Network Engineering Intern

Nextpower•Nashville, TN

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

This Network Engineering Intern position supports secure network operations, configures and maintains data hubs and field networks, assists with customer connectivity and onboarding, provides technical support and troubleshooting, and contributes to documentation and process improvement. The role involves collaboration with cross-functional teams and independent execution of well-defined tasks. Nextpower is driving the global energy transition with an integrated clean energy technology platform that combines intelligent structural, electrical, and digital solutions for utility-scale power plants. Their comprehensive portfolio enables faster project delivery, higher performance, and greater reliability, helping customers capture the full value of solar power. Nextpower's worldwide teams are redefining how solar power plants are designed, built, and operated daily with smart technology, data-driven insights, and advanced automation, building the foundation for the world’s next generation of clean energy infrastructure.

Requirements

Currently pursuing or recently completed a degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Information Systems, or related field, or 1–2 years of equivalent practical experience.
Foundational understanding of networking concepts and protocols (TCP/IP, VLANs, routing, switching, DHCP, DNS, VPN, basic firewall concepts).
Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with attention to detail and documentation.
Ability to work in a fast‑paced, operational environment, handling multiple tasks with supervision as needed.
Genuine interest in network engineering, cyber security, and large distributed/industrial or energy systems.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with Linux or network device CLIs for basic configuration and troubleshooting is a plus.
Experience (academic, lab, home lab, or professional) with configuring routers, switches, or firewalls is preferred.

Responsibilities

Support secure network operations
Assist in implementing and maintaining network configurations in a cyber‑secure environment, following company security policies and industry best practices.
Help monitor for security or performance issues and escalate according to defined procedures.
Configure and maintain data hubs and field networks
Follow detailed instructions and standard operating procedures (SOPs) to configure data hubs and related network devices to specification (including IP addressing, routing, VLANs, and firewall rules as appropriate).
Perform software and firmware upgrades under supervision, validate successful deployment, and document changes.
Assist in staging, testing, and troubleshooting new configurations before deployment to customer or production environments.
Customer connectivity and onboarding
Work with customers, project teams, and senior network engineers to establish and verify connectivity between customer sites and the NEXTpower environment.
Apply foundational knowledge of networking protocols (e.g., TCP/IP, DHCP, DNS, VPN, routing, switching) to assist with connectivity setup and troubleshooting.
Participate in remote or on‑site sessions to walk customers through basic network requirements, checks, and tests.
Technical support & troubleshooting
Provide first‑line technical support for network connectivity issues, gathering logs, running diagnostic commands (e.g., ping, traceroute, basic interface checks), and documenting findings.
Collaborate with senior engineers to triage, analyze, and resolve issues affecting data flow, device connectivity, or performance.
Clearly communicate status, impact, and next steps to internal stakeholders and, when appropriate, to customers.
Documentation & process improvement
Document network configurations, topologies, processes, and procedures, ensuring they are clear, accurate, and up‑to‑date.
Help create or refine runbooks, checklists, and knowledge‑base articles to support repeatable, reliable operations.
Capture lessons learned from issues and deployments to help improve standards and templates.
Collaboration & independent execution
Work independently on well‑defined tasks, managing time and priorities to meet deadlines.
Collaborate effectively with cross‑functional teams (e.g., Network Engineering, Remote Monitoring, Technical Services, Field teams, and Customer Success) to support project and operational goals.
Proactively ask questions, seek mentorship, and surface risks or blockers early.
Communication & stakeholder engagement
Express ideas clearly in both verbal and written communication, tailoring detail to the audience (engineering peers vs. non‑technical stakeholders or customers).
Prepare concise updates, tickets, or reports summarizing issues, root causes (when known), and actions taken.
Contribute to customer‑facing communication with a professional, service‑oriented approach.