collaboration among member co-ops and advocates on their behalf in the halls of government. It also provides value-added services for the benefit of its member co-ops and their consumer-members, including public and member relations; legislative advocacy; safety and loss control consulting (including lineworker training);education and training; and material supply distribution. OREC also publishes the monthly Ohio Cooperative Living magazine, which reaches approximately 300,000 homes, farms, and businesses across the Buckeye State.

Together, Buckeye Power and Ohio Rural Electric Cooperatives work collaboratively to form Ohio's Electric Cooperatives.