Active Distribution System Control and Protection Intern - Summer 2026

At ABB, we help industries outrun - leaner and cleaner. Here, progress is an expectation - for you, your team, and the world. As a global market leader, we’ll give you what you need to make it happen. It won’t always be easy, growing takes grit. But at ABB, you’ll never run alone. Run what runs the world.

This Position reports to:

Electrical Systems Department Manager

As an intern, you will have the opportunity to gain practical experience through various projects. Each day, you will acquire knowledge by performing tasks as directed. You will also showcase your skills by supporting ABB’s operations and enhancing personal education/employment opportunities.

The work model for the role is onsite/hybrid in Raleigh, NC.

You will be mainly accountable for:

• Conduct literature survey and benchmarking to assess the state of art methods for a given problem

• Actively participate in applied research activities in the area of active distribution system, especially LVDC and MVDC distribution and microgrid, resulting in proofs of concept, prototypes, patents, and/or academic publications

• Contribute to the promotion of the application of active distribution solutions within ABB’s customer industries, and develop prototype solutions using hardware-in-loop testing environment, such as Opal-RT

• Control schemes of different types of power electronics converters using Matlab/Simulink

• Control schemes of distribution systems, such as secondary control and tertiary control

• Protection schemes of distribution systems, such as protection devices, converter fault current limiting, and protection coordination

• Living ABB’s core values of safety and integrity, which means taking responsibility for your own actions while caring for your colleagues, and the business.

Qualifications for the role:

• Currently enrolled in a degree program in the US

• Must be currently authorized to work for ABB in the US

• PhD or master’s student in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering (PhD preferred)

• Knowledge of distribution system apparatus and operations is a big plus

• Knowledge of different types of power electronics converters and converter control

• Knowledge of power system fault protection

• Modeling and simulation expertise in Matlab/Simulink and Opal-RT

• Knowledge and experience with active distribution system modeling systems

• Knowledge of Python, C++, C#, JavaScript, or other object-oriented programming languages and concepts for data processing and analytics

• Willingness to quickly acquire in-depth knowledge of new technologies and application domains

Why ABB?  

What's in it for you

We want you to bring your full self to work—your ideas, your energy, your ambition. You’ll have the tools and freedom to grow your skills, shape your path, and take on challenges that matter. Here, your work creates impact you can see and feel, every day.

ABB is an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer for protected Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities at ABB.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their- sex (gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation), marital status, citizenship, age,  race and ethnicity, inclusive of traits historically associated with race or ethnicity, including but not limited to hair texture and protective hairstyles, color, religious creed, national origin, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, genetic information, protected Veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal and state law.

For more information regarding your (EEO) rights as an applicant, please visit the following websites: https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRights6.12ScreenRdr.pdf

As an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer for Protected Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities, applicants may request to review the plan of a particular ABB facility between the hours of 9:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. EST Monday through Friday by contacting an ABB HR Representative at 1-888-694-7762.

Protected Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access ABB's career site as a result of your disability. You may request reasonable accommodations by calling an ABB HR Representative at 1-888-694-7762 or by sending an email to US-AskHR@abb.com. Resumes and applications will not be accepted in this manner.

Internships at ABB within the United States are not eligible for company-sponsored medical benefits, 401(k) contributions, or paid time off. 

The hourly rate is determined by things such as the successful applicant’s qualifications, graduation year and experience. This position is expected to pay between $20 - $34 per hour.

We value people from different backgrounds. Could this be your story? Apply today or visit www.abb.com to read more about us and learn about the impact of our solutions across the globe.