Engineering Intern Summer 2024

This is a Summer 2024 internship to support Scout’s engineering and preconstruction efforts. Our intern will leverage their engineering, research, and design skills to identify better approaches to common challenges faced in the utility-scale renewable energy industry. During this internship, you will work most closely with the engineering and preconstruction team but will interact with members of many different departments at Scout. 

Note to prospective candidates: Scout is committed to developing a diverse and inclusive team of professionals. We encourage applications from all demographics. It has been studied that underrepresented groups tend to apply to jobs only when they meet 100% of the qualifications. If you are excited about the projects in this internship position, you are encouraged to apply even if you do not meet 100% of the qualifications listed below. 

The main focus of the internship will be a project in one of the three areas described here: 

1. Project Decommissioning and Recycling Methods 

Scout's engineering and preconstruction team wants to build on our understanding of end-of-life project decommissioning. In this internship, you will research standard industry decommissioning methods and costs to remove end-of-life utility-scale wind, solar, and battery storage projects. You will understand how components are removed, and where the materials end up (recycled, scrapped, landfilled, etc.). Additionally, you will evaluate alternative methods to increase the amount of material that is recycled or reused and summarize the cost and feasibility of these methods. This project will include performing independent research and contacting third-party vendors, contractors, and peers.  

Deliverables:  

• Summary of current decommissioning methods for utility-scale wind, solar, and battery storage projects and associated costs 
• Evaluation of major companies on the market offering products and services to increase recycling and sustainable decommissioning methods 
• Cost comparison and environmental impact analysis of sustainable approaches to decommissioning end-of-life projects vs standard practice 

Targeted majors: Engineering (any discipline), STEM majors, Construction Management 

2. In-House Engineering Process Improvement  

Scout’s engineering team is looking to bring more engineering design work in-house. This intern will further that effort by testing out design tools, and tools which optimize wind, solar, and battery storage project electrical layouts. The successful candidate will work alongside members of the engineering and preconstruction team to understand design requirements, recommend user-friendly software, compare outputs to 3rd party engineering deliverables, and develop a quality control procedure. By the end of this internship, you will have a deeper understanding of the overall project design and development process for utility-scale renewable energy projects. 

Deliverables:  

• Demo of software application for producing in-house electrical designs 
• Comparison of in-house designs to external design deliverables 
• Training/guidance for the team on how to use tools, and QA/QC measures 

Targeted majors: Engineering (any discipline), STEM majors 

3. Cost Estimating Database and Backcast 

To ensure Scout can market projects competitively, it is important for the engineering and preconstruction team to accurately estimate the cost to build renewable energy projects. In this internship, you will compile cost estimate data from historical wind, solar, and battery storage projects and compare it to market pricing received from contractors. You will identify line items that tend to be over- or under-estimated in internal estimates. You will also work closely with preconstruction managers and project engineers to compile an archive of cost estimates that can be referenced when pricing future projects.  

Deliverables:  

• Summary of internal vs external market construction pricing 
• Historical project cost estimate archive 
• Recommendation on updated price contingency guidance 

Targeted majors: Engineering (any discipline), STEM majors 

We will work with our chosen intern to assess which project is the best fit based on their skills and interests and Scout’s priorities at the time. 

The results of each project will provide lasting impact for Scout since they will inform decisions about our projects that we are designing to last for 20+ years.  

In addition to their core project, we plan to provide the intern with two other types of professional development:  

• Secondary research project – You will have the opportunity to collaborate on a smaller research project with a project engineer or preconstruction manager during the internship. (Approx. 15% time) 

• Industry exposure – Our Engineering team will invite you to shadow them during meetings and other training opportunities in order to provide you with additional insight into key industry trends and challenges. (Approx. 15% time) 

Requirements

• Working towards or recently completed a bachelor’s or master's degree in engineering or another STEM field. 

• Interest in the renewable energy industry. 
• Demonstrated commitment to excellence in delivery and in results. 
• Dynamic verbal and written communication skills that are appropriate for a professional setting. 
• Ability to work independently without direct supervision. 

Required Education: Currently enrolled student in an accredited college or university in a technical discipline such as: Engineering, Physics, or Math. 

Timeline and Location 

This internship will begin in May or June 2024.  

We anticipate a 40-hour-per-week commitment for 12 weeks. 

Our ideal candidate will be willing to work at our Boulder, CO office. 

Scout’s Values

• Mission-Orientation. High achievers who want to make a difference in this world and contribute to Scout’s stated mission.
• Teamwork. Respectful and appreciative colleagues with strong interpersonal skills and a commitment to fostering positive relationships across organizational boundaries to deliver on shared team goals.
• Safety. Uncompromising advocates for the health and safety of fellow employees, contractors, customers, and community members.

• Integrity. Ethical professionals who do the right thing even when it is difficult.
• Initiative. Resourceful self-motivators who thrive in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment because of their exceptional leadership, work ethic, and organizational skills.
• Intelligence. Problem-solving learners who can make informed decisions quickly and create innovative and pragmatic solutions to challenging problems.

Invitation to Women and U.S. Underrepresented Groups

We encourage applications from all demographics and especially those that are traditionally underrepresented in the energy industry. Consistent with our core values, Scout celebrates the diversity of thought and experience that comes from a range of backgrounds including, but not limited to, gender, race, and ethnicity.

Invitation to Veterans

Scout welcomes veterans of the United States Armed Forces to apply for this position. Scout includes veterans of all branches and a diverse set of occupational specialties. We value the independent thinking, problem solving, leadership, and teamwork that our veterans have developed through their service. We welcome applications from any service and any military occupational specialty.

Benefits

Hourly Compensation: $25-30 per hour. 

To Apply: 

Please apply with a resume and cover letter