Intern, Water & Steam Distribution Engineer

Thank you for your interest in the BWL. We think you'll find it a rewarding and nurturing place to grow your career.

The Lansing Board of Water & Light (BWL) has an opening for an Engineering Intern in our Water & Steam Distribution Department, located in Lansing, MI.

Position Summary:

Job Type: Full-Time Summer Internship

Dates: May 17, 2027 - August 13, 2027

Pay Rate: $23.00 per hour

Interview to being late November.

The Engineering Intern will support a variety of engineering activities related to the design, construction, project management, operation, and maintenance of BWL’s water, steam, and chilled water distribution systems. Under the direction of the Water & Steam Distribution Principal Engineer, the intern will contribute to departmental projects and initiatives that support BWL’s objectives and vision. The intern will receive guidance, mentorship, and hands-on learning opportunities from experienced engineers and other Water & Steam Distribution Department team members.

Essential Functions:

• Assists with a variety of departmental engineering projects, including smaller, less complex assignments and supporting larger, more complex initiatives. Project responsibilities will expand as the intern gains experience and develops technical skills.
• Supports system integrity initiatives, including water main replacement projects scheduled for early summer and planning activities for projects later in the season.

• Assists with projects related to the conversion of the steam utility to hot water distribution.

• Collaborate with other departments on company-wide projects and initiatives.

• Prepares technical documents and reports and provides project updates during departmental staff meetings.

• Assists in developing work instructions, procedures, and documentation to support the operation and maintenance of critical subsystems.

• Uses standard office software, including spreadsheets, word-processing applications, and databases, as well as SAP.

• Follows BWL safety policies and procedures and wears required personal protective equipment (PPE) while performing fieldwork.

• Participates in required training, safety awareness programs, and skills development activities as directed by BWL or applicable government agencies, including the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA).

• Supports continuous improvement initiatives related to the Asset Management System and Work Management processes.

• Complies with all BWL policies, procedures, and work rules.

• Maintains reliable and predictable attendance.

• Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Job Specifications:

• Must be currently enrolled in an accredited educational institution in an engineering program, such as civil, environmental, mechanical, or chemical, and have junior or senior standing during the summer of 2027.

• Must be enrolled in fall 2027 classes.

• Must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.

Physical Requirements / Working Conditions:

The physical demands described here represent those that an employee must meet to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Must be able to remain in a stationary position for the majority of the working day. The person in this position needs to occasionally move about inside the office environment, including the use of stairs. Constantly operates a computer and other office equipment. Ability to adjust focus, especially due to concentration on a computer screen. Must frequently communicate with other departments and employees both verbally and in writing. May need to lift and carry up to 30 pounds and/or position the body to reach items on the floor/below knee level or reach overhead. The person in this position needs to move about in industrial environments and on uneven terrain occasionally. May be required to recognize small numbers, letters, symbols, color on prints, and operate field instruments/equipment.

Works in a temperature-controlled office environment, with occasional work in outdoor weather conditions and industrial environments.

Must successfully complete a background check, a substance screening and a physical (if applicable).

Why Should You Apply?

• Skills development, and opportunities for professional growth
• Tours to BWL facilities and other local companies
• Volunteering opportunities
• Networking opportunities
• Satisfaction with delivering high-quality, essential services to the people of greater Lansing

THE BOARD OF WATER & LIGHT IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this position. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities and skills that may be required of the employee. Management reserves the right to add, remove, or otherwise alter these duties, responsibilities, and skills at any time.

About BWL:

The Board of Water & Light serves Lansing, Michigan, and surrounding areas with electricity, water, and steam. Lansing's city charter vests the BWL with full and exclusive management of water, steam, and electric services for or the city. The American Public Power Association has honored the Lansing Board of Water & Light as one of the country's best publicly-owned utilities.

The Location:

Lansing lies at the heart of the Great Lakes State and offers all the beauty and splendor of the four seasons. A haven for swimming, boating, fishing, snowmobiling, golf, and hunting, mid-Michigan is also just a couple hours from premier skiing and one of the most beautiful freshwater lakeshores in the world on our Lake Michigan Coast. Lansing itself is only minutes and miles away from two of the nation’s premier universities, Michigan State University and the University of Michigan, and boasts miles of walking, running, biking trails, Potter Park Zoo, professional sports, the arts, and fine dining.

THE BOARD OF WATER & LIGHT IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER