The California ISO is currently taking general applications for university or graduate students majoring in Electrical Engineering or related fields for internship positions in the summer of 2026.
There are several groups inside the organization where you could further develop and utilize your skill set in this area! The selection process (with more details on the 2026 summer assignments) will begin shortly.
The California Independent System Operator (ISO) manages the flow of electricity across the high-voltage, long-distance power lines that make up 80 percent of California's power grid. We safeguard the economy and well-being of 30 million Californians by operating the grid reliably 24/7.
As the impartial grid operator, the California ISO opens access to the wholesale power market that is designed to diversify resources and lower prices. It also grants equal access to 25,865 circuit-miles of power lines and reduces barriers to diverse resources competing to bring power to customers.
The California ISO's function is often compared to that of air traffic controllers. It would be grossly unfair for air traffic controllers to represent one airline and profit from allowing that company's planes to go through before others. In the same way, the California ISO operates independently—managing the electron traffic on a power grid we do not own—making sure electricity is safely delivered to utilities and consumers on time and reliably.
Job DescriptionWhat's In it for You
Our purpose is to lead the way to tomorrow's energy network. Your work as an intern can impact millions of people who depend on electricity for their everyday lives.
- You will get "real world" experience to begin or further your career pursuits in the energy industry. This is a paid intern position for 10 -12 weeks during summer 2026.
- You get to work on interesting and challenging assignments that will help grow your skill set.
- Opportunities to interact with the CEO and the Executive team of the ISO.
- Invitations to seminars on the latest energy industry topics such as renewables, electric cars and micro grids.
- Social activities with other interns.
- You have the opportunity to work at our "green" LEED certified Folsom, California campus with some of the brightest people in the industry if you are local.
What You Will Be Doing
Past Assignments have included work such as:
- Participation in project implementation teams to ensure successful implementation of key power systems software applications projects.
- Learn about our new Energy Management System (EMS) software and upgrade.
- Perform outage studies, application testing, tool development and modeling updates.
- Create new tools and other automations to support outage studies and improve efficiencies of processes.
- Use engineering models to identify market impacts and present reports subject to industry, regulatory, and peer review.
Level of Education and Discipline
- Currently in an Undergraduate, Master’s degree (MS) or PhD program in Electrical Engineering or related field. Degree program with a Power systems focus strongly desired.
- Graduating December of 2026 or later.
Amount of Experience
- Previous internships, research or work experience within electric industry is desired.
- Research and or studies in energy industry highly desired.
Type of Experience
- Proficient in Microsoft office suite.
- Good presentation, oral and written communication skills highly desirable.
- Must be able to work effectively in a team environment.
- Excellent analytical and problems solving skills required.
Additional skills and abilities
- Strong understanding of Power Systems concepts
- Familiarity running power flow studies within PSLF, PSSE, PowerWorld, or MATLAB desired
The pay range for power systems engineer interns at the CAISO is $28 - $33 per hour.
Top Skills
What We Do
The California Independent System Operator (ISO) manages the flow of electricity across the high-voltage, long-distance power lines that make up 80 percent of California's power grid. We safeguard the economy and well-being of 30 million Californians by "keeping the lights on" 24/7. As the impartial grid operator, the California ISO opens access to the wholesale power market that is designed to diversify resources and lower prices. It also grants equal access to 25,865 circuit-miles of power lines and reduces barriers to diverse resources competing to bring power to customers. The California ISO's function is often compared to that of air traffic controllers. It would be grossly unfair for air traffic controllers to represent one airline and profit from allowing that company's planes to go through before others. In the same way, the California ISO operates independently—managing the electron traffic on a power grid we do not own—making sure electricity is safely delivered to utilities and consumers on time and reliably.
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