About the role#
The Wildfire Engineering Intern supports the Wildfire Project Engineering team in developing and implementing programs that reduce wildfire risk and improve electric system reliability. This role provides hands-on experience working with engineers, analysts, and project managers on initiatives such as electric distribution protection, grid hardening, and system modeling. You will contribute to projects that enhance the safety and resiliency of the electric distribution system.
What you'll do#
- Support the engineering and implementation of Enhanced Powerline Safety Settings (EPSS) and other wildfire mitigation programs.
- Assist in the development and enhancement of the Distribution System Digital Twin by integrating operational, asset, and risk data.
- Research and evaluate emerging technologies and industry best practices for reducing wildfire risk.
- Participate in the investigation and analysis of wildfire ignition events, outages, and operational data.
- Identify root causes, lessons learned, and opportunities for continuous program improvement.
What you'll need#
- Current student at an ABET accredited college or university, Sophomore or higher as of Fall 2027.
- Pursuing a degree in Electrical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering.
- Ability to work full-time during the summer and part-time during the school year.
- Ability to commute to the designated work location in-person.
- Demonstrated analytical, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.
- Ability to interpret technical data and communicate it effectively.
- Interest in electric utility operations, power systems, and grid resiliency.
- A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above is preferred.
Location & details#
- Locations: Denver, CO; Amarillo, TX; Grand Junction, CO; or Silverthorne, CO.
- Term: Summer 2027 start.
- Modality: Hybrid.
- Employment: Full-time during the summer, part-time during the school year.
- Compensation: Paid internship ($21.20 to $24.60 per hour).
- Sponsorship: Not available for this position.
About Xcel Energy
Xcel Energy provides electricity and natural gas services across eight states. The company operates in Minnesota, Colorado, Wisconsin, Michigan, North Dakota, South Dakota, New Mexico, and Texas. Its primary focus involves the generation and distribution of energy through renewable sources, nuclear energy, and traditional utility infrastructure. The organization maintains a workforce of over 10,000 employees.
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