Distribution Planning Engineering Intern- CO

Xcel Energy Inc; Denver, Northern (CO, KY); Hybrid; USD 29,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension

401(k) plan

Paid time off

Holidays

Job summary

Xcel Energy Inc. invites applications for a summer internship with the Integrated Distribution Planning team in Denver, Colorado.

The role focuses on supporting the expansion and reliability of the distribution system, including studies for new growth, electrification, and distributed generation projects. The internship provides practical operations experience, mentoring, and opportunities to develop communication and people skills while working on real grid challenges.

Qualifications

• Current student enrolled in ABET-accredited college or university pursuing Electrical Engineering/Power Systems.
• Able to work full-time during summer (up to 40 hours/week) and part-time during school year (up to 20 hours/week) per hybrid policy.

Responsibilities

• Assist Planning Engineers with distribution system studies and project development.
• Perform power flow studies and distribution planning activities.
• Gain understanding of the grid through mentoring and hands-on experience.

Skills

Programming experience

Education

ABET accredited college pursuing Electrical Engineering/Power Systems

Job description

Are you looking for an exciting job where you can put your skills and talents to work at a company you can feel proud to be a part of? Do you want a workplace that will challenge you and offer you opportunities to learn and grow? A position at Xcel Energy could be just what you’re looking for.

At Xcel Energy, our employees are the driving force behind our success. So we make sure that, here, you can be your best. Doing work that makes a difference for neighbors and communities. Working with a team you can count on to push you. Expanding skills, staying ready for change, and capturing opportunities to grow. All with the support, rewards and recognition you need to thrive – during your internship and beyond.

Come join the Integrated Distribution Planning team to help design the grid of the future.The Planning team is responsible for the expansion of the distribution system for new demands (new growth, building electrification, electric vehicles) and distributed generation (solar, batteries, synchronous generation, wind).The Planning team studies these new demands and large generators to ensure safety and reliability of the distribution system. The Planning team develops short-term and long-term plans to expand the capacity of the distribution system to support company, state and policy goals.

Typical intern responsibilities may include but are not limited to:

• Work with the Planning Engineers to support distribution system studies and project development.
• Perform tasks such as power flow studies, distribution project development, developing long-range distribution plans and evaluating community solar garden interconnection studies.
• Through practical operations experience and mentoring, a successful candidate will gain significant understanding of the grid, gain valuable professional experience, and develop communication and people skills.

This position is for a May 31, 2027 start date. This position may have the possibility to extend beyond the internship’s initial term based on the candidate’s successful performance and Xcel Energy’s business needs.

Minimum Requirements:

• Current student, Sophomore or higher (as of Fall 2027)
• Enrolled in an ABET accredited college or university and pursuing a degree in Electrical Engineering, Power Systems
• Able to work full-time during the summer (up to 40 hours a week)/ part time during the school year (up to 20 hours a week) and commuting to the designated work location in-person, per our hybrid work policy.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with Computer Programming
• Coursework in Circuits and Power Systems

As a leading combination electricity and natural gas energy company, Xcel Energy offers a comprehensive portfolio of energy-related products and services to 3.4 million electricity and 1.9 million natural gas customers across eight Western and Midwestern states. At Xcel Energy, we strive to be the preferred and trusted provider of the energy our customers need. If you’re ready to be a part of something big, we invite you to join our team.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

Individuals with a disability who need an accommodation to apply please contact us at [e-mail].

Non-Bargaining

The anticipated starting base pay for this position is: $21.20 to $24.60 per hour

This position is eligible for the following benefits: Pension, 401(k) plan, Paid time off (PTO), Holidays

Benefit plans are subject to change and Xcel Energy has the right to end, suspend, or amend any of its plans, at any time, in whole or in part.

In any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information including but not limited to dates of school attendance and graduation.You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.

Deadline to Apply: 10/16/26 | EEO is the Law | EEO is the Law Supplement | Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination | Equal Opportunity Policy (PDF) | Employee Rights (PDF)

All Xcel Energy employees and contractors share responsibility for protecting the company's information and systems by adhering to cybersecurity policies, standards, and best practices, recognizing that cybersecurity is everyone's responsibility.

ACCESSIBILITY STATEMENT

Xcel Energy endeavors to make https://www.xcelenergy.com/ accessible to any and all users. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact Xcel Energy Talent Acquisition at [e-mail]. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.