Electric Utility Substation Design Intern- CO

Xcel Energy Services Inc; Denver (CO); Hybrid; USD 29,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension

401(k) plan

Paid time off (PTO)

Holidays

Job summary

Xcel Energy seeks an engineering intern to support the Substation Engineering & Design team in Denver, CO. The internship provides hands-on experience applying academic knowledge to real grid infrastructure projects and cross-functional teamwork.

You’ll assist with substation design tasks, drawings, calculations, and data validation, while gaining exposure to design reviews and site visits. The internship starts May 24, 2027, with potential extension.

Qualifications

• Current student, Sophomore or higher (as of Fall 2027).
• Pursuing a degree in Electrical Engineering (preferred).
• Able to work full-time during the summer (up to 40 hours a week) and part-time during the school year (up to 20 hours a week).
• Hybrid in-person work policy.

Responsibilities

• Support substation design tasks (one-line diagrams, layouts, basic calculations).
• Assist with drawing updates, design packages, and standards documentation.
• Perform basic engineering calculations and data validation.
• Participate in design reviews and coordination meetings.
• Support site visit preparation and documentation (limited field exposure).
• Organize and analyze project data and engineering records.

Skills

Teamwork

Analytical thinking

Communication

Problem solving

Education

ABET-accredited EE

Tools

CAD tools

Microsoft Office

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.

Xcel Energy is seeking one engineering intern to support the Substation Engineering & Design team in Denver, CO. The role supports transmission and distribution substation projects and includes design support, documentation, and coordination across engineering disciplines. The internship provides hands‑on experience applying academic knowledge to real‑world grid infrastructure projects. Intern will work with engineers, designers, and cross-functional teams.

Typical intern responsibilities may include but are not limited to:

• Support substation design tasks (one-line diagrams, layouts, basic calculations)
• Assist with drawing updates, design packages, and standards documentation
• Perform basic engineering calculations and data validation
• Participate in design reviews and coordination meetings
• Support site visit preparation and documentation (limited field exposure)
• Organize and analyze project data and engineering records

This position is for a May 24, 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 (preferred); Civil or Mechanical (acceptable)
• 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:

• Coursework in power systems or electrical engineering fundamentals (e.g., AC circuits)
• Exposure to engineering drawings or CAD tools (not required)
• Interest in electric utility infrastructure or substation engineering
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills
• Prior internship, co‑op, or relevant academic project experience
• GPA of 3.0 or higher preferred
• Basic proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow established standards and guidance
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment and communicate clearly

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.

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 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.

Deadline to Apply: 10/16/26

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You. Us. Together. At Xcel Energy, we’re more than an energy company. We’re reinventing how we power communities. Redefining how we care for customers. Reaffirming our commitment to the planet. We’re committed to leading with equity and inclusion. You’re not waiting for change – you’re creating it. You’re driven to protect the environment, support your community, and seek innovation. You want a career that grows with you and an employer who values you. You are reliable, trustworthy and bring integrity to everything you do. We are leading the way in clean energy. We’re using technology and innovation in every facet of our company. We’re providing safe, stable jobs with robust benefits. We keep our customers at the center of all we do. We’re committed to hiring a workforce that reflects the communities we serve. Together, we can provide carbon‑free electricity by 2050. Together, we can take care of the environment and our communities. Together, we can create a place where everyone belongs. Together we’re building a better tomorrow.