Title: Spring 2027 Student Internship- Big Bend- Engineer 
Company: Tampa Electric Company 
State and City: Florida - North Ruskin
Shift: 8 Hr. X 5 Days

The TECO Energy Internship & Cooperative Education Program offers college degree-seeking students the opportunity for professional growth while meeting the business needs of the company. The program is an extension of the educational process, providing practical experience to complement formal classroom work. The co-op program recruits students from colleges to give them an opportunity to work in a professional environment related to their field of study.

POSITION SUMMARY/DETAILS:

The Engineering Intern will support the engineering and operations teams at a multi-unit power generation facility. This position provides hands-on exposure to power plant operations, maintenance, engineering projects, and reliability initiatives. Interns will work alongside experienced engineers and plant personnel to gain practical knowledge of power generation equipment, safety practices, and industrial processes while contributing to projects that improve plant performance, reliability, and efficiency.

Accountabilities:

• Assist engineers with technical projects related to plant systems, equipment reliability, maintenance, and operations.
• Collect, organize, and analyze operational and maintenance data to support engineering evaluations.
• Participate in plant inspections, field observations, and equipment assessments.
• Support troubleshooting efforts involving mechanical, electrical, instrumentation, and control systems.
• Help develop reports, presentations, procedures, and technical documentation.
• Review engineering drawings, specifications, and operating procedures.
• Assist with outage planning, project execution, and equipment upgrades.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, reliability, efficiency, and environmental compliance.
• Attend engineering, maintenance, and operations meetings as assigned.
• Follow all plant safety rules, environmental regulations, and company policies.

Physical Location of Co-op: Big Bend Power Station- 13031 Wyandotte Road Gibsonton, FL 33534

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:  

The successful applicant should be enrolled in an ABET accredited university as a college undergraduate or a graduate level post-secondary educational program in a related discipline.

Co-Op Requirements:

• To qualify as a co-op student, enrollment in the university’s co-op program (proof of enrollment required); if not eligible for co-op program (or program unavailable), the student will be considered an intern.
• A minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is required.

Required:

• Currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Engineering from an accredited university.
• Major in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• Strong academic performance and interest in power generation or industrial operations.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.

Preferred:

• Previous internship, co-op, or technical work experience.
• Familiarity with engineering software, data analysis tools, or CAD programs.
• Knowledge of power generation systems, industrial equipment, or maintenance practices.
• Experience working in industrial, manufacturing, utility, or construction environments.

Work Environment:

• Work is performed in both office and industrial plant settings.
• Position requires occasional walking, climbing stairs, and conducting field observations in operational areas of the facility.
• Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) will be required in designated plant areas.
• Exposure to elevated noise levels, outdoor weather conditions, and industrial environments may occur.

Learning Opportunities:

Interns will gain practical experience in:

• Power plant operations and maintenance.
• Mechanical, electrical, and control systems used in utility-scale power generation.
• Engineering project management and execution.
• Equipment reliability and performance analysis.
• Utility industry safety and environmental compliance programs.
• Cross-functional collaboration with operations, maintenance, and engineering teams.

Emera Leadership Competencies:

• Builds Strong, Collaborative Relationships
• Cultivates Innovation and Embraces Change
• Develops People and Teams
• Drives Operational Excellence for Customers
• Speaks Up on Safety, Health, and the Environment
• Takes Ownership & Acts with Integrity
• Thinks Strategically & Exercises Sound Judgement