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Renewables Engineering Intern - WI

Xcel Energy · Eau Claire, WI · $23.10–$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

This internship supports the reliable and efficient operation of renewable generation facilities from Eau Claire. What draws you to renewable generation specifically?

What they are checking: Whether they have a real reason for wanting to work in renewable generation, rather than choosing this internship only because it's available.

The start date is May 24, 2027, at $23.10 to $24.60 an hour, with a deadline to apply of October 15. What do you want to get out of the summer?

What they are checking: Whether the start date, pay and deadline work for them and they have a real goal, which shows they're approaching the summer seriously.

What would you do

You see something on a site that does not look right and you are the most junior person there. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they would speak up about a safety or quality concern despite being the most junior person, because silence on site can cause harm.

The posting requires travel to facilities across Wisconsin, Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota at least a quarter of the time. Does that work for you?

What they are checking: Whether they can travel across four states at least a quarter of the time, raised plainly so the requirement doesn't surprise them later.

The posting says this may extend beyond the initial term based on performance. What would you want to know about what that path looks like?

What they are checking: Whether they ask about the thing the posting only hints at

About the work

The posting names construction observations. What would you be looking for on a site visit?

What they are checking: Whether they know what to look for on a construction site visit, since construction observation is a named duty in this renewables internship.

You'd review plans and specifications and evaluate risk. How would you review a specification when you are new to the technology?

What they are checking: Whether they have a sound method for reviewing specifications on unfamiliar technology, since interns regularly face equipment they've never studied.

You'd write and review technical reports. How do you write up a finding so an engineer can act on it?

What they are checking: Whether they can write a technical finding clearly enough for an engineer to act on, since writing and reviewing reports is a named duty.

The preferred coursework is engineering statics, mechanics, soil mechanics, hydraulics and hydrology, and structural analysis and design. Which of those have you taken, and which do you think matters most for a wind or solar site?

What they are checking: Whether they've taken the preferred coursework and can explain why it matters for wind or solar sites, showing practical engineering judgment.

The posting requires current junior standing or higher in an accredited program in electrical, mechanical, civil or structural engineering, full-time in summer and up to twenty hours a week during the school year. Where do you stand?

What they are checking: Whether they meet the junior standing and engineering program requirements and can work the stated hours, confirming eligibility before going further.

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. Xcel Energy has an exciting opportunity to learn and grow in your knowledge of Renewable Generation. Work with engineering staff to support the reliable and efficient operations of Xcel Energy’s renewable generation assets. Work as an entry level engineering project management.  The candidate will work with departments such as Hydro, Wind and Solar Operations and Energy Supply Projects. Typical intern responsibilities may include but are not limited to: • Construction observations • Plans and specifications review, Risk evaluation • Technical report writing and review • Design features of renewable energy facilities • Through practical field experience and mentoring • Successful candidate will gain significant professional and technical skills 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, Junior or higher • Enrolled in an ABET accredited college or university and pursuing a degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Civil or Structural Engineering • The candidate must have the able to travel to various renewable facilities at least 25% of the time as the facilities are located throughout WI, MN, ND and SD • 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: • Course work in engineering statics, engineering mechanics, soil mechanics, hydraulics and hydrology, and structural analysis and design. • Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in technical writing. 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: $23.10 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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