Job Title: Engineer Intern
Internship Dates: 2026-Summer
Reporting Relationship: Chief Information Officer
Office Location: McLouth, Kansas
Office Hours: Monday - Thursday, 7:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Hourly Wage: $20.00
Who We Are:
FreeState is the largest rural electric cooperative in Eastern Kansas, with more than 15,000 member-owners. It functions as a democratic, not-for-profit organization. We are controlled by our members who actively participate in setting cooperative policy and making decisions in the best interest of the cooperative. Unlike investor-owned utilities, our profits are returned to our members as capital credits.
Primary Accountability:
FreeState Electric Cooperative is seeking an Engineer Intern to support engineering operations and assist with a GIS Audit project. This role provides hands-on experience in electrical distribution systems, system planning, and data analysis. The intern will work closely with the Engineering Project Coordinator and Electrical Engineers to support system reliability, infrastructure improvements, and technical documentation.
Key Responsibilities:
- Assist with design and evaluation of transmission, distribution, and substation systems
- Support system planning studies, including load projections and power flow analysis
- Help maintain distribution system voltage levels and load balancing
- Provide technical support to internal staff as needed
- Interpret engineering plans, blueprints, and regulatory requirements
- Assist with power quality investigations and load management initiatives
- Support distributed generation analysis and processes
- Assist in developing and maintaining construction standards and specifications
- Participate in work order inspections to ensure compliance with standards
- Support requirements related to utility contracts and regulatory compliance
- Coordinate with telecommunications providers to obtain GIS data and mapping files
- Update and maintain equipment inventory records, including transformers, meters, and system components
- Identify and correct discrepancies in system data and mapping locations
- Assist with data analysis following GIS audits
- Support creation of reports for substations and metering points
Minimum Qualifications:
- Currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in engineering from an ABET-accredited program
- Must have completed at least one year of college and be enrolled full-time
- Valid driver's license required
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience with AutoCAD, Milsoft Windmil, or other power flow analysis software
- Familiarity with communication and control software (e.g., AcSELerator, ProVIEW)
- Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint)
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Understanding of electrical power distribution systems preferred
- Ability to analyze data and apply logical problem-solving techniques
- Ability to interpret technical instructions, diagrams, and mathematical data
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities
- Ability to work independently and in a team environment
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy
- Effective communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information
- Willingness to learn industry standards such as NESC, NEC, and RUS specifications
- Ability to maintain accurate project records and documentation
Work Environment and Physical Requirements:
- Combination of office and field work
- Exposure to outdoor weather conditions, including heat and cold
- Ability to sit for extended periods and use standard office equipment
- Ability to occasionally lift up to 50 pounds
- Ability to walk up to one mile over uneven terrain
- Regular and reliable attendance required
How to Apply: If you would like to apply for this position, please visit https://freestate.coop/jobs to complete an Application for Employment. If you require reasonable accommodation to complete a job application, pre-employment testing, or a job interview, please contact Melanie Eichman at melanie.eichman@freestate.coop or (800) 794-1989".
Disclaimer: The above information has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required.
FreeState is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.