Engineering Intern

ABOUT THE ROLE

The internship program at Clēnera is designed to give current undergraduates an opportunity to immerse themselves into the complex world of renewable energy. We have created thoughtful experiences across the company to provide meaningful experiences for the interns and value for the organization. Students who will be successful in this program will bring a passion for the renewable energy industry, a strong work ethic centered around self-motivation, and a desire to learn and grow by working alongside some of the best and brightest in the industry. 

The Engineering Intern will gain exposure to both the operational and design phases of utility-scale solar projects, including reviewing technical specifications of the major pieces of equipment used in our projects. You will support a wide range of engineering activities from early-stage project engineering, supplier quality, and performance engineering efforts. This role will analyze operating site data, assist in the design review and value engineering process for photovoltaic (PV) projects, and contribute to early-stage layout generation and energy modeling using PVsyst software. 

*Paid 12-week internship opportunity starting in May/June 2027.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

• Analyze operational data from existing solar and storage projects, identifying performance trends, potential inefficiencies, and areas for optimization to improve site energy output and system reliability.
• Participate in the design review process of photovoltaic (PV) projects, offering support in evaluating system components, layouts, and cost-saving opportunities. 
• Support the development of initial PV layouts for new solar and storage projects, taking into account site-specific factors like topography, shading, and project constraints. 
• Model and simulate the energy production of PV projects using PVsyst, including estimating annual energy yield, performance ratios, and system losses under various conditions.
• Review and analyze studies focused on the effects of utility-scale solar on surrounding land and ecosystems, providing insights that may influence project designs and promote sustainable development practices.
• Review and validate supplier-provided technical documentation to ensure alignment with project design specifications, industry standards, and established QA/QC requirements for modules, battery containers, and other major equipment.
• Monitor and assess results from third‑party quality services (3PQA) providers (e.g., FAT, IPM, PSI inspections and supplier audits) tracking findings, escalating concerns, and verifying timely resolution.
• Partner with the Engineering and Supply Chain teams during supplier and equipment selection to evaluate quality, reliability, and technical fit for project needs.
• Collaborate with individual department, as well as cross-functionally with other departments within the organization.
• Maintain organizational excellence in terms of project timelines and deliverables.
• Demonstrates the Clēnera Core Values of Caring, Committed, and Courageous. 
• Other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Education: Undergraduate or graduate student, preferably entering their final year, pursing a degree in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, materials science, or related field. 
• Technology: Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, and an ability to learn company-specific software programs, tools, processes, and machines.
• Skills/Attributes:
  • Basic aptitude for electrical engineering principles and energy analysis.
  • Familiar with basic programming in Python and VBA, like writing simple scripts to automate tasks and enhance productivity. 
  • Ability to analyze performance data of solar farms to identify trends and optimize efficiency. 
  • Self-motivated to work through complex problems and competing priorities, including a high level of detail and organization.
  • Effective verbal and written communication skills.

*Recruiting agencies, we are not currently accepting unsolicited referrals for this or any open role. We will not pay any fee associated with unsolicited referrals.