Riverside Plant Engineering Intern - MN

Northern States Power Co - MN; United States; Hybrid; USD 32,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension

401(k) plan

Paid time off (PTO)

Holidays

Job summary

Xcel Energy’s internship program in the Riverside Generating Plant is a full-time summer opportunity in Minneapolis, MN. You’ll work with engineers on capital and ops/maintenance projects, perform performance analyses, and help improve equipment reliability.

The program welcomes current students and juniors pursuing ABET-accredited engineering degrees, offering hands-on training, cross-team collaboration, and exposure to power-generation projects.

Qualifications

• Current student, junior or higher.
• Enrolled in ABET-accredited college or university pursuing an engineering degree (Electrical, Mechanical, Civil, or Chemical).

Responsibilities

• Assist engineering staff on plant projects, capital and ops/maintenance.
• Conduct performance and efficiency analysis.
• Support emissions control initiatives.
• Assist with contract and project management.
• Assist in specifying new and replacement equipment.
• Propose process improvements and document findings.
• Support operations and maintenance teams' technical requests.

Skills

Technical report writing

Evaluating technical documentation

Education

ABET-accredited engineering program

Pursuing a degree in Electrical/Mechanical/Civil/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.

Position

Performance Optimization Organization, specifically within the Reliability Engineering department at the Riverside Generating Plant in Minneapolis, 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.

Key Details

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.

Full‑time internship during the summer (up to 40 hours a week). Hybrid work policy - commuting to the designated in‑person location.

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.

Minimum Requirements

• Current student, Junior or higher.
• Enrolled in an ABET accredited college or university and pursuing a degree in engineering, studying areas such as electrical, mechanical, civil, and 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

• Completed coursework in power generation or project management and an interest in the power industry.
• Proficiency with writing technical reports and evaluating technical documentation.

Pay and Benefits

Non‑Bargaining: The anticipated starting base pay for this position is: $23.10 to $24.60 per hour.

Eligible benefits:

• Pension
• 401(k) plan
• Paid time off (PTO)
• Holidays

EEO Statement

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].

Deadline

Deadline to Apply: 10/15/26

Accessibility Statement

We endeavor 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.

Company Culture

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.