Alternative Energy Intern

Energy Services Missoula, Montana


Description

Position Description 

Join our team as an intern and gain real-world experience working alongside architects, engineers, and industry professionals. As an Alternative Energy Engineering Intern, you will gain essential skills in Revit and AutoCAD, and learn how to to draft and design innovative alternative energy systems. This role will expose you to industry codes and regulations, preparing you to perform critical calculations for electrical loads in kilowatts and amps across various system voltages.

Working with the guidance of a professional Alternative Energy Engineer you will learn energy generation calculations and system sizing using specialized software such as PVSyst and Homer Grid/Pro. Your knowledge will be applied in the entry-level design of both generation and storage systems, focusing on projects that encompass solar, micro hydro, combined heat and power (CHP), and utility-scale battery energy storage systems (BESS).

Additionally, you will learn to read and interpret architectural and civil plans, allowing you to effectively coordinate with related disciplines in the production of comprehensive contract documents. This position offers a valuable opportunity to contribute to innovative energy solutions while gaining technical expertise in the field.

Position Wage Range 

The anticipated hourly wage for this position ranges from $18.00 to $22.00 per hour.*

Primary Qualifications** 

  • Completion of 3+ years of a A&E related undergraduate program
  • Basic knowledge of Autodesk MEP Revit, Auto CADD, Adobe Suite, Microsoft Office suite, Outlook, Bluebeam
  • Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to learn and adapt
  • Ability to effectively collaborate and communicate with other team members
  • A passion for client-focused design
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills and a talent for balancing graceful oral and written communication between Cushing Terrell teams and our clients  

Position Responsibilities*** 

  • Under the supervision of an experienced engineer apply basic design criteria, prepare, and change drawings, including input, set up, and red line corrections
  • Develop a basic understanding of NEC 250 grounding requirements for electrical services, distribution systems, and branch circuits to design system grounding under the guidance of a licensed engineer
  • Possess a basic understanding of branch circuit conductors and NEC 310 tables on conductor sizing and insulation types to be able to size circuits under the guidance of a licensed engineer
  • Develop a competence of NEC 210, 215 and 220 in applying demand factors to branch feeders, motors, and circuits including over current protection devices
  • Functional knowledge of NEC receptacle, lighting, and equipment load calculations for branch panels and services
  • Demonstrate a basic understanding of conduit types, sizing, and systems including conduit fill ratios and applications as defined by NEC informative annex “C”
  • Create basic one-line diagrams and perform basic level load calculations for simple electrical services leading to the service size in volts, phase, amps, and KVA
  • Perform Solar Generation calculations using PVSyst or Equal Program
  • Understand and size systems for both utility scale and building connected power generation plants using Homer Pro/Grid
  • Understanding of Utility Electrical Tariffs and applying that information to calculate simplified system payback times

Working at Cushing Terrell 

Cushing Terrell is a multidisciplinary design firm with 17 offices and more than 500 team members who bring together their expertise to deliver holistic built environments. Leveraging our influence as designers, we work to create sustainable systems and spaces that help people live their best lives.   

Why Cushing Terrell 

At Cushing Terrell, we empower creative designers to discover imaginative, responsible, first-of-their kind environments. But more than that, we support a strong, cohesive team — from our design professionals to our business operations staff. Together, we champion diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging — placing people at the center of our practice, thus our tagline, “design meets you.”  

Together, we find joy in uncovering imaginative solutions for the people who work here, the people we work for, and the planet as a whole. We offer diverse work opportunities in a variety of locations and markets, and a company culture that celebrates all the unique viewpoints and personalities that make up our talented team.

Things to Note

*Actual pay will be determined based on the candidate’s years of experience, licensure status, location, level of proficiency, and other job-related factors (as permitted by law). 

**Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Cushing Terrell will not sponsor applicants for work visas. 

***The majority of the time, a person in this role will be sitting in an office with limited physical requirements. This may require individuals to bend, stretch, twist, and reach. 

Cushing Terrell is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws and ordinances. Contact 406.248.7455 if you require assistance or accommodation during the employment application process. 

Note to recruitment agencies: Cushing Terrell does not accept unsolicited resumes from search firms or agencies. Any resume submitted to any employee of Cushing Terrell without a prior written search agreement will be considered unsolicited and the property of Cushing Terrell.