Electrical Engineering Intern

Electrical Engineering Intern

Idaho Power — located in vibrant Boise, Idaho — is looking for Electrical Engineering Interns to join our summer 2027 internship program. It's an exciting time to work for Idaho Power. Our work plays a critical role in communities we serve across Idaho and Oregon, and we're working hard to safely provide our customers with the safe, reliable, affordable energy they depend on. In addition to the meaningful work we do, we offer work-life balance, competitive pay and benefits, an employee incentive plan, and both a 401k employer-match and a pension plan, making Idaho Power one of the best employers in the state.

What does an Electrical Engineering Intern do for us?

Operating under supervision and with significant oversight, an Engineering Intern works within an assigned group to assist engineering staff while gaining valuable skills and experience. They may interface with internal departments and external organizations, receiving regular guidance from leaders and other engineers.

Electrical Engineering Opportunities

Advanced Distribution Feeder Modeling

The internship will be split into 2 main projects. The first one will focus on calculating arc flash incident energy ratings for the IPC primary distribution system. Verify equipment and protective device settings using Synergi Electric feeder models and calculate an updated dataset of arc flash ratings. Two arc flash ratings will be calculated including the steady state "normal" condition and under Hot-Line-Hold state for relays and reclosers. The engineering intern will gain knowledge and experience with Idaho Power's distribution protection system and work with the GIS department to upload the incident energy ratings to map viewers to make them available to field personnel. Field crews use this data daily to determine personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements while working on energized power lines. The second project will focus on creating and updating customer load profiles for large customers (rate 9 and 19P), and rate-based load profiles for rate 1, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 24 customers. These profiles are an important input to the Synergi feeder model and used for all distribution engineering analysis by our distribution engineers. The load profiles inform the time-of-day analysis. Some of the load profiles need to be built for the first time and most of them need to be updated as they are several years old.

Power Flow Modeling Improvement

This internship project advances the modernization of transmission planning tools by converting selected bus-branch power flow models into more detailed node-breaker models, helping create a unified and accurate representation of the power system. Working alongside experienced planning engineers, the intern will develop and refine a repeatable process for model conversion, validation, and quality assurance. The project delivers long-term value by enhancing the quality of planning studies, improving coordination between planning and operations, and reducing future model maintenance efforts across the transmission network portfolio, while providing the intern with hands-on experience in power system modeling and grid modernization initiatives.

Commercial Transmission and Generator Interconnection Support

As new renewable energy and battery storage projects connect to the grid, Idaho Power's System Operations team plays a key role in ensuring the reliable integration of these resources. The intern will work with real-world generator interconnection and transmission service projects by reviewing agreements, analyzing power system models, tracking project milestones, and supporting customer requests. Working alongside professionals from System Operations, Transmission Planning, Engineering, and Regulatory Affairs, the intern will gain hands-on experience with grid operations, energy markets, transmission services, and generator interconnections. This role offers a unique opportunity to see how new energy resources move from development to commercial operation while helping support the reliability of the bulk electric system.

Communication Solution Documentation, Evaluation, and Site Modernization Roadmap

Join Idaho Power's Communications Engineering team and help evaluate the communication systems that support critical grid operations. You'll analyze current communication schemes and learn how Idaho Power uses technologies such as fiber optics, microwave radio, satellite communications, leased services, and utility-owned networks throughout the power system. Working with engineers across Operations, IT, Telecommunications, and Protection & Control, you'll evaluate existing communication sites, identify modernization opportunities, help establish engineering criteria for communication technology selection, and develop a repeatable decision-making framework and roadmap for future upgrades. For the intern, this project provides hands-on exposure to utility communications, engineering analysis, infrastructure planning, and field communication equipment while contributing to the reliability of Idaho Power's electric grid. For Idaho Power, the project will provide a repeatable decision-making process that supports reliability improvements, knowledge retention, long-term planning, and potential reductions in communication service costs.

Optimizing Distribution Load Forecasting Through Historical Performance Analysis

Accurate load forecasting is critical to ensuring Idaho Power can reliably serve customers while making informed investments in the electrical distribution system. Distribution Planning engineers devote significant effort to forecasting future customer growth and electrical demand to identify when and where system improvements will be needed. This internship will focus on analyzing historical load forecasts and comparing them to actual system performance to assess forecasting accuracy over time. The intern will mine and evaluate historical planning data, develop metrics and visualizations that quantify forecast performance, identify trends and sources of forecasting error, and provide insights into opportunities for improving forecasting methodologies. Working closely with the Distribution Planning team, the intern will help establish data-driven measures of forecasting effectiveness that support more informed planning decisions as customer growth and system complexity continue to increase.

A COMPETITIVE CANDIDATE WILL HAVE

Knowledge of:

· General knowledge of engineering principles

· Developing specific knowledge related to discipline, utilities and their business environment.

Skills in:

· Interdisciplinary skills

· Effective oral and written communication

· Use of computers and software

Ability to:

· Manage and coordinate projects

· Establish and maintain effective working relationships

· Work both independently and on project teams

· Develop alternatives and work with others to evaluate their value and potential for meeting company needs

· Analyze datasets and databases

· Draft written and oral reports of problems, alternatives and recommendations

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Education:

· High school diploma or GED

AND

· Currently enrolled in an ABET accredited program majoring in engineering at a junior, non-graduating senior status, or in an advanced engineering degree program

Experience:

· N/A

Licenses & Certifications:

· Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record based on driving requirements for the position

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS This position is a sedentary job requiring working at a desk/computer for extended periods of time. It requires the use of office equipment, fine motor skills including typing on the computer, dialing phones, filing paper, and working in close proximity to other people. There may be occasional lifts of no more than 10 lbs. Ergonomic accommodations including sit to stand desks are available and installed as needed. The above is a summary of the primary essential functions of the position. This job may require the performance of additional tasks assigned by company leaders or management. Questions regarding job requirements or accommodation requests should be directed to Human Resources.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Occasional overnight travel may be required. Some roles require field visits and outdoor work. Candidates for these roles must be able to hike and walk over uneven terrain possibly in inclement weather. This is a Seasonal position. Company paid housing will be available to students on an as needed basis. Seasonal employees are only eligible to apply for internal job postings if the posting is in their current department.

Competencies:

Adaptability, Collaborating, Communication, Decision Making, Planning and Organizing, Work Standards