2027 Spring Co-op - Systems Operations Engineer

Rate: $22 USD per hour

Description What You’ll Do: As our Power Systems Engineering Co-op , you’ll contribute to the daily readiness of MISO’s grid by running and interpreting next-day contingency studies. Your work will help operators and member utilities confidently manage tomorrow’s challenges — ensuring reliable power for 47 million people across the region.

You’ll Gain Hands-on Experience With:

• Industry tools like TARA, PSS®E, and EMS
• Coding and automation using Python and SQL to streamline processes and support the Day Ahead Market
• Real-world project s such as developing automation for power system models and enhancing workflows that directly impact grid operations

A Great Day In This Role Means: You’ll start by reviewing next-day load forecasts and outage schedules, then run contingency simulations in TARA or PSS®E. You’ll identify potential grid constraints and summarize findings for the team, which feed directly into Operating Guides and daily operator handoffs.

You’ll know you’re making an impact when your analysis helps keep the grid stable and reliable for millions of people across the Midwest.

This Is a Unique Opportunity Because: This team bridges the gap between planning and real-time operations. You’ll get exposure to both shift and non-shift work, collaborating directly with the Control Room. This rare perspective shows how next-day studies connect to real-time decisions, giving you a front-row seat to MISO’s mission of keeping the grid reliable.

What You’ll Be Proud To Share:

• Supported MISO’s Operations Planning team by running next-day power flow studies that informed operator decisions and ensured grid reliability for 47 million people.
• Developed hands-on expertise with industry tools (TARA, PSS®E, EMS) and coding languages (Python, SQL).
• Collaborated with engineers to manage grid challenges during high-demand and renewable-heavy conditions.

Qualifications At a Glance: Term: January XX – May XX, 2027 | Full-time | Paid

Location: Eagan, IN | Housing available for qualified students

Academic Level: Undergraduate (Juniors or Seniors) or Graduate

Degree: Electrical Engineering (or closely related field)

Required Technical Skills:

• Proficiency in Python (or other coding languages with ability to learn quickly)
• Strong skills in Microsoft Excel and Office tools

Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with industry tools: PSS®E, PowerWorld, TARA
• SQL for data analysis and automation
• Coursework in Power System Engineering, Transformers, or related fields

By the End of Your Co-op, You’ll Walk Away With:

• A tangible impact story (e.g., “My study identified a potential overload that shaped an operator’s guide”)
• Stronger technical skills (simulations, coding, data interpretation) and soft skills (presenting to diverse audiences)
• A deep understanding of RTO-scale next-day operations planning
• Expanded professional network across MISO and the energy industry
• A strong résumé bullet such as: “Conducted next-day contingency studies in MISO’s Operations Planning group, supporting reliability decisions for 45 million people across the Midwest.”

About MISO MISO manages the electricity superhighway in the Central U.S. Through use of groundbreaking research and advanced technology, our highly skilled employees ensure power flows reliably to 47 million customers. Operating the electricity grid, running a robust energy market, planning for a bright future – it’s what our immensely talented and dedicated team does every day. Plug into your future career.

Apply today and help us keep the power flowing!

Learn More About MISO’s Early Career Talent Programs: Learn More about MISO's Internship & Co-op Opportunities (https://www.misoenergy.org/meet-miso/careers/internships/)

Internship Experience Video

MISO, The Work We Do (https://vimeo.com/935124142/5c8d23402d)

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Qualifications Skills Preferred

• Microsoft Excel (Immediate): Intermediate
• TARA: Some Knowledge
• Power Flow Analysis: Some Knowledge
• PSSe: Some Knowledge
• C: Intermediate
• Python: Intermediate
• C++: Intermediate

Education Required

• Some college or better in Electrical Engineering
• Some college or better in Electrical & Computer Engineering

Experience Required

• Programming experience (e.g., Python, MATLAB, or C++).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
• Completion of core Electrical Engineering courses.

Preferred

• SQL for data analysis and automation experience
• Familiarity with Energy Management Systems (EMS) or grid operations tools.
• Completion of coursework covering power systems, control systems, and circuits.

Equal Opportunity Employer

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.

For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.

Job Category: Engineering

Full-Time