Performance Optimization Reliability Engineer Intern- TX

Southwestern Public Service Co; Town of Texas (WI); 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 is seeking a summer intern to support the Performance Optimization Reliability Engineering group at Tolk and Jones Station. The role focuses on water well testing, flow measurements, and report writing to assess water supply and future needs for the plant.

Ideal candidates are enrolled in ABET-accredited engineering programs (electrical, mechanical, civil, or chemical). The internship runs May 31, 2027, with potential extension based on performance and business needs, and requires

Qualifications

• Current student, Sophomore or higher (as of Fall 2027)
• Pursuing a degree in electrical, mechanical, civil, or chemical engineering
• Able to work full-time during the summer (up to 40 hours a week) and commuting to the designated work location in-person, per our hybrid work policy.
• Prefer a mechanical or electrical candidate.

Responsibilities

• Water well testing and report writing.
• Capital budget development.
• Support plant engineering with operational issues.
• Develop plant projects, both capital and O&M. Getting quotes and planning material deliveries.
• Help plant engineering troubleshoot plant issues.

Skills

Microsoft Office

Report writing

Communication skills

Education

ABET accredited engineering program

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.

The summer interns will work primarily at Tolk and Jones Station. The intern will be part of the Performance Optimization Reliability Engineering group headed by Don Baxa. The intern’s responsibilities will be to support plants engineering as well as plant operations.

At Tolk Station one of the primary jobs of the intern is to perform a study of all the water wells providing water to the plant. The intern will utilize a flow meter and well as other equipment to test each functioning water well to determine flow rates, water draw down and pump efficiencies. They will then write a report on the information gathered. This information will help to analyze the water supply situation for Tolk and the future needs and or possible expansion of the well field.

Typical intern responsibilities may include but are not limited to:

• Water well testing and report writing.
• Capital budget development.
• Support plant engineering with operational issues.
• Develop plant projects, both capital and O&M. Getting quotes and planning material deliveries.
• Help plant engineering troubleshoot plant issues.

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, mechanical, civil, or chemical engineering.
• Able to work full‑time during the summer (up to 40 hours a week) and commuting to the designated work location in‑person, per our hybrid work policy.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prefer a mechanical or electrical candidate.
• Needs to be competent with Microsoft Office, report writing and have good communication skills.

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 $23.10 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

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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.