Substation Communication Engineering Intern - MN

Xcel Energy Services Inc; Minneapolis (MN); Hybrid; USD 26,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension

401(k)

Paid time off

Holidays

Job summary

Xcel Energy in Minneapolis offers an engineering internship to apply classroom knowledge to real-world electric utility operations. You will be mentored by experienced engineers and work on RTU programming, network configuration, and monitoring tasks critical to protecting and improving grid reliability.

The internship emphasizes practical exposure, teamwork, and professional growth, with structured mentoring and hands-on assignments aligned to an ABET-accredited engineering program.

Qualifications

• Current student, Freshman or higher.
• Enrolled in ABET-accredited college or university pursuing Electrical or Computer Engineering.
• Able to work full-time during summer (up to 40 hours/week) and part-time during school year (up to 20 hours/week) at designated site per hybrid policy.

Responsibilities

• Learn RTU programming using DNP.
• Assist with configuring network settings for substation assets.
• Observe and help investigate network event logs.
• Gain understanding of EMS, protection concepts, and cybersecurity in power operations.
• Create and update technical documentation and diagrams.

Skills

Engineering fundamentals

Full-time summer availability

Education

ABET-accredited college/university

Electrical Engineering

Computer Engineering

Tools

Power System Center

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.

An intern in this role will gain practical exposure to how electric utility infrastructure is monitored, controlled, and protected, reinforcing concepts learned in college engineering coursework through guided, hands‑on experience. Intern responsibilities will be structured to remain relevant and meaningful to the student’s education level. All engineering‑specific tools, systems, and processes will be taught and supported through training and mentoring.

Under supervision, the intern will:

• Learn how Remote Terminal Units (RTUs) are programmed using Distributed Network Protocol (DNP)
• Assist with configuring network settings for substation cyber asset
• Observe and help investigate network event logs
• Gain foundational understanding of the Energy Management System (EMS), system protection concepts, and cybersecurity considerations in electric power operations

This work is observational and assistive in nature, designed to develop understanding rather than require prior technical proficiency. Through practical exposure, mentoring, and collaboration with experienced engineers, the intern will gain professional confidence, communication abilities, and people skills. These competencies are critical for early‑career engineers and support workforce development goals while providing meaningful value to the organization.

Typical intern responsibilities may include but are not limited to:

• Assist with the configuration, testing, and troubleshooting of communication equipment used in utility substations and power system networks.
• Support the maintenance and monitoring of telecommunications infrastructure
• Utilize engineering software such as Power System Center to configure, analyze, and verify protective relay and communication settings.
• Analyze network performance data and generate reports to identify communication issues, improve system reliability, and support engineering projects.
• Create and update technical documentation, including network diagrams, equipment records, operating procedures, and project specifications.

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, Freshman or higher
• Enrolled in an ABET accredited college or university and pursuing a degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer 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:

Interest in the energy industry and the future of energy. 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: $19.30 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.

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)

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.

You. Us. Together.

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.