Electrical Systems Intern (Summer 2025)

As an Electrical Systems Intern at Electra, you'll engage in a variety of exciting tasks, including designing and building electrical/electronic systems for our innovative test facility. You'll perform design calculations and analyses to verify that systems meet specified performance criteria, work with advanced components such as automated valves and sensors, and engage in commissioning and troubleshooting activities. Safety is paramount, so you'll also assist in developing safe testing procedures in line with industry standards.

To be considered for the Electrical Systems Intern position at Electra, candidates must be actively enrolled in an accredited college or university majoring in electrical engineering or a related field. You should have a good grasp of design interpretation, and the ability to use various hand and power tools safely. Preferred qualifications include familiarity with SolidWorks Electrical, coding languages like Python or MATLAB, and knowledge of electrochemical cell fundamentals, which would be advantageous in tackling the responsibilities of this role.

Interns working at Electra can expect to gain invaluable hands-on experience in an industry setting focused on cutting-edge technologies. You'll be challenged to apply your academic knowledge in real-world scenarios, contribute to innovative projects aimed at sustainability, and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams of experts. This opportunity will not only enhance your technical skills but also expose you to the inner workings of a pioneering company in the green technology sector.

The compensation for the Electrical Systems Intern position at Electra is competitive, with a pay rate of $29.00 per hour for undergraduate students and $32.00 for graduate students. While interns are responsible for their own housing solutions over the summer, Electra offers support and suggestions to help connect you with fellow interns, creating a community during your time in Boulder.

At Electra, interns have the unique chance to work alongside some of the brightest minds in sustainability and innovation. You'll collaborate on transformative technologies that contribute to cleaner iron production, engaging with various teams and departments to enhance your learning experience. The internship fosters personal and professional growth, providing networking opportunities that can lead to future career advancements within the organization or the broader industry.

In answering this question, highlight your hands-on experience with any electrical projects, internships, or relevant coursework. Be specific about the systems you worked on, tools and software you used, and any successful outcomes or lessons learned. Emphasize your ability to troubleshoot and innovate in various scenarios.

When answering this question, demonstrate your understanding of Electra's goals in the context of reducing carbon emissions in iron production. Share your passion for sustainability, and mention specific facets of Electra's technology that resonate with you. Consider relating this back to how your values align with the company's mission.

Explain your systematic approach to troubleshooting an electrical system. Outline steps such as gathering information, reviewing schematics, checking for common issues, utilizing test equipment, and analyzing data. Your answer should reflect a logical and methodical way to resolve technical challenges.

If applicable, share your experience with coding languages like Python, MATLAB, or solid modeling software such as SolidWorks Electrical. Mention any specific projects or tasks where you utilized these skills to solve problems or enhance systems. Being able to articulate your coding abilities will give you an edge.

Discuss your understanding of safety standards like NFPA70E, NEC, and OSHA regulations. Explain the importance of safety in handling electrical systems and your personal commitment to following established protocols. Share any experiences where you effectively implemented safety measures in your previous work.

Share a particular project where you had a measurable impact, detailing your role, the challenges faced, and how you overcame them. Focus on the skills you applied and any innovative solutions you implemented. Tailor your example to illustrate your capacity to contribute meaningfully at Electra.

This is an opportunity to showcase your motivation for continuous learning. Mention specific journals, websites, or courses that you follow to keep abreast of trends and advancements in electrical engineering. This indicates your proactive approach to professional growth.

Discuss soft skills like communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and adaptability that can prove invaluable in a collaborative internship setting. Provide examples of how you've utilized these skills effectively in your academic or extracurricular activities.

Articulate your views on sustainability and its significance in engineering. Emphasize the need for responsible practices that minimize environmental impacts, and align your thoughts with Electra's mission. Highlight how being part of a sustainable solution motivates you as a future professional.

Share your career trajectory, mentioning specific areas of interest within electrical engineering or the energy sector. Relate how the Electrical Systems Intern position at Electra fits into your long-term goals, indicating your desire to grow and contribute to sustainable practices.