Intern - Substation Physical Engineering and Design

Substation Physical Engineering and Design Internship

The Substation Physical Engineering and Design Internship offers students an opportunity to gain practical experience supporting Dominion's electric transmission and distribution substation projects. Interns will work alongside engineers, designers, project managers, and field personnel to support the development of physical design engineering packages for substations of varying size and complexity. This role provides exposure to engineering calculations, technical analysis, design development, field coordination, and the broader utility operations that support reliable service to customers and communities.

What You Will Learn

• How transmission, substation, and distribution systems operate within an electric utility
• How to identify various types of electrical equipment used in substation design and infrastructure
• How to read substation drawings, including one-lines, general arrangements, elevations, and detail drawings
• How to model and design substations in 2D using AutoCAD and in 3D using Autodesk Inventor
• How to collaborate with engineers, project managers, and field personnel
• How utility operations support customers and communities

What You Will Do

• Assist with 3D modeling of a data center substation using Autodesk Inventor
• Participate in substation field visits led by experienced engineers
• Support engineering studies and technical evaluations
• Participate in job-shadowing opportunities to observe how Substation Design collaborates with other engineering groups
• Develop and present safety topics during group staff meetings
• Perform root cause analyses for lessons learned from field issues

This Internship May Be a Good Fit If You...

• Enjoy engineering design work, particularly using AutoCAD, Autodesk Inventor, or other 3D design applications
• Enjoy learning about multiple engineering disciplines, including civil, structural, electrical, and mechanical engineering
• Enjoy solving technical problems and developing practical solutions that can be implemented in the field
• Are curious about what goes into the transmission, substation, and distribution systems that serve data centers, generator interconnections, and residential, industrial, and commercial customers

Skills You Will Develop

Technical Skills

• Project Planning
• Engineering Design
• Technical Analysis
• Data-Driven Problem Solving

Professional Skills

• Effective Communication
• Presentation Development & Delivery
• Stakeholder Engagement & Collaboration
• Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
• Project Management

Mentoring and Exposure

• Assigned mentor support
• Job shadowing opportunities
• Exposure to engineering leaders and technical subject matter experts
• Cross-functional networking
• Site visits
• Participation in intern events, presentations, and development opportunities

Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities & Experience

• Strong time management skills with the ability to independently plan and organize work assignments.
• Strong oral and written communication skills, including technical writing.
• Ability to think analytically and solve complex problems.
• Basic knowledge of engineering concepts, fundamentals and theory;
• Equally effective with working independently or in a team environment.
• Knowledge of basic system protection practices and relays
• Ability to interpret codes, regulations, and practices.

Education Requirements

Candidate must be a full-time student:

• majoring in ABET accredited Electrical, Computer, Mechanical, Chemical Engineering or related program, OR
• majoring in Electrical, Computer, Mechanical, Chemical, Engineering Technology or related program (non-ABET-accredited), OR
• majoring in ABET accredited Preparation Engineering Program with intentions to transfer to an ABET 4 year program.
• Must have a graduation date of Spring 2027 or later.
• Must have a 2.5 cumulative GPA or higher.

Other Working Conditions

Approximately 75% office-based engineering and design work

Approximately 25% field visits and site-based learning opportunities

Test Description

No Testing Required