The Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) operates the high-voltage transmission system in the Pacific Northwest. Specifically, the Mechanical Lab performs tests involving physical loads up to 500,000 pounds, vibration analysis, high voltage and current application, temperature testing, and sound monitoring. We utilize these testing methods to answer critical engineering questions.
The intern will work side by side with two BPA Mechanical Engineers to assist with planning, setup, execution, and documentation of testing. Depending on the ongoing projects, this may involve routine tests with established procedures or more open-ended investigations requiring innovative planning to effectively evaluate components. The intern may also gain experience with 3D modeling software (Solid Edge) and LabVIEW data acquisition systems.
The mentor's teaching philosophy values hands-on learning and on-the-job experience. Be ready to jump in! This is a full-time in-person internship, with the expectation that the intern will work either 200 or 300 hours over the course of the summer. The number of total hours will be agreed upon at the beginning of the summer.
Students must be minimum age specified by June 15. These age requirements are strictly enforced by the mentoring organization, and there are no exceptions.
We strongly encourage students to apply who are from one or more systemically and historically excluded group, including but not limited to, non-cis-gendered students, girls, BIPOC, first-generation college-bound students, low-income/low-resourced students, students with disabilities, students who are neurodivergent, and those who speak a primary language other than English.
If you have any questions about the application, website technical issues and/or this position description, please contact Saturday Academy at ase@saturdayacademy.org. Do not contact the mentor directly. Contacting the mentor directly is grounds for disqualification of your ASE application.