System Protection Engineer Intern

Job Description

System Protection Engineer Intern

Requisition ID: 170866

Job Category: Internship / Rotation

Job Level: Individual Contributor

Business Unit: Strategy & Growth

Work Type: Onsite

Job Location: Fresno

Department Overview

The System Protection Engineering department, a crucial part of PG&E’s Electric Engineering organization, is dedicated to ensuring the safe and reliable operation of PG&E’s extensive transmission and distribution systems. This department plays a vital role by providing specialized engineering support in several key areas:

• Protection and control systems
• Comprehensive system disturbance analysis
• Thorough equipment evaluation
• Development and maintenance of engineering standards

Position Summary

The System Protection Engineer Intern is an exceptional entry-level engineering opportunity designed to provide students with foundational training in the principles of transmission and distribution system protection. This role involves working under the general technical direction of seasoned System Protection Engineers, necessitating a high level of guidance, structured training, and rigorous review. The intern will contribute to both project-based work and ongoing maintenance & operations (M&O) activities, thereby gaining invaluable hands-on exposure to practical utility protection engineering practices within a leading energy company.

Work Location: This position is onsite, requiring presence at the Fresno office 5 days a week.

Compensation Details

PG&E is committed to transparency regarding compensation. The hourly rate range provided reflects the company’s good faith estimate for this position at the time of posting, specific to the job’s locality. The actual hourly rate offered to an individual will be determined by a variety of factors, including but not limited to:

• Specific skills and qualifications
• Educational background
• Relevant licenses or certifications
• Professional experience
• Current market value
• Geographic location
• Internal equity considerations

The hourly rate for this position ranges from $24.52 to $35.37.

Job Responsibilities

As a System Protection Engineer Intern, you will be actively involved in various aspects of protection engineering, with responsibilities including:

• Project and M&O Support: Assisting with transmission and distribution protection engineering projects and maintenance & operations activities under direct supervision.
• Design and Documentation: Supporting the development of protection design requirements, the creation of detailed relay settings documentation, and the formulation of robust testing procedures.
• System Analysis: Contributing to the review and analysis of system disturbances, monitoring relay operations, and investigating operating events to ensure system integrity.
• Technical Documentation: Assisting in the preparation and diligent maintenance of crucial technical documentation, comprehensive reports, and accurate engineering records.
• Standards and Evaluation: Supporting equipment evaluation processes, facilitating approval procedures, and contributing to the ongoing development of protection standards.
• Collaboration: Collaborating effectively with experienced engineers, field personnel, and various other stakeholders to support a wide range of protection engineering activities.

Training and Development

This internship offers a robust program for professional growth, including:

• Structured Training: Receiving structured training focused on the core functions and responsibilities within System Protection Engineering.
• Philosophies and Standards: Gaining a deep understanding of PG&E’s established protection philosophies, comprehensive standards, and relevant regulatory requirements.
• Guided Work: Performing assigned work with close technical guidance and formal review from highly experienced engineers, ensuring quality and learning.
• System Exposure: Gaining invaluable exposure to complex transmission and distribution protection systems within the practical context of a regulated utility environment.

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

• Currently earning a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Electric Power Engineering, or a closely related engineering field from an accredited University.
• Must be continuing education towards the degree during and/or after the internship period.
• Possess reliable transportation to and from the designated work location in Fresno.

Desired Qualifications:

• EIT (Engineer-in-Training) or FE (Fundamentals of Engineering) certification.
• A cumulative GPA of 2.75 or greater, alongside a major GPA of 2.75 or greater.
• Prior engineering experience within utilities, municipalities, construction, or engineering consultation firms.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a team environment and provide support to fellow team members.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills, enabling effective resolution of complex issues.
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written, for clear and concise interaction.
• Proactive approach, taking initiative and demonstrating the ability to work independently with minimal direction.

Note: PG&E is typically unable to provide VISA sponsorship to students on an F-1, J-1, or other student visa for this specific position.