Reliability Compliance Intern - Year Round

Sacramento, CA, US,

Apply by Date: 10/26/2026

Hourly Minimum Pay Rate: $24.58 / hour

Hourly Maximum Pay Rate: $29.95 / hour

SMUD is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Reliability Compliance Intern to support our Reliability Compliance & Coordination (RC&C) department. The department supports SMUD's efforts to ensure the planning, design, maintenance, and operations of the Bulk Electric System meet applicable reliability and security objectives, including compliance with NERC Reliability Standards.

In this role, the intern will support reliability risk management, compliance, data analysis, process improvement, and emerging technology initiatives. The position will provide opportunities to work with technical and business teams, analyze and validate data, support risk assessments and program requirements, and explore the use of AI, machine learning, and automation to improve processes and efficiency. The position offers an excellent opportunity for a student interested in risk management, AI/machine learning, cybersecurity, engineering, data analysis, or regulatory compliance to gain hands‑on experience in a highly technical utility environment.

The intern will help apply risk frameworks, working with cross‑functional teams to gather data and support various program requirements, helping advance SMUD's commitment to reliable and secure electric service.

• Collect, organize, clean, validate, and analyze data supporting reliability risk, compliance, and other program activities.
• Support the reliability risk management program by refining data, validating risk information and scores, and performing data quality and reconciliation reviews across multiple sources.
• Assist with identifying opportunities to apply AI, machine learning automation, collecting, cleaning, and analyzing data for AI/machine learning projects to improve processes and program efficiency.
• Developing, testing, and maintaining scripts for data processing and algorithm implementation.
• Supporting the design, training, documentation and evaluation of AI/machine learning models.
• Collaborating with RC&C team to identify opportunities for AI applications to improve efficiency.
• Preparing documentation, presentations, and reports on findings and progress.
• Supporting the reliability risk management program by refining data, verifying risk scores, and performing audits across data sources.
• Helping to develop and enhance processes, tools, and procedures.
• Participating in meetings with stakeholders to support enterprise and reliability goals.
• Gaining exposure to SMUD's operations, compliance standards, and risk frameworks.

SMUD's College Internship Program provides college interns with an opportunity to contribute their skills and knowledge to SMUD while gaining valuable work experience. Workshops and activities will also be part of the program where interns will have the opportunity to be immersed in SMUD's culture and learn leadership skills as well as develop their professional skills.

SMUD was also recognized by Interns 2 Pros for the 2020 Internship Program of The Year Award in recognition of excellence in internship strategy, implementation, and impact and was one of five finalists for the 2023 Internship Program of the Year from Interns 2 Pros along with Paramount, Fox Corporation, Intuit, and Toyota.

Under staff direction, incumbents in this classification are full‑time students in a Science, Technology, Engineering or Math program who perform research and analytical tasks for projects and assignments that utilize specific and acquired academic skills and…