Transmission Planning Intern- CO

Xcel Energy•Denver, CO

14h•$21 - $31•Hybrid

About The Position

This internship provides a unique opportunity for Master's and Ph.D. students to apply advanced power systems knowledge in a real utility environment where planning decisions directly influence grid reliability, large-load integration, renewable energy development, grid modernization, and long-term transmission investment across Colorado and the broader Western Interconnection. As a member of the Transmission Planning team, you will work alongside experienced engineers and recognized subject matter experts performing steady-state, dynamic stability, and electromagnetic transient (EMT) studies that support both near-term operational reliability and long-term grid expansion. Interns gain hands-on experience with industry-leading software platforms including PSS®E, PSLF, TARA, DSATools, and PSCAD while developing and validating transmission models, evaluating system performance under stressed conditions, assessing contingency events, analyzing large-load interconnections, and studying the behavior of inverter-based resources and emerging grid technologies. The team is actively engaged in high-profile initiatives involving hyperscale data centers, renewable energy integration, advanced transmission technologies, grid-enhancing technologies (GETs), transmission expansion planning, system reliability assessments, and interconnection studies. Interns will have the opportunity to contribute to projects addressing some of the industry's most important challenges, including power system stability, system strength, frequency response, resource adequacy, transmission congestion, and the evolution of the modern electric grid. In addition to technical studies, interns may support strategic initiatives and research efforts associated with U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) programs and funding opportunities focused on advanced transmission technologies, grid modernization, resilience, and decarbonization. The internship also emphasizes technical thought leadership. Interns will be encouraged to conduct independent research, develop technical white papers, and contribute to conference-quality publications intended for presentation at leading industry forums such as IEEE conferences, CIGRE, ESIG, and other professional organizations. This provides a rare opportunity to bridge academic research with real-world utility applications while building a strong professional publication record. Interns will collaborate closely with transmission planning, operations, protection, modeling, and engineering groups while presenting technical findings to engineers, managers, and senior leadership. The experience is designed to provide meaningful exposure to utility-scale power system planning while developing the analytical, modeling, research, and communication skills required for future leadership roles in the electric power industry. Located in Denver, Colorado, this position offers the opportunity to work with a highly respected team recognized for its technical excellence, innovation, and industry leadership. This internship is particularly well suited for graduate students interested in power system dynamics, EMT analysis, renewable integration, large-load planning, advanced simulation techniques, transmission expansion planning, and the future of the North American electric grid. It is an exceptional opportunity to apply cutting-edge research to real-world challenges while making a tangible impact on the reliability and transformation of the power system.

Requirements

Current student, Senior or higher
Enrolled in an ABET accredited college or university and pursuing a degree in Electrical Engineering with at least one course in Power Systems.
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.
For undergraduate candidates: Completion of at least one accredited power systems course (e.g., Power System Analysis, Electric Energy Systems, Power Engineering, or equivalent) is required.
For graduate candidates: Must be pursuing a Master’s or Ph.D. degree with research or coursework focused on electric power systems, power system dynamics, renewable energy integration, power electronics, or related disciplines.

Nice To Haves

Prefer grad students in Power Systems pursuing either MS or PhD
Demonstrated understanding of fundamental power system concepts, including power flow analysis, transmission systems, voltage control, stability, protection, or grid operations.
Strong analytical and quantitative skills with the ability to solve complex engineering problems using data-driven approaches.
Experience with power system modeling, simulation, or programming tools such as PSS®E, PSLF, PSCAD, MATLAB, Python, PowerWorld, DSATools, or similar platforms is preferred.
Demonstrated interest in advanced transmission planning topics, including renewable energy integration, large load interconnections, grid modernization, power system dynamics, EMT analysis, or advanced transmission technologies.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to prepare technical reports, research papers, and engineering presentations.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary engineering environment.
Interest in conducting applied research, supporting U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) initiatives, and contributing to technical publications and conference presentations (e.g., IEEE, CIGRE, ESIG) is highly desirable.
Currently enrolled in a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. program in Electrical Engineering with a focus on Power Systems, Power Electronics, or a closely related field.

Responsibilities

Support transmission planning studies, including steady-state load flow, contingency, and voltage performance analyses for the Colorado transmission system.
Assist with dynamic and transient stability evaluations to assess system response to faults, large load interconnections, renewable integration, and other grid disturbances.
Develop, update, and validate transmission network models using industry-standard planning tools such as PSS®E, PSLF, TARA, DSATools, and PSCAD.
Analyze study results and prepare technical reports, presentations, and recommendations to support planning and operational decision-making.
Collaborate with transmission planning, operations, protection, and modeling teams on projects related to reliability, grid modernization, and large load interconnections.
Contribute to special projects involving emerging technologies, renewable energy integration, DOE initiatives, and long-term transmission expansion planning.