Performance Optimization Reliability Engineer Intern- TX

Xcel Energy; United States; Hybrid; USD 29,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension

401(k) plan

Paid time off

Holidays

Job summary

Xcel Energy is offering a summer internship for engineering students at the Tolk and Jones Station. The role supports performance optimization reliability engineering, focusing on water well testing, data collection, and reporting to help assess water supply and future expansion needs.

The internship emphasizes hands-on plant engineering exposure, collaboration with engineers and operators, and opportunities to develop capital and operational projects within a hybrid work setup.

Qualifications

• Current student in ABET-accredited program, Sophomore or higher as of Fall 2027.
• Enrolled in an ABET-accredited college pursuing a degree in engineering.
• Must be available to work full-time during the summer and commute to the work location.

Responsibilities

• Water well testing and report writing.
• Regularly use flow meters and equipment to test wells and measure flow rates.
• Capital budget development to support plant projects.
• Assist plant engineering with operational issues and troubleshooting.
• Develop capital and O&M project plans and material deliveries.

Skills

Microsoft Office

Report writing

Communication skills

Education

ABET-accredited electrical engineering

ABET-accredited mechanical engineering

ABET-accredited civil engineering

ABET-accredited chemical engineering

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

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.