About the role#
As a Substation Electrical & Distribution Intern, you will gain hands-on experience working on power infrastructure projects. You will work under the direct supervision of project managers and professional engineers to support the design and maintenance of electrical systems.
What you'll do#
- Create and modify substation physical drawings, including equipment selection and placement.
- Perform grounding studies to mitigate step and touch potentials.
- Develop and update substation wiring diagrams, control schematics, circuit schematics, maps, and system studies.
- Collaborate with engineers, drafters, and construction teams to execute project designs.
- Apply standard engineering techniques and procedures to your assigned tasks.
What you'll need#
- Current enrollment in an undergraduate or graduate Electrical or Computer Engineering program.
- Understanding of basic circuit analysis and fundamental electrical laws.
- Basic Microsoft Office skills and knowledge of relevant industry software.
- Strong problem-solving and communication skills with attention to detail.
- Preference for candidates who have completed at least 2 years of their degree with a 3.0+ GPA.
Location & details#
- Location: Madison, Wisconsin.
- This is a paid, full-time internship.
- The role is on-site with a rolling term.
About HDR
HDR is an employee-owned design firm based in Omaha, Nebraska. The company provides engineering, architecture, and construction services across a range of sectors including healthcare, transportation, and energy. It operates as a private organization with over 10,000 employees. The firm maintains a focus on collaborative projects and professional development for its staff.
How to get in at HDR
Securing an internship at HDR requires proactive timing, as early applicants are often reviewed before the candidate pool becomes crowded. Intern Insider sends an instant alert the moment a role matching your target is published, which helps you apply among the first and gain a visibility advantage. Applying quickly is a standard way to ensure your materials reach a human reader before the pile grows too large. You can use Intern Insider to identify the specific recruiters behind HDR roles so you can reach out directly to ask about the position or a potential referral. Connecting with a recruiter helps you stand out from the automated queue and materially improves your response rates. This direct approach is often more effective than relying solely on a standard application.



