Wildfire Distribution Engineering InternAre 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 recruiting@xcelenergy.com.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: 10/16/26
