Microgrid Controls Validation Intern

Intersect•San Francisco, CA

4d•Onsite

About The Position

As part of Intersect’s Microgrid Engineering team, you’ll help design and build the testing environments that validate next-generation microgrid control systems. This work connects lab-based experimentation with advanced simulation, ensuring control strategies perform reliably under real-world conditions. You’ll shape how testing is done—from defining test plans for a Microgrid Lab to building Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) systems—working cross-functionally with controls engineers, system designers, and lab teams. This team plays a critical role in advancing Intersect’s mission to accelerate the renewable energy transition by ensuring that energy systems are rigorously tested, validated, and ready for real-world deployment. The team operates at the intersection of hardware, software, and system design, enabling scalable, high-impact solutions through collaboration and technical excellence.

Requirements

Bachelor’s or higher degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field
Strong understanding of electrical engineering fundamentals and control systems
Hands-on experience working in an electrical test lab environment
Experience running simulation studies using Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) systems
Familiarity with test planning, instrumentation, and validation methodologies
Understanding of microgrid or distributed energy systems
Ability to think ahead and design testing environments based on future needs
High attention to detail and a structured, methodical approach to problem-solving
A collaborative mindset and curiosity that will help you succeed across hardware and software domains
Applicants must be authorized to work in Canada or the US.
Intersect is unable to sponsor visas for this position.

Responsibilities

Design Microgrid Test Strategy
Develop detailed test plans for Microgrid Lab testing, including metering and control requirements
Translate validation objectives into structured, scalable testing approaches
Anticipate future testing needs and incorporate them into lab design
Build HIL Simulation Environments
Design and plan a Controls Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) setup for microgrid controls validation
Configure simulation environments that reflect real-world operating conditions
Enable seamless integration between physical hardware and simulation systems
Execute and Improve Validation Testing
Run and support electrical lab testing for microgrid systems
Analyze results to validate control system performance and identify issues
Continuously refine test setups to improve accuracy, efficiency, and coverage