Plant Engineering Intern - MN

Xcel Energy Services Inc; United States; Hybrid; USD 2,893,000 - 3,389,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension

401(k) plan

Paid time off (PTO)

Holidays

Job summary

Xcel Energy in Becker, MN invites qualified students to join the Performance Optimization Organization in the Reliability Engineering department at the Sherco Generating Plant. This paid internship offers real-world engineering experience, hands-on training, and collaboration with internal teams to support plant projects, performance analysis, emissions control, and equipment specification.

Candidates must be currently enrolled as a sophomore or higher in an ABET-accredited program in

Qualifications

• Current student enrolled in an ABET-accredited program 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) or part-time during the school year (up to 20 hours a week) and commute to the Sherco Generating Plant in Becker, MN, per hybrid policy.

Responsibilities

• Working with Engineering staff to support plant projects (capital and ops/maintenance).
• Performance/efficiency analysis.
• Emissions control.
• Contract and project management.
• Specifying new and replacement equipment.
• Making process improvement recommendations.
• Supporting technical requests from operations and maintenance.

Skills

Power generation knowledge

Project management

Technical writing

Education

ABET accredited college or university

Tools

Writing technical reports

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 candidates to support the Performance Optimization Organization, specifically, within the Reliability Engineering department at the Sherco Generating Plant in Becker, MN. The paid internship provides an opportunity to showcase your abilities in one of our engineering groups that supports power plant operation and maintenance, small project development, and improving equipment reliability. The program provides practical work experience to develop your existing skillset, obtain real world engineering experience, and collaborate with many internal organizations. Each intern will be relied upon to play a role in achieving department objectives and goals. The program will allow you to apply what you’ve learned in school and further enhance your knowledge through hands-on training and provide opportunities to network and learn with other interns across the engineering organization.

Typical Intern Responsibilities

• Working with the Engineering staff to support plant projects, both capital and ops/maintenance.
• Performance/efficiency analysis
• Emissions control
• Contract and project management
• Specifying new and replacement equipment
• Making process improvement recommendations
• Supporting technical requests from operations and maintenance

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
• 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)/ 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

• Completed coursework in power generation or project management and an interest in the power industry
• Proficiency with writing technical reports and evaluating technical documentation.
• Able to commute to the Sherco Generating Plant in Becker, MN

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.

EEO and Disability Accommodation

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].

Salary and Benefits

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: 10/15/26

EEO is the Law | EEO is the Law Supplement | Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination | Equal Opportunity Policy (PDF) | Employee Rights (PDF)

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At Xcel Energy, we’re more than an energy company. We’re reinventing how we power communities. Re‑defining 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.