Position Summary
We are seeking a motivated and technically inclined Engineering Intern to join our Project Engineering team for Summer 2026. This intern will support active solar PV development and design efforts while leading a dedicated 10-week engineering project focused on advancing internal methodologies in energy modeling, system losses, and portfolio performance.
This role is ideal for a student passionate about renewable energy and eager to apply engineering fundamentals to real-world solar design challenges. This position is based in Chicago, IL and will report to the Director of Engineering. The length of the internship can range between 10 to 12 weeks starting on June 1, 2026.
Responsibilities:
· Support Project Engineers with technical reviews, project coordination, and design workflows.
· Assist in evaluating PV system performance, including:
o Energy modeling methodologies
o Sub-hourly clipping loss behavior
o System loss modeling and sensitivity analysis
o Portfolio-level performance evaluation
· Contribute to layout/design review cycles with CAD- and model-based tools.
· Analyze production data, model outputs, and operational performance trends.
· Prepare summaries, presentations, and technical documentation for internal stakeholders.
· Lead an independent 10-week engineering capstone project aligned with your area of interest.
· Collaborate cross-functionally with engineering, project management, and operations teams.
· Present final project findings to engineering leadership at the end of the internship.
Requirements
Required Qualifications:
· Currently pursuing a degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Civil, or related Engineering discipline with interest in renewable energy.
· Proficiency with core business tools, including Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Word.
· Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
· Ability to work effectively in a hybrid work environment and collaborate with a distributed team.
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience with one or more of the following is a strong plus (but not required):
· AutoCAD
· PVsyst
· PVcase
· Helioscope
· PVlib
· Python
Benefits
What You’ll Gain:
· Hands-on experience with solar PV design engineering in a fast-paced development environment.
· Exposure to full-cycle PV design: layout, modeling, performance evaluation, and project technical review.
· Guided learning from experienced Project Engineers and subject matter experts.
· Opportunity to develop and present a technical project that contributes meaningful insight or tools to the engineering team.
· Professional experience working in a hybrid office environment.
Compensation: $20/hr
Nautilus Solar Energy, LLC (Nautilus) is creating a clean, sustainable future through a respected and passionate team of professionals. A pioneer in the rapidly growing solar industry, Nautilus’s employees form a strong supportive community. Nautilus is committed to creating and maintaining a culture based on diversity, equity, and inclusion by practicing our beliefs of integrity, empowerment, and fairness. We believe that a diverse and inclusive environment inspires employees’ creativity, drives innovation, and leads to success. Our employees are the strength of our brand, and we strive to hire quality candidates who will embrace and add to our resilient, resourceful, and entrepreneurial culture.
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