Engineering Internship

Engineering Internship

At Nueces Electric Cooperative, we are committed to fostering our students' growth and development by providing a supportive work culture that promotes creativity and excellence. We are excited to offer an opportunity to join our dynamic team as an Intern within our Engineering Department. Our mission is to continually make a positive impact on our members and communities, enhancing their quality of life by delivering reliable and cost-effective electric service in a culture where safety is priority. This non-exempt position pays $12.00 per hour and allows for a maximum of twenty hours of work per week.

We are seeking a college student who is currently pursuing a degree from an accredited program in GIS, Electrical Engineering, or a related field with a junior or senior undergraduate status preferred.

Position Summary

This internship provides individuals with comprehensive and professional learning experience for a student pursuing a degree in electrical engineering or a related field. Under the guidance of engineering staff, the intern will gain hands-on exposure to the planning, design, construction, operation, and maintenance of an electric distribution system within an electric cooperative environment. The internship is designed to provide practical experience in engineering principles, GIS mapping, utility operations, data analysis, and project support while developing a broad understanding of cooperative business functions. This temporary, training-oriented position is designed to facilitate career exploration and skill acquisition. Interns are assigned limited, non-hazardous tasks and do not carry the full scope of duties expected of regular employees. The part-time schedule (up to 20 hours per week, up to 84 hours monthly) offers flexibility within standard business hours (8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., Monday–Friday) to accommodate academic and personal obligations.

Primary Responsibilities

• Develop a working knowledge of electric cooperative operations, engineering practices, and the electric distribution system.
• Assist engineering staff with a variety of engineering, GIS mapping, and system documentation activities.
• Support the collection, organization, analysis, and reporting of engineering and operational data.
• Assist with the preparation and maintenance of engineering records, maps, drawings, and related documentation.
• Participate in field visits, inspections, and project activities to gain practical experience with utility construction, maintenance, and system improvements.

Minimum Requirement

Currently enrolled in a college, university, or technical program pursuing a degree in GIS, Electrical Engineering, or a related field. Educational coursework or projects should demonstrate knowledge of engineering principles, particularly in electrical systems, power distribution, or renewable energy. Strong communication, organizational, and customer service skills. Ability to assess and resolve engineering related issues using sound judgment. Working knowledge of basic math. Junior or senior college undergraduate status preferred. This position is educational and developmental in nature.

Preferred Requirements

Proficiency with basic engineering software or ability to learn. A basic understanding of power systems, including generation, transmission, and distribution concepts, is a plus. Experience with GIS, Mapping, databases and spreadsheets.

Nueces Electric Cooperative (NEC) is more than a non-profit, customer-owned, at-cost electric utility. Founded in 1938, NEC serves over 19,000 electric meters across eight South Texas counties near the beautiful Texas Gulf Coast. NEC is a pioneering cooperative in the industry, becoming the first electric cooperative to voluntarily deregulate in 2005. Today, NEC Retail serves over 32,000 consumers across Texas, offering competitive electric service.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.