CPT Operations Technician Jobs
Operations Technician roles in manufacturing, utilities, and industrial facilities qualify for CPT when your program ties the work directly to your coursework in engineering technology, industrial operations, or a related field. Your DSO must authorize each CPT position before you start, and the job description should align with your declared major.
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INTRODUCTION
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.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Support Distribution Control Center and ADMS software as a Grid Ops Engineering intern at Xcel Energy, gaining hands-on experience in power system operations.
Typical intern responsibilities may include but are not limited to:
1) Supporting model tuning and tracking non-communicating devices
2) Assisting with alarm limits and special projects or Grid Operations Engineering (GOE) focuses
3) Working with Engineering staff to support the Distribution Control Center and enable ADMS software
4) Performing entry-level engineering analyst tasks supporting tools, programs, and databases for outage coordination, power flow studies, and power system monitoring
5) Gaining practical operations experience and mentoring to build professional confidence and people 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 QUALIFICATIONS
- Current student, Freshman or higher (as of Fall 2027)
- Enrolled in an ABET accredited college or university and pursuing a degree in Engineering (Electrical preferred but not required)
- Some field visits but no routine travel required.
- 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
- Interest in power systems.
- Willingness to learn and ask questions.
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 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
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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Get Access To All JobsOperations Technician CPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Does an Operations Technician role qualify for CPT authorization?
It qualifies if the work is directly tied to your degree program and your DSO approves it. Operations Technician positions in manufacturing, utilities, or process control typically align with engineering technology, industrial engineering, or applied sciences curricula. Bring the job description to your DSO appointment and show how each core duty maps to your coursework or program learning objectives.
Can I do full-time CPT as an Operations Technician without affecting my OPT eligibility?
Full-time CPT is 20 or more hours per week. If you accumulate 12 months or more of full-time CPT, you lose all OPT eligibility, including the STEM OPT extension. Part-time CPT of under 20 hours per week doesn't count toward that limit, regardless of how many semesters you use it. Structure your hours carefully with your DSO if you plan to use OPT after graduating.
How do I find Operations Technician employers who are comfortable with CPT authorization?
Search for Operations Technician roles on Migrate Mate, which surfaces employers with active sponsorship history. Industrial facilities and utilities that have previously sponsored work visas are generally more familiar with authorization paperwork and less likely to rescind offers when CPT requirements are explained. Smaller facilities with no prior foreign national employees may need more education about the process.
What documents does my employer need to provide for my CPT authorization?
Your DSO typically requires a written offer letter stating your job title, duties, employer name and address, start and end dates, and hours per week. Some schools also require a signed training agreement or internship contract. The employer doesn't file anything with USCIS for CPT; the authorization is entirely between you, your school, and your I-20. Confirm your school's specific requirements before your DSO meeting.
Can an Operations Technician CPT position count toward H-1B specialty occupation eligibility later?
It depends on how the role is classified. Operations Technician positions can qualify as specialty occupations if they require at least a bachelor's degree in a specific field, but general technician roles without a degree requirement don't meet that standard. Document your academic credentials, the technical nature of your duties, and any certifications earned during CPT. This paper trail strengthens a future H-1B visa petition if the employer wants to sponsor you.