Transmission & Distribution Engineering Co-op

Help design the infrastructure that powers communities.

At ECE, you'll gain hands-on experience working on the electric utility systems that deliver power from generation sources to homes, businesses, schools, and hospitals. As a Transmission & Distribution Engineering Co-op, you'll work alongside experienced engineers on real-world projects, applying what you're learning in the classroom while developing the technical and professional skills needed for a successful engineering career.

This is more than an internship. You'll contribute to meaningful projects, collaborate with experienced professionals, and gain exposure to the full project lifecycle—from planning and design through construction and field implementation. If it's a good fit, this experience can also serve as a pathway to a full-time position with ECE after graduation.

About ECE

ECE is an employee-owned consulting engineering firm supporting electric cooperatives and municipal utilities across the country. For more than 50 years, we've helped power providers design, build, and maintain reliable electric systems—from transmission lines and substations to distribution networks and system planning. What makes ECE different? Our people and culture. We believe in collaboration, hands-on learning, and giving employees the opportunity to make a real impact. As an employee-owned company, every team member has a stake in our success and the communities we serve.

What You'll Do

• Assist with the design of overhead and underground electric utility systems
• Support transmission line projects ranging from 35kV to 230kV and distribution line projects up to 25kV, including routing, engineering analysis, and construction documentation
• Assist with the design and routing of overhead and underground distribution facilities
• Help develop construction packages, staking sheets, plan and profile drawings, material lists, and project documentation
• Support engineering calculations, cost estimates, and system analysis
• Participate in field visits, inspections, and construction observations
• Assist with permitting, utility coordination, and project planning activities
• Collaborate with engineers, designers, project managers, and utility clients on active projects

What You'll Learn

Transmission Engineering

• Transmission line routing and design
• Structural concepts for wood, steel, concrete, monopole, and multi-pole structures
• Sag and tension analysis
• Utility transmission design standards and practices

Distribution Engineering

• Overhead and underground distribution system design
• Construction staking and work order development
• Utility service extensions and system improvement projects
• Distribution planning and reliability-focused engineering solutions

Professional Development

• Industry software and engineering tools
• Utility engineering standards and best practices
• How projects move from concept through construction
• Client communication and consulting skills
• Team collaboration and project management fundamentals

What We're Looking For

• Pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• Interest in power systems, utility infrastructure, energy delivery, or engineering design
• Desire to learn, contribute, and work as part of a collaborative team

Why ECE?

✨ Work on real projects that impact communities

✨ Learn directly from experienced engineers and industry professionals

✨ Gain hands-on experience beyond the classroom

✨ Supportive, team-oriented culture with mentorship opportunities

✨ Exposure to both office and field environments

✨ Employee-owned company culture

✨ Opportunity to explore career paths in transmission and distribution engineering

✨ Potential pathway to full-time employment after graduation

Ready to apply your engineering knowledge to real-world projects and help build the systems that keep communities powered? Join ECE and start developing the skills and experience that will shape your future career.