Commit to a 40-hour weekly schedule for 16 weeks starting January 2027.
Support professional staff with technical analysis, infrastructure design, and project management tasks.
Rotate through various departments to gain broad experience in energy operations and planning.
What they're looking for
Students currently enrolled in ABET-accredited engineering degree programs.
Candidates graduating in May 2027 or later with at least a 2.75 GPA.
Applicants capable of completing multiple sessions across different semesters.
Pay and perks
Financial assistance for housing is offered where relevant.
Important Application Submission Information
In order to ensure your application is successfully received before the job posting expires, please submit your application by 11:59 PM on Friday, October 16, 2026
More than a career - a chance to make a difference in people's lives.
Build an exciting, rewarding career with us – help us make a difference for millions of people every day. Consider joining the Duke Energy team, where you'll find a friendly work environment, opportunities for growth and development, recognition for your work, and competitive pay and benefits.
*Please attach unofficial transcripts to your application*
About Us
Duke Energy, one of the largest electric powers holding company in the U.S., is a Fortune 150 company dedicated to driving the future of reliable, affordable and cleaner energy. Join us in our mission to build a smarter energy future and help drive our transition to net-zero methane emissions by 2030 and net-zero carbon emissions from electricity generation by 2050.
Why Duke Energy?
Here are the top 3 reasons why working at Duke Energy as a college student is the number one choice for you:
1. Career Development: Duke Energy provides extensive training programs, mentorship opportunities, and career development resources to help students grow professionally.
2. Growth and Reputation: As one of the largest energy companies in the U.S., Duke Energy offers job growth and a reputable name in the industry, which can be advantageous for future career prospects.
3. Work-Life Balance: The company supports a healthy work-life balance with flexible work schedules, remote work options, and employee wellness programs.
Co-op students are encouraged to participate in two to three sessions within Duke Energy to obtain the fullest experience prior to graduation. You will work with different work groups within your department for each session to get a diverse experience and better determine your best fit for full-time placement opportunities with Duke Energy following graduation. You will work with your program coordinator during your initial session to determine your future Spring, Summer, or Fall sessions.
Please note: Must be able to work full-time (40 hours/week) throughout the duration of the 16-week co-op (January 2027 - May 2027).
Basic/Required Qualifications
Enrolled and pursuing an ABET-accredited Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical, Civil, Chemical, Electrical, Chemical, Industrial & Systems Engineering
Must not graduate prior to May 2027
Cumulative college GPA of 2.75 or higher
Program Locations for 2027: Opportunities at locations across our footprint: North Carolina, South Carolina, Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, and Florida. You will be able to provide location preferences in the application questions.
See below for more information on the types of programs that could be offered. Take notes of what you are interested in, we’ll ask you about this later in the application questions!
Transmission - Transmission Engineering manages the design, assessment and analysis of substations and transmission facilities throughout the Duke Energy service area. This department is also responsible for any upgrades to these facilities to ensure safe and reliable operation of the assets. As a co-op, you will work with staff engineers to manage equipment reliability and perform analysis and design of transmission lines and structures, protection and controls systems, and physical/electrical components within Duke Energy’s transmission system. Preferred Majors: Electrical, Civil, Mechanical
Distribution – Distribution Engineering manages the design, operation, and planning of the grid. Distribution is committed to delivering energy to our customers reliably and efficiently; while maintaining our focus on safety, sustainability, and a smarter, more flexible grid. As an intern or co-op, you will undertake short-term responsibilities in variety of groups including electric distribution design, distribution system planning, distribution system operations, distribution asset management or distribution project management. During your rotation(s), you will work with staff engineers to manage/maintain equipment, assist with grid planning and sectionalization, complete designs for equipment install/replacement, and provide oversight of the distribution system. Preferred Majors: Mechanical, Civil, Electrical, Industrial & Systems Engineering
Project Management & Construction (PMC) – PMC is responsible for building our new power generation assets and is in early stages of the largest buildout in the history of the company. As part of Duke Energy’s broader strategy to meet rising customer demand and decarbonize the grid, PMC is actively planning and building renewable solar and bulk energy storage, new simple and combined cycle turbines, as well as developing projects for advanced nuclear, pumped storage hydro, and other emerging technologies. Co-ops would work with PMC engineers and projects managers to develop, design, construct and startup of all these technologies, with both office and field construction assignments available in the Carolinas, Midwest, and Florida. Come be part of the energy transformation! Preferred Majors: Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, Civil, Industrial & Systems Engineering
Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) - Waste & Groundwater Group supports staff professionals who manage the inspection and oversight of groundwater related environmental projects and components at Duke Energy’s generating stations. This group provides support of state and federal environmental regulations, permits siting, licensing/relicensing for groundwater and coal ash related work throughout the Carolinas. This co-op may also work on groundwater remediation projects and groundwater monitoring projects. Preferred Majors: Civil, Environmental, Chemical
Regulated and Renewable Energy (RRE) - Duke Energy Regulated and Renewable Energy generates electricity with an ever-expanding diverse energy mix to meet current and future energy needs for our customers! Come and experience a collaborative working environment for the future of generation! As a student employee, this is an exciting time to work in the utility industry! You will have the opportunity to mentor with top ranked engineers in our regulated power plants – including hydro, solar, natural gas, and coal generation throughout the Midwest, Carolinas, and Florida. Students will gain experience working on projects for generation facility safety, efficiencies, system performance, reliability, cost and environmental compliance. Knowledge will be gained for plant systems engineering and maintenance and energy production to include pumps, motors, control systems, heat performance, motors, switch gears, turbines, generators, system inspections, calibrations and equipment performance. Preferred Major: Mechanical, Civil, Electrical
Grid Planning Studies - The Grid Planning Studies team focuses on transmission-level analysis and analysis of generator additions and modifications in our territory. This internship provides hands‑on exposure to real‑world power system planning, modeling, and analysis. Students will work directly with experienced engineers to evaluate load additions—ranging from a few megawatts to more than 1 GW. You will build foundational knowledge in transmission planning, contingency analysis, and model development while contributing directly to projects that support system reliability and future grid needs. Preferred Majors: Electrical
Engineering opportunities in other business areas may also be available.
Desired Qualifications
Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
Ability to work a minimum of two non-contiguous co-op sessions.
Demonstrated technical proficiency in use of computers, software, and engineering applications (CAD tools, MFAD, STAAD Pro, MATLAB, PSS/E, Power World)
Previous engineering work experience
Demonstrated excellent written and oral communication skills.
Demonstrated ability to provide the quantity and quality of work necessary to reach an accomplishment.
Demonstrated leadership qualities through effective decision making.
Works effectively with others from diverse backgrounds to achieve common goal.
Ability to deliver superior results within allocated time through effective prioritization, scheduling, planning and execution of assigned work.
Working Conditions
Must be able to work full-time (40 hours/week) throughout the duration of the 16-week co-op (January 2027 - May 2027).
Housing stipend available when applicable
Some opportunities require a valid driver’s license.
Depending on work location, exposure to mechanical, electrical, noisy and/or other hazards
Depending on work location, may be required to meet requirements for unescorted access/security clearance.
Required to wear personal protective equipment (hardhat, safety glasses, appropriate clothing, ear plugs, fall protection, etc.), as needed.
Potential travel to project sites
Hybrid and onsite work environment opportunities
Hybrid – Work will be performed from both remote and onsite locations after the onboarding period. However, hybrid employees should live within a reasonable commute to the designated Duke Energy facility. Reliable, consistent transportation is required to ensure timely arrival at the applicable facility.
Onsite Mobility Classification – Work will be performed at a company facility. Reliable, consistent transportation is required to ensure timely arrival at the applicable facility.
A drivers license may be required for certain roles or locations
What You’ll Get
Hands-On Experience: Engage in impactful projects that contribute to Duke Energy’s innovative initiatives.
Mentorship and Growth: Receive mentorship from industry professionals and participate in training sessions to enhance your skills.
Networking Opportunities: Build lasting connections with peers, mentors, and leaders in the energy sector.
Competitive Stipend: Earn a competitive stipend while gaining invaluable experience.
Professional Development: Access to workshops and resources to support your academic and career growth.
Join us this spring at Duke Energy and be a part of a team that’s lighting the way to a brighter, more innovative, sustainable future!
#LI-DNP
Travel Requirements
Relocation Assistance Provided (as applicable)
No
Represented/Union Position
No
Visa Sponsored Position
No. This is not a Visa Sponsored Position. This role requires the ability to work lawfully in the U.S. without employment-based immigration sponsorship, now or in the future.
Please note that in order to be considered for this position, you must possess all of the basic/required qualifications.
From Duke Energy's public posting, laid out for reading by newgrad.ai with the wording unchanged. Check the original before you apply.
