Electric Transmission Planning Engineer Intern

Electric Transmission Planning Engineer Intern

We are seeking a motivated Electric Transmission Planning Engineer Intern to join our Transmission Planning team for the summer; May 26th - August 14th. As our system planning responsibilities continue to expand—driven by increased load growth, renewable integration, regulatory requirements, and critical infrastructure upgrades—there is a clear opportunity to bring in an intern who can provide meaningful support while gaining valuable hands‑on experience in power system engineering.

In this role, you will assist engineers in analyzing the performance of our transmission grid, developing models, and supporting reliability and capital planning studies across our 115‑kV and 230‑kV transmission system. This internship offers hands‑on experience with industry-standard tools, real engineering studies, and exposure to multiple engineering groups within Colorado Springs Utilities.

Come work in Colorado Springs!

As a Transmission Planning Intern, you will:

• Modeling & System Studies
  • Build and update power flow models using PSS®E, PowerGEM TARA, and other planning tools
  • Perform power flow, contingency (N‑1), and voltage performance analyses for summer and winter peak conditions
  • Support ongoing transmission planning assessments, including NERC/WECC reliability compliance studies
• Project Support
  • Contribute to planning evaluations for substation upgrades, transmission line improvements, new load connections, and DER integrations
  • Assist with scenario development, data validation, and study documentation
• Documentation & Reporting
  • Summarize study results in clear engineering memos and presentations
  • Present your work to the Transmission Planning team near the end of the internship
• Team Collaboration
  
  • Work directly with engineers in Transmission Planning, System Protection, Substation Engineering, and Distribution Planning
  • Participate in technical meetings and contribute to project discussions

Who You Are: Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Power Systems, Energy Systems, or a related field; completed coursework in
Power systems, Circuit analysis and Electrical machines is highly preferred

• Familiarity with power flow modeling tools (PSS®E, PowerWorld, PowerGEM TARA)
• Ability to interpret single-line diagrams and system topology
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills
• Proficiency with Excel; basic programming (Python/Matlab) is a plus
• Excellent communication and documentation abilities

What This Internship Offers:

• Training provided in power flow modeling tools (PSS®E, PowerWorld, PowerGEM TARA)
• Real-world engineering experience impacting community infrastructure
• Mentorship from experienced power system engineers
• Networking with multiple engineering groups across the utility
• A collaborative, mission-driven work environment

• This is an on-site, non-remote/non-telecommuting position
• Hourly rate is dependent on year completed of academic degree, e.g., second year complete, third year complete, etc.
• Candidates MUST be enrolled in a degree seeking program (Associates/Bachelors/Masters) and be able to provide documentation if requested. Enrollment in a certification program does not qualify.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Exerts up to 10 lbs. of force occasionally and/or small amount of force frequently to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time but may involve walking or standing for brief periods of time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally, and all other sedentary criteria are met.
• Positions in this class typically require talking, hearing, seeing and repetitive motions within an office working environment.

Who We Are: Colorado Springs Utilities is the largest community owned, not-for-profit, four-service utility in the nation. For 100 years, we have provided Colorado Springs with safe, reliable and competitively-priced electric, natural gas, water and wastewater services. We care about our community's well-being, support local business and have an interest in all things that help make Colorado Springs a great place to live, work and play

Be a part of a unique, customer-owned and operated four-service utility. With our rare distinction of providing four utility services – natural gas, electricity, water, and wastewater treatment – we offer a varied, fast-paced work culture teeming with potential.

Colorado Springs Utilities infuses corporate responsibility and safety into daily business operations with the foundation of decision-making focused on our community owners, employees, and environment. As an employee, you will have an opportunity to contribute ideas and solutions in an engaging, dynamic team environment.

Our Commitment to Our Employees…
Our people are the heart and soul of Colorado Springs Utilities. They keep the lights on, gas flowing, water coming in, and wastewater leaving. We don't just say people are important – we prove it! That’s why we are honored to invest in protecting the health and financial security of our employees and their families through our rich benefits program.

Time Off to Recharge

• Vacation – Start with 13 days annually, increasing to 24 days with tenure
• Paid Holidays –12 paid holidays per year
• Sick Leave – 12 days per year for personal or family health needs
• Vacation Buy – Option to purchase up to 40 additional hours annually

Health & Wellness – Benefits elected are effective the first of the following month

• Medical Plans: Three comprehensive options, including a $0 premium High-Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) with Health Savings Account (HSA) eligibility
• Zero Health: Access to hundreds of medical services at no cost
• Dental & Vision: Two dental plans and one vision plan
• Family Building-Benefits: Support for fertility, preservation, adoption, and surrogacy
• Wellness Program: A voluntary program that rewards you for prioritizing self-care! If you're enrolled in a our medical plan, you and your spouse can earn up to $600 in HRA or HSA contributions by completing healthy activities
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA): Pre-tax contributions for healthcare and dependent care expenses
• Health Savings Account (HSA): Available with HDHP
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential support for mental health, stress, legal, financial, and work-life balance

Financial & Retirement Security

• Pension Plan: Colorado PERA provides retirement benefits and peace of mind
• Supplemental Retirement Plans: PERAPlus 401(k), MissionSquare Roth IRA, and 457 plans
• Disability Coverage: Short-Term and Long-Term Disability insurance available
• Life Insurance: Employer-paid coverage with optional supplemental plans
• Long-Term Care Insurance: Available for purchase to support extended care needs