The Energy Innovation Challenge (EIC)

Are you ready to be part of a company that's not just talking about the future, but actively shaping it? Join The AES Corporation, the largest US-based global power company with a team of 8,300 employees across 12 countries.  
 
AES has been ranked #1 by BloombergNEF in renewable energy sales to corporations in the US and Americas for five consecutive years, providing electricity for millions of people worldwide.  
 
We are proud to foster a strong workplace culture, earning prominent positions in Great Place to Work™ rankings across the markets where we operate. AES was also named one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies for the 13th consecutive year in 2026, highlighting our dedication to integrity, transparency, and responsible business practices.  

Our spirit of innovation continues to earn industry recognition. AES is the only seven-time winner of the Edison Electric Institute’s Edison Awards in the twenty-first century, a distinction honoring global leadership in advancing the electric power industry. 
 
If you're ready to be part of a company that's not just adapting to change, but driving it, AES is the place for you. We're not just building a more sustainable future, we're powering it. Apply now and energize your career with a true leader in global energy. 

The Energy Innovation Challenge (EIC), sponsored by The AES Corporation, is an energy case competition that brings together graduate students to tackle real-world challenges shaping the future of the energy industry. This case competition allows teams of students to engage with industry professionals and simulate a pitch in a corporate environment, building problem-solving, presentation, and teamwork skills.

What we are looking for in applicants:

• Students from areas such as engineering, public policy, finance, sustainability, business, environmental studies, or related disciplines
• A strong interest in the energy sector and the future of innovation
• Passion for solving complex challenges at the intersection of technology, business, policy, and sustainability

Applicants should meet the following criteria:

• Team Size: Teams must consist of 3 to 5 students
• Education Level: All applicants must be currently enrolled in a graduate degree program or an equivalent program
• Interdisciplinary Requirement: Teams must include students from at least 2 different degree programs
• Academic Institution:  All team members must be enrolled at the same university

Why Participate?

• Connect your studies to your current and future career
• Network with energy professionals
• Engage with a unique company that works across the energy value chain
• Create solutions to help solve the energy industry’s biggest current issues

Challenge Prize:

1st place: $10,000 to the team and $1,000 to the charity of the team’s choice.

2nd place: $5,000 to the team and $1,000 to the charity of the team’s choice.

Both first and second place teams win an interview conversation with AES hiring teams.

Applications are now open and close on September 28th.

 

Click here to apply.

AES is an Equal Opportunity Employer who is committed to building strength and delivering long-term sustainability through diversity and inclusion. Respecting all backgrounds, differences and perspectives enables us to improve the lives of our people, customers, suppliers, contractors, and the communities in which we live and work. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and/or expression, race, national origin, ethnicity, age, religion, marital status, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical condition, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law. E-Verify Notice: AES will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) with information from each new employee's I-9 to confirm work authorization.

The expected salary for this position, at commencement of employment, is between $0 and $0/-; however, base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The total compensation package for this position also includes annual bonus. The benefits offered for this position are: medical, dental, and vision coverage, life insurance, 401(k) eligibility, and paid time off (including vacation, sick leave time, and parental leave). Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if a candidate receives an offer of employment. If hired, employee will be in an “at-will position” and the Company reserves the right to modify base salary (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors.

Apply by clicking the application link below and submitting your information. The deadline to apply for this role is 09/28/2026