Electric Utility Substation Design Intern- CO

Xcel Energy; Denver (CO); Hybrid; USD 29,000 - 30,000; 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-world grid infrastructure projects and may extend beyond the initial term based on performance.

Typical duties include substation design tasks (one-line diagrams, layouts, basic calculations), drawing updates, data validation, and participation in design reviews.

Qualifications

• Current student, Sophomore or higher as of Fall 2027.
• Enrolled in ABET accredited program pursuing Electrical Engineering (preferred).
• Able to work full-time during summer and part-time during the school year; in-person hybrid work.

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.

Skills

Team communication

Analytical thinking

Attention to detail

Written and verbal communication

Education

Electrical Engineering (ABET accredited)

Civil or Mechanical acceptable

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
  

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.

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

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.