Associate System Operator Internship - Summer 2027

Company Description

Headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, Wabash Valley Power is a not-for-profit electric cooperative and wholesale provider of reliable, affordable electricity to our 21 electric distribution member cooperatives. These cooperatives in turn serve more than 280,000 homes, businesses, and farms in Indiana and Illinois. 

As a not-for-profit co-op, we do things a bit differently—and that’s the point. Because we aren’t influenced by shareholders, we make our decisions with our members in mind. That means we value things like teamwork, and putting families first. It also means a business model that’s designed for stability and growth. It’s a Deliberately Different approach to the energy industry, and that’s great news for the people who count on us.

Job Description

Objective:

Join WVPA as an Intern Associate System Operator and gain hands-on experience in our Operations Center. You’ll learn how System Operators communicate with utilities and members, ensure safe and reliable energy delivery, and use advanced monitoring and control systems.

Key Responsibilities:

• Learn NERC and PJM certification requirements for transmission operations.
• Support communications with Investor-Owned Utilities (IOUs), member cooperatives, and WVPA staff for planned and unplanned outages.
• Monitor transmission and distribution systems using Energy Management Systems (EMS) and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition systems (SCADA).
• Assist with outage coordination, equipment monitoring, and service restoration.
• Shadow field technicians and system administrators on SCADA/EMS operations and equipment calibration.
• Observe protection relay system operations and troubleshoot mis-operations.
• Participate in operational planning for mobile substations and storm response.
• Support other Operations Center activities and special projects as assigned.

What You’ll Gain:

• Real-world exposure to a 24/7/365 Operations Center environment.
• Understanding of electric power system reliability standards and regulatory compliance.
• Hands-on experience coordinating with IOUs, member systems, and internal teams.
• Opportunities to observe and assist in transmission and substation operations.

Qualifications

Requirements:

• Currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in engineering or bachelor’s or associate’s degree in engineering technology at an ABET accredited program.  Electrical Engineering or Electrical Engineering Technology preferred.
• Interest in transmission/substation operations and energy systems.
• Flexibility to participate in occasional 12-hour shifts, including evenings and weekends. 
• Occasional travel to member sites, substations, and IOUs.

Additional Information

Wabash Valley Power Alliance reserves the right to request official or unofficial transcripts as part of the selection process to verify educational qualifications, coursework, academic standing, and/or eligibility for the internship.

This is a paid summer internship opportunity located in Indianapolis, Indiana. Please note that housing or a housing stipend is not provided.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to safely and successfully perform the essential job functions consistent with the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state and local standards, including meeting qualitative and/or quantitative productivity standards.
• Ability to maintain regular, punctual attendance consistent with the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state and local standards

Working Conditions:

• Works indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines