Entry Level Substation Design Engineer Jobs
New grad substation design engineer jobs are open to recent graduates and entry level candidates with zero to two years of experience, where strong internship work or a portfolio of CAD drawings and protection studies can matter more than a long resume. Most openings are on-site roles across Consulting & Professional Services, Energy, and Construction & Real Estate, with employers like Jacobs, Xcel Energy, and Mesa Associates hiring at this level now.
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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
Xcel Energy is seeking one engineering intern to support the Substation Engineering & Design team in Denver, CO. The role supports transmission and distribution substation projects and includes design support, documentation, and coordination across engineering disciplines. The internship provides hands-on experience applying academic knowledge to real-world grid infrastructure projects. Intern will work with engineers, designers, and cross-functional teams.
Typical intern responsibilities may include but are not limited to:
- Support substation design tasks (one-line diagrams, layouts, basic calculations)
- Assist with drawing updates, design packages, and standards documentation
- Perform basic engineering calculations and data validation
- Participate in design reviews and coordination meetings
- Support site visit preparation and documentation (limited field exposure)
- Organize and analyze project data and engineering records
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, Sophomore or higher (as of Fall 2027)
- Enrolled in an ABET accredited college or university and pursuing a degree in Electrical Engineering (preferred); Civil or Mechanical (acceptable)
- 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
- Coursework in power systems or electrical engineering fundamentals (e.g., AC circuits)
- Exposure to engineering drawings or CAD tools (not required)
- Interest in electric utility infrastructure or substation engineering
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Prior internship, co-op, or relevant academic project experience
- GPA of 3.0 or higher preferred
- Basic proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
- Strong attention to detail and ability to follow established standards and guidance
- Ability to work effectively in a team environment and communicate clearly
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 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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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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Top Industries Hiring
- Consulting & Professional Services
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Entry Level Substation Design Engineer Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get an entry level substation design engineer job?
Employers hiring at this level look for foundational knowledge in power systems, familiarity with AutoCAD or CAD-based design tools, and exposure to protection and control concepts, which you can demonstrate through coursework, senior projects, or internships. A degree in electrical engineering is the standard baseline. Candidates who can show even one completed substation or switchgear drawing in a portfolio stand out from others with identical credentials.
Which companies hire entry level substation design engineers?
Companies hiring entry level substation design engineers right now include Jacobs, Xcel Energy, and Mesa Associates, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. Hiring at this level comes from a mix of engineering consulting firms, electric utilities, and transmission and distribution contractors that bring on junior designers to support project teams.
Are there remote entry level substation design engineer jobs?
Yes, though most openings at this level are on-site or hybrid given the hands-on drafting and coordination involved. About 33% of entry level substation design engineer openings are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, so candidates who prefer flexibility should filter for those postings while staying open to on-site roles where more mentorship is typically available.
Are these new grad substation design engineer jobs?
Yes, the listings here include new grad, recent graduate, and junior substation design engineer roles. A posting is new grad friendly when it welcomes zero to two years of experience, counts internships or co-ops toward that requirement, or accepts a portfolio of academic or personal projects in place of professional history. These roles are built for candidates stepping into the field for the first time.
Which industries hire the most entry level substation design engineers?
Entry Level substation design engineer roles concentrate in Consulting & Professional Services, Energy, and Construction & Real Estate, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. These sectors drive hiring at this level because ongoing grid modernization, renewable energy integration, and infrastructure buildout create steady demand for junior designers who can support experienced engineering teams.