Substation Communication Engineering Intern - MN

Xcel Energy•Minneapolis, MN

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

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.

Requirements

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.

Nice To Haves

Interest in the energy industry and the future of energy.

Responsibilities

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.