Substation Communication Engineering Intern - MN

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.

• 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.

• 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…