Wildfire Engineering Intern- CO, TX

Xcel Energy Inc; Denver, Northern (CO, KY); Hybrid; USD 29,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension

401(k) plan

Paid time off (PTO)

Holidays

Job summary

Xcel Energy Inc. invites students to join the Wildfire Distribution Engineering team as an intern, gaining hands-on exposure to programs that reduce wildfire risk and improve system reliability. You will work with engineers, analysts, and project managers on EPSS, digital twins, and data-driven improvements.

Open to full-time summer work or part-time school-year engagement, with hybrid work options across multiple Colorado locations and mentorship to develop engineering skills.

Qualifications

• Current student, Sophomore or higher (as of Fall 2027)
• Enrolled in an ABET accredited college or university and pursuing a degree in Electrical Engineering or Mechanical 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 designated work location in-person per hybrid policy.

Responsibilities

• Assist in engineering and implementation of Enhanced Powerline Safety Settings (EPSS) and wildfire mitigation programs.
• Contribute to development of the Distribution System Digital Twin with data integration for analysis.
• Research technologies and best practices to reduce wildfire risk and improve distribution system performance.
• Participate in investigation of wildfire ignition events and outages to identify root causes and lessons learned.

Education

ABET accredited college/university

Electrical Engineering major

Mechanical Engineering major

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 Wildfire Distribution Engineering Intern will support Xcel Energy's Wildfire Project Engineering team in developing and implementing programs designed to reduce wildfire risk and improve electric system reliability. This position offers hands-on experience working alongside engineers, analysts, and project managers on initiatives involving electric distribution protection, grid hardening, wildfire risk mitigation, GIS analysis, system modeling, and utility operations. The intern will gain exposure to real-world engineering challenges while contributing to projects that enhance the safety, reliability, and resiliency of the electric distribution system. Positions may be based at the Mesa Operations Center (Grand Junction, CO), Summit County Service Center (Silverthorne, CO), Lipan Distribution Center (Denver, CO), or Amarillo Tower (Amarillo, TX).

Typical intern responsibilities may include but are not limited to:

• Support the engineering and implementation of Enhanced Powerline Safety Settings (EPSS) and other wildfire mitigation programs designed to reduce ignition risk and improve system resiliency.
• Assist in the development and enhancement of the Distribution System Digital Twin, integrating operational, asset, and risk data to support engineering analysis and decision-making.
• Research and evaluate emerging technologies, industry best practices, and innovative engineering methods that can further reduce wildfire risk and improve distribution system performance.
• Participate in the investigation and analysis of wildfire ignition events, outages, and operational data to identify root causes, lessons learned, and opportunities for continuous program improvement.

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, Mechanical 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:

• Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above preferred.
• Demonstrated analytical, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills with the - Ability to interpret technical data.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.
• Ability to communicate technical information effectively through written reports and presentations.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.
• Interest in electric utility operations, power systems, wildfire mitigation, grid resiliency, or related engineering disciplines.

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-BargainingThe anticipated starting base pay for this position is: $21.20 to $24.60 per hourThis 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

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.

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