About the role#
The Mechanical Maintenance Intern supports the daily operations of the power plant by assisting with the installation, repair, and maintenance of mechanical equipment. You will help identify system problems, recommend solutions, and ensure that plant equipment remains in optimal condition. This role requires a commitment to safety and environmental stewardship while working within a team to maintain plant procedures.
What you'll do#
- Troubleshoot, repair, and maintain mechanical equipment to support plant operations.
- Use the Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) to manage work orders and spare parts inventory.
- Assist in the development of maintenance procedures to ensure safe and consistent operation.
- Identify equipment issues and recommend practical solutions.
- Requisition necessary parts and supplies.
- Participate in regular safety meetings and perform housekeeping tasks as needed.
- Adhere to all safety, environmental, and plant-specific procedures.
What you'll need#
- High School Diploma or GED.
- Enrollment in a two or four-year mechanical technical or engineering degree program with good academic standing.
- Knowledge of power plant systems, steam cycles, and auxiliary equipment.
- Familiarity with safe maintenance practices and the hazards associated with rotating equipment.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.
- Ability to read and interpret blueprints, maintenance procedures, and Safety Data Sheets (SDS).
- Strong communication skills to interact with supervisors and co-workers.
- Ability to work in confined spaces, at elevated positions, and on grated flooring.
- Physical ability to bend, stoop, climb stairs and ladders, and navigate equipment for a full shift.
- Willingness to wear required safety gear, including respirators, eye and hearing protection, and protective clothing.
Location & details#
- Location: Illinois, United States.
- Term: 13-week program from late May to early August 2027.
- Work Modality: On-site.
- Employment Status: Full-time.
- Compensation: $25.00 per hour for undergraduates and $28.00 per hour for graduate students.
About Prairie State Generating Company
Prairie State Generating Company operates the Prairie State Energy Campus in Washington County, Illinois. Founded in 2012, the organization provides baseload power to over 2.5 million families across multiple states. The facility includes a 1,600 megawatt coal-fired power plant and an adjacent underground coal mine. It employs 262 people across coal mining, power generation, and corporate support roles.
How to get in at Prairie State Generating Company
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