System Protection Engineering Intern- CO

Xcel Energy; Denver (CO); On-site; 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 in Denver invites students to join our System Protection Engineering internship. This year-round role supports distribution and transmission relays, focusing on short circuit studies, the system database, and PRC NERC compliance tasks.

Mentored work will include lightning analysis, short circuit modeling, SQL queries, feeder settings, and relay settings lab testing. Eligible candidates are current Electrical Engineering students who can commit to at least one calendar year and

Qualifications

• Current student pursuing Electrical Engineering in ABET-accredited program.
• Able to commit to internship for at least one calendar year.
• Available to work full-time during summer (up to 40 hours/week) and part-time during the school year (up to 20 hours/week) in-person per hybrid policy.

Responsibilities

• Lightning analysis in support of transmission operation investigations.
• Short circuit modeling updates, including relay replacements and transformer modeling.
• Work with mentor on SQL queries, feeder settings, and lab testing of relay settings.

Skills

Lightning analysis

Short circuit modeling

SQL queries

Lab testing of relay settings

Education

ABET-accredited university pursuing Electrical 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.

System Protection Engineering Intern position: This is a year-round internship, minimum 2 years requested. System Protection Engineering service supports distribution and transmission relays. SPE is responsible for the short circuit and power system database, special studies, and PRC NERC compliance tasks, including investigation of system disturbances.

Typical intern responsibilities may include but are not limited to:

• Responsible for lightning analysis in support of transmission operation investigations
• Responsible for short circuit modeling updates, including replacement of relays, transmission line and transformer modeling.
• Work with mentor on special assignments, such as SQL queries, feeder settings, and lab testing of relay settings

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 Engineering
• Must be able to commit to the internship for at least a calendar year
• 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

• Basic circuits class completion

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.