2026 Summer College Internship: Mechanical Engineer Intern

SMUD•Sacramento, CA

6d•$24 - $29•Hybrid

About The Position

SMUD's Power Generation group is looking for a summer intern to assist the team in maintaining SMUD's gas pipeline, thermal and hydroelectric systems. Day-to-day tasks will include: Review drawings and specification to support projects that impact generation asset design, safety and reliability. Support research and analysis of plant operations to support maintenance strategies. Apply engineering theory and techniques to support design changes to power generation assets. Conduct inspections and document of generation assets (gas pipeline, hydroelectric and thermal power plants) in preparation for design changes. Develop written reports and present to leadership. Work in power generation plants and construction sites. The work performed in this classification calls for regular application of analytical and independent research skills. Work is closely aligned with the employee's engineering curriculum. About SMUD's College Internship Program SMUD's College Internship Program provides college interns with an opportunity to contribute their skills and knowledge to SMUD while gaining valuable work experience. Workshops and activities will also be part of the program where interns will have the opportunity to be immersed in SMUD's culture and learn leadership skills as well as develop their professional skills. SMUD was also recognized by Interns 2 Pros for the 2020 Internship Program of The Year Award in recognition of excellence in internship strategy, implementation, and impact and was one of five finalists for the 2023 Internship Program of the Year from Interns 2 Pros along with Paramount, Fox Corporation, Intuit, and Toyota.PurposeUnder staff direction, incumbents in this classification are full-time students in a Science, Technology, Engineering or Math program who perform research and analytical tasks for projects and assignments that utilize specific and acquired academic skills and knowledge in alignment with their educational disciplines.Nature and ScopeThe work performed in this classification calls for regular application of analytical and independent research skills. Work is closely related to the employee’s academic major in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics.Duties and ResponsibilitiesWork may include, but is not limited to, the following: (NOTE: While in general all the functions and requirements listed are essential, individual positions and/or locations may not require all duties be performed.) Performs tasks of an analytical or research nature for suitable projects or ongoing assignments which call for specific acquired academic skills and knowledge in Science, Technology, Engineering or Math. May locate sources of information; collect and organize data. Makes computations and analyzes data for degree of confidence and for alternative courses of action. May develop computer programs relating to assignments and may code material for established programs. May develop written, graphical and/or oral reports. May assist staff analysts and technical personnel by performing elements of their work under close supervision.

Requirements

Registration as a full-time student (minimum of 12 units) at an accredited college or university in a declared curriculum with a Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) emphasis that will provide the specific skills and knowledge that will contribute to available work assignments.
Students must be able to commute to the SMUD Offices in Sacramento, CA when requested to come in.
To have a student position at SMUD, you must not have any relatives working at SMUD.
Internship dates are as follows: Semester students (May – August) and Quarter students (June – September) of this year.
Students must be enrolled as a full-time student, complete and pass at least 12 undergraduate units OR 8 graduate units and receive at least a 2.0 GPA in the Spring Semester/Quarter of 2026. Students must be graduating in Summer 2026 or later.
If the student is graduating in Summer 2026, they must be enrolled as a part-time student in the Summer of 2026.
If the student is graduating in the Spring Semester/Quarter of 2026 but is pursuing another degree in the Fall Semester/Quarter of 2026, you will still be eligible. However, please make sure that it shows it clearly on your resume to show that you are eligible.
During the summer internship, students can work up to 130 hours per month.
Currently, SMUD is not hiring candidates for its student internship positions who require sponsorship from an employer either now or in the future. Such sponsorship is not needed for citizens, a U.S. National, a permanent resident, or one granted refuge or asylum status by the U.S. government. Visa holders typically require sponsorship in one form or another at some point in time.

Nice To Haves

College Status: Junior
Majoring in Mechanical Engineering
Completed courses in Engineering Statics, Engineering Dynamics, Thermodynamics, Mechanics of Materials
Excel, Work, AutoCAD, SolidWorks

Responsibilities

Review drawings and specification to support projects that impact generation asset design, safety and reliability.
Support research and analysis of plant operations to support maintenance strategies.
Apply engineering theory and techniques to support design changes to power generation assets.
Conduct inspections and document of generation assets (gas pipeline, hydroelectric and thermal power plants) in preparation for design changes.
Develop written reports and present to leadership.
Work in power generation plants and construction sites.
Performs tasks of an analytical or research nature for suitable projects or ongoing assignments which call for specific acquired academic skills and knowledge in Science, Technology, Engineering or Math.
May locate sources of information; collect and organize data.
Makes computations and analyzes data for degree of confidence and for alternative courses of action.
May develop computer programs relating to assignments and may code material for established programs.
May develop written, graphical and/or oral reports.
May assist staff analysts and technical personnel by performing elements of their work under close supervision.