Student Internship - Power System Engineering

ISO New England is the independent system operator responsible for ensuring the safe and reliable flow of electricity in our region and planning for the future of the electric grid. We are at the forefront of New England’s ongoing transition to clean energy.

Internship Title – Power System Engineering

Department – Advanced Technology Solutions

Minimum Education level: PhD

Preferred Majors: Power System Engineering

Ready to work on one of the biggest questions facing the future of energy and computing? ISO New England is seeking a PhD intern to explore how flexible data center workloads impact grid reliability, transmission congestion, and renewable energy integration. Bring your curiosity, analytical skills, and passion for solving complex systems challenges—and help shape the future of the electric grid.

Who We Are

ISO New England is one of the most pivotal energy companies you’ve probably never heard of. Our job is to oversee the 24/7 operation of the power grid that covers the six-states of New England and to administer the region’s $10+ billion “stock exchange” for buying and selling of wholesale electricity. Our work ensures that over 14 million people can reliably turn their lights on and complete their jobs, take care of their families, and live in comfort with convenience.

Department Description

The Advanced Technology Solutions (ATS) department engages in both long-term research projects and near-term design/process improvements. The department consists of experts in three topic areas: power systems, simulations, and markets. In all projects, the goal of the department is to provide innovative and practical solutions to current and emerging questions for ISO New England.

What You’ll be Working On

As artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and data centers continue to grow, the power grid is facing new questions about how large, flexible electricity loads can be integrated reliably and efficiently. This internship will explore “migratory computation”—the idea that certain computing workloads can shift across time or location—to understand when that flexibility can create real operational value for the grid.

You’ll conduct research, review emerging industry approaches, analyze simplified grid scenarios, and communicate findings on how flexible data center demand could impact transmission congestion, renewable energy utilization, and grid reliability. This is a forward-looking opportunity to work at the intersection of power systems, computing, data analysis, and energy innovation.

How You’ll Make an Impact

Your work will help ISO New England better understand whether flexible data center demand can become a meaningful grid resource. The insights from this project may inform future thinking around large-load integration, transmission planning, congestion management, renewable energy utilization, and operating strategies for a rapidly changing electric system.

What We Look for in a Candidate

• A curious, analytical graduate student pursuing a PhD or advanced degree in electrical engineering, power systems, computer science, operations research, data science, applied mathematics, or a related field.
• Experience with Python, data analysis, modeling tools, or technical research is a plus.
• Ideal candidates have an interest in power systems, energy markets, optimization, large-scale computing, or clean energy integration.
• Strong written communication, problem-solving skills, and a willingness to explore emerging questions are highly valued.

This employer will not sponsor applicants for work visas for this position (ex: H-1B, F-1/CPT/OPT, O-1, E-3, TN, J, etc.).

The expected hourly range for this position is $19-$36 per hour, depending on your year in college. Interns are eligible for some paid time off benefits and have access to our wellness program. Our internships also provide interns with exposure to the energy industry, mentorships, and real-world experience.

This is a U.S. based role. If the successful candidate resides outside of the U.S., relocation will be required.

Equal Opportunity: We are proud to be an EEO employer. Applicants for employment are considered without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, citizenship, national origin, age, ancestry, marital status, disability (including learning, mental, intellectual, and physical), service in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable law.

Drug Free Environment: We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing.