INTERNSHIP DETAILS

I & E Technician Intern

CompanyKern Energy
LocationBakersfield
Work ModeOn Site
PostedMarch 19, 2026
Internship Information
Core Responsibilities
The intern will assist the electrical and instrumentation team with routine maintenance, installation, and troubleshooting of refinery process control equipment. They will also support field fault analysis, equipment calibration, and the documentation of maintenance data within the CMMS.
Internship Type
intern
Company Size
160
Visa Sponsorship
No
Language
English
Working Hours
40 hours
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About The Company
Kern Energy is an independent family-owned and operated refinery producing “California Clean” transportation fuels. Tucked into a rural corner of Kern County, in the midst of what’s known as California’s oil patch, Kern has been operating in the Valley for nearly 90 years. Powered by a talented workforce of 185, Kern is the only refiner between the Bay Area and Los Angeles producing transportation fuels, including clean gasoline and renewable diesel, and plays a critical role in supplying the independent retail market. We work hard to help get kids to school, people to work and products to market. As only the second refiner in the United States to obtain an EPA fuel registration for renewable diesel co-processed with a petroleum stream, Kern proudly leads California’s move toward green and clean-burning fuels and reducing carbon’s footprint. And we’re just getting started.
About the Role
Job DetailsLevel: EntryJob Location: Corporate Office - Bakersfield, CA 93307Position Type: InternshipEducation Level: G.E.D or EquivalentSalary Range: $20.00 - $20.00 HourlyTravel Percentage: NoneJob Shift: DayJob Category: OperationsKern Energy is seeking and Instrumentation & Electrical (I&E) Intern will support the refinery’s electrical and instrumentation team and gain hands-on experience in maintaining, troubleshooting, and installing process control and electrical equipment. Under the direct supervision of the I&E Supervisor, the intern will assist with fieldwork, calibration, and maintenance projects while learning about refinery systems and safety procedures. The successful candidate will exhibit Kern’s core values of Teamwork, Safety, Excellence, Integrity, and Connection. Job Function Assist with routine maintenance, installation, and troubleshooting of instrumentation and electrical systems under direct supervision. Support field fault analysis to help determine whether issues are process-related or due to equipment malfunction. Learn to perform basic calibration and testing of transmitters, controllers, and other instrumentation using proper test equipment. Observe and assist with electrical circuit troubleshooting, including motor control circuits, relay logic, and lighting systems. Assist with installation and maintenance of electrical conduit, wiring, and instrumentation tubing. Participate in equipment overhauls in a shop setting, including component replacement and alignment activities. Support documentation of work activities, calibrations, and maintenance data in the Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS). Assist in maintaining compliance with refinery safety procedures and electrical standards. Participate in team meetings, toolbox talks, and hands-on training to develop technical and safety knowledge. Perform other related duties as assigned to gain exposure to refinery electrical and instrumentation maintenance practices.   Knowledge Skills Foundational understanding of schematic drawings, including pneumatic loops, relay logic diagrams, PLC control programs, and motor control circuit diagrams. Basic ability to identify and associate circuit symbols with electrical and electronic components such as resistors, capacitors, transistors, relays, and contactors. Familiarity with electrical and electronic principles, including voltage, current, and resistance relationships. Basic mathematical skills, including algebra, to support calculations used in instrumentation and electrical systems. Awareness of variable frequency drives (VFDs) and their role in motor control systems. Willingness to learn installation practices for electrical conduit (PVC, EMT, rigid) and instrumentation tubing under supervision. Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy in field documentation and testing procedures. Demonstrated problem-solving ability and eagerness to learn through hands-on mentorship. Effective communication and teamwork skills to collaborate with engineers, technicians, and other refinery personnel. Understanding of and commitment to refinery safety practices and procedures. QualificationsKnowledge Skills Foundational understanding of schematic drawings, including pneumatic loops, relay logic diagrams, PLC control programs, and motor control circuit diagrams. Basic ability to identify and associate circuit symbols with electrical and electronic components such as resistors, capacitors, transistors, relays, and contactors. Familiarity with electrical and electronic principles, including voltage, current, and resistance relationships. Basic mathematical skills, including algebra, to support calculations used in instrumentation and electrical systems. Awareness of variable frequency drives (VFDs) and their role in motor control systems. Willingness to learn installation practices for electrical conduit (PVC, EMT, rigid) and instrumentation tubing under supervision. Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy in field documentation and testing procedures. Demonstrated problem-solving ability and eagerness to learn through hands-on mentorship. Effective communication and teamwork skills to collaborate with engineers, technicians, and other refinery personnel. Understanding of and commitment to refinery safety practices and procedures. Education/ Experience Currently pursuing a degree or technical certification in Electrical Engineering, Instrumentation Technology, Industrial Maintenance, or a related field. Basic understanding of electrical circuits, control systems, and instrumentation principles. Strong interest in industrial automation, process control, and electrical maintenance. Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook); familiarity with CMMS or PLC software is a plus. Excellent attention to detail, safety awareness, and teamwork skills. Strong communication and problem-solving abilities. Willingness to work in field environments and learn through hands-on experience.
Key Skills
InstrumentationElectrical maintenanceTroubleshootingCalibrationProcess controlSchematic readingPLC controlMotor control circuitsRelay logicElectrical conduit installationInstrumentation tubingCMMSSafety proceduresTechnical documentationProblem-solvingTeamwork
Categories
EnergyEngineeringManufacturingTrades