Process Operator Intern Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

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.
The Project Engineering Intern will join the Base Capital Project Engineering team on-site at Pawnee Powerplant in Brush, Colorado, supporting projects that improve plant safety, reliability, and performance. The intern will work alongside engineers, operators, and maintenance personnel on real-world assignments such as field investigations, data analysis, capital project identification, justification, development and execution. This role provides hands-on exposure to industrial systems, project management, and engineering while offering opportunities to develop technical and soft skills, present results, and contribute to meaningful projects.
Typical intern responsibilities may include but are not limited to:
- Support capital projects, equipment upgrades, and reliability improvement initiatives.
- Conduct field inspections, collect equipment data, and assist with engineering investigations.
- Analyze plant performance, emissions and maintenance data to identify opportunities for improved safety, reliability, and efficiency.
- Leverage engineering drawings, technical specifications, and operating documentation to identify appropriate hardware
- Collaborate with operations, maintenance, contractors, and engineering staff to complete assigned projects and resolve technical challenges.
- Present project findings and recommendations to local leadership
- Be humble, get involved, find where you can contribute and boldly ask questions
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 Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Civil 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:
- Candidates from the Colorado counties of Morgan, Logan, Washington, Yuma, Phillips, Sedgwick and surrounding areas are strongly encouraged to apply.
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.
Non-Bargaining
The anticipated starting base pay for this position is: $21.20 to $23.20 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
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