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Energy Supply Base Capital Engineering Intern - MN, WI

Xcel Energy · La Crosse, WI · $21.20–$24.60 an hour · Part time

Posted Sep 7, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

You are given a task and you do not understand why it is being done that way. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they ask thoughtful questions to understand why work is done a certain way, since in an operating plant there's usually a safety reason.

The start date is May 24, 2027. What do you want to be able to do by the end of it?

What they are checking: Whether they have a concrete goal for the internship term, which shows they'll use the experience well rather than just passing time.

What would you do

You'd assist project engineers with project management and execution. What does a capital project at a power plant involve that a classroom project does not?

What they are checking: Whether they understand that working plant projects face real constraints like safety and operations, which classroom projects rarely have to consider.

Work at an operating plant has to fit around the plant running. How would you expect that to change a project schedule?

What they are checking: Whether they understand that plant capital work must fit around outages and operations, which shapes every project schedule at a running plant.

A plant is an industrial site with real hazards. What would you expect to be your responsibility on safety as an intern?

What they are checking: Whether they take personal responsibility for safety at an industrial site, because plant hazards are real and safety habits matter from day one.

You'd need to commute to a plant in Becker, Mankato or Red Wing in Minnesota, or La Crosse or Ashland in Wisconsin. Which of those works for you?

What they are checking: The stated sites, raised plainly since it decides the offer

About the work

This internship supports capital engineering projects at coal-fired and refuse-derived fuel power plants. What do you know about how a thermal power plant generates electricity?

What they are checking: Baseline plant knowledge, which the posting expects you to build on

You'd learn to read piping and instrumentation diagrams, electrical schematics and general plant drawings. Have you read any of those, and how would you approach one you have not seen?

What they are checking: Whether they are honest about reading plant drawings and have a sensible approach to unfamiliar ones, since this internship relies on them daily.

You'd learn project planning and budgeting systems. Tell me about tracking something against a budget.

What they are checking: Whether they have real experience tracking spending against a budget, since budget tracking is a named duty on capital projects here.

The posting requires sophomore standing or higher in an accredited program in electrical, mechanical, civil or chemical engineering. Where are you?

What they are checking: Whether they meet the stated class standing and engineering program requirements, so eligibility is confirmed before going further in the process.

Practice this interview out loud.

Offer builds a real interview for this exact role at Xcel Energy from your resume and this job description, asks the questions one at a time, and tells you what landed. The first one is free.

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The full job description

As published by Xcel Energy.

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. Project Description: Xcel Energy is seeking candidates to support our Energy Supply Base Capital Engineering Projects, specifically at one of the coal-fired or RDF (refuse-derived fuel) generating plants in the Minnesota or Wisconsin regions. Plant locations are Becker, MN; Mankato, MN; Red Wing, MN; LaCrosse, WI; and Ashland, WI. The paid internship provides an opportunity to showcase your abilities in engineering project management that supports the generating plants. The program provides practical work experience to develop your existing skillset, present to senior leadership, and collaborate with key internal stakeholders. Each intern will be relied upon to play a role in achieving department objectives and goals. The program will allow you to apply what you’ve learned in school and further enhance your knowledge through hands-on training and provide opportunities to network and learn with other interns across the Energy Supply organization. Typical intern responsibilities may include but are not limited to: • Assist project engineers at power plants with project management and execution. • Learn how power plants generate electricity as well as learning the systems/subsystems that support the plants’ major equipment. • Learn how to read and use piping & instrumentation diagrams (P&ID’s), electrical schematics and general plant drawings in support of projects • Learn to use various project planning and project budgeting systems. 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. Minimum Requirements: • Current student, Sophomore or higher • Enrolled in an ABET accredited college or university and pursuing a degree in electrical, mechanical, civil, or chemical engineering or related program. • Able to commute to any one of the plants in Becker, MN; Mankato, MN; Red Wing, MN; LaCrosse, WI; or Ashland, WI. • 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: • 3.0 GPA (out of a 4.0 scale) or higher • Completed 2 years of undergraduate coursework, including Engineering classes. • Previous Engineering internship experience 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 $24.60 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: 10/15/26 EEO is the Law | EEO is the Law Supplement | Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination | Equal Opportunity Policy (PDF) | Employee Rights (PDF) All Xcel Energy employees and contractors share responsibility for protecting the company's information and systems by adhering to cybersecurity policies, standards, and best practices, recognizing that cybersecurity is everyone's responsibility. ACCESSIBILITY STATEMENT Xcel Energy endeavors to make https://www.xcelenergy.com/ accessible to any and all users. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact Xcel Energy Talent Acquisition at recruiting@xcelenergy.com. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.

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