Xcel Energy

Gas Strategic Planning Engineer (Staff, Senior, or Principal) - Denver, CO

Xcel Energy • $81K — $156K *
Energy & Utilities
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in engineering from an ABET accredited curriculum required.
  • 2+ years relevant engineering experience (Staff Engineer) or 5+ years (Senior Engineer) or 9+ years (Principal Engineer) with additional certifications needed at higher levels.
  • EIT/FE strongly preferred; PE registration required for Principal Engineer role.
  • Demonstrated broad knowledge & proficiency in specialty area and related disciplines.
  • Ability to exhibit the unique technical skills & competencies outlined for role.

Responsibilities

  • Lead development of long-term strategic plans for the natural gas distribution system.
  • Evaluate future planning scenarios and identify innovative solutions.
  • Collaborate across the organization on traditional and emerging infrastructure solutions.
  • Provide field engineering oversight for support, testing, and installation activities.
  • Coordinate and lead multiple projects from research to commissioning.
  • Represent the organization in technical matter evaluations and bid processes.
  • Mentor less experienced engineers and oversee technical documentation development.

Benefits

  • Annual Incentive Program
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
  • Life Insurance and Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Pension and 401(k) plan
  • Paid time off (PTO) and Parental Leave
  • Tuition reimbursement and educational opportunities
  • Volunteer Paid Time Off (VPTO) and employee recognition programs.
Full Job Description

Xcel Energy supports a hybrid work model to enable collaboration and flexibility. Many roles are expected to work onsite three days per week (Tuesday–Thursday); however, work location expectations vary based on role, team, and business needs.

 

Position Summary


In this role, you will lead the development of long-term strategic plans for the natural gas distribution system by evaluating future planning scenarios, identifying innovative solutions, and aligning investments with regulatory requirements, company strategy, and customer needs. You will collaborate across the organization to assess both traditional infrastructure and emerging solutions, including non-pipeline alternatives, demand-side resources, beneficial electrification, renewable natural gas, and other decarbonization opportunities. The ideal candidate will bring strong utility planning experience, strategic thinking, and the ability to translate complex analyses into actionable recommendations.


Essential Responsibilities


  • Applies extensive technical expertise and has an understanding of the basic principles of other related disciplines.  Fully demonstrates the unique technical skills and core competencies for this engineering level by applying technical standards, principles, theories, concepts, and techniques to lead projects of moderate to large size, scope and complexity.
  • Largely self-directed work is expected to result in the development of new or improved techniques, procedures and standards.  Supports the development of technical documentation (including but not limited to designs, testing, calculations, reports, standards, etc.)  
  • Without appreciable direction exercises considerable latitude in determining ongoing technical support for project activities within areas such as Operations, Maintenance, Testing/diagnostics and Regulatory.  Provides field engineering oversight and direction for activities such as support, testing, installation, inspections, commissioning etc. 
  • Coordinates/leads multiple projects or portions of projects (including phases such as research, design, equipment selection, procurement, installation and commissioning).  May lead more critical projects with oversight of a higher-level engineer or supervisor.
  • Represents the organization as the prime technical contact in the bid/evaluation processes including preparation of bid documents, completion of technical evaluations for proposals and providing recommendations for selection.  Interacts with senior external personnel on significant technical matters often requiring coordination with internal and external organizations. 
  • Effectively and with precision resolves difficult technical/business matters both inter-organizationally and with outside customer/vendors with all formats of communication.
  • May assign tasks to and/or direct engineers, technicians, craft personnel and other support staff including coordination and review of work assignments.  Provides guidance and mentoring to less experienced engineers.  Responsible for continuous self-development of technical skills and competencies.
  • Leads activities such as budgeting, estimating, forecasting, accounting, work order management, in support of engineering projects.

Staff Engineer Level (Salary Range: $81,800-$106,266)

Minimum Requirements

  • Required Bachelor’s degree in engineering from ABET accredited curriculum (or recognized equivalency).
  • 2+year's relevant engineering experience. Demonstrated broad knowledge & proficiency in specialty area, knowledge of related specialties, & general knowledge of other related disciplines.
  • Ability to demonstrate the unique technical skills & core competencies for this engineering level established & documented by the organization.
  • EIT/FE (Engineer in Training/Fundamentals of Engineering) strongly preferred.

Senior Engineer Level (Salary Range: $97,000-$129,266)

Minimum Requirements

  • Required Bachelor’s degree in engineering from ABET accredited curriculum (or recognized equivalency).
  • 5+ years relevant engineering experience with EIT/FE (Engineer in Training/Fundamentals of Engineering) required; 7+ years relevant engineering experience without EIT/FE.
  • Ability to demonstrate the unique technical skills and core competencies for this engineering level established & documented by the organization.
  • Preferred PE (Professional Engineer) registration may be required depending on business need.

Principal Engineer (Salary Range: $112,000-$156,600)

Minimum Requirements

  • Required Bachelor’s degree in engineering from ABET accredited curriculum (or recognized equivalency).
  • 9+ years relevant engineering experience with PE (Professional Engineer) registration required; 15+ years relevant engineering experience without PE.
  • Ability to demonstrate the unique technical skills and core competencies for this engineering level established & documented by the organization.

Preferred

  • Synergi Gas Hydraulic Modeling Experience

 

Our culture is grounded in shared values and employee commitments that guide how we work, support one another, and grow together.


Our Values

Connected, Committed, Trustworthy, Safe


Our Employee Commitments

  • Work that makes a difference
  • A team you can count of
  • Opportunities to grow
  • Rewards that help you thrive

 

Non-Bargaining

 

The anticipated starting base pay for this position is: $81,800.00 to $156,600.00 per year

 

This position is eligible for the following benefits: Annual Incentive Program, Medical/Pharmacy Plan, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Dependent Care Reimbursement Account, Health Care Reimbursement Account, Health Savings Account (HSA) (if enrolled in eligible health plan), Limited-Purpose FSA (if enrolled in eligible health plan and HSA), Transportation Reimbursement Account, Short-term disability (STD), Long-term disability (LTD), Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Fitness Center Reimbursement (if enrolled in eligible health plan), Tuition reimbursement, Transit programs, Employee recognition program, Pension, 401(k) plan, Paid time off (PTO), Holidays, Volunteer Paid Time Off (VPTO), Parental Leave

 

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: 09/30/26

 

 


 

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.


 

About Xcel Energy

Xcel Energy Careers

Join the dynamic team at Xcel Energy, where innovation meets expertise in the pursuit of sustainable energy solutions. As a leading energy company, Xcel Energy offers unparalleled job opportunities that empower professionals to advance their careers while contributing to environmental stewardship.

Work You’ll Do

At Xcel Energy, you’ll collaborate with skilled professionals dedicated to pioneering advancements in the energy sector. Our team is at the forefront of developing sustainable energy technologies that revolutionize how people consume energy. By joining us, you will be part of a culture that values diversity, leadership, and professional growth.

Innovate and Lead

Step into a role where your skills will directly enhance our capabilities in delivering reliable and sustainable energy. Xcel Energy is a hub for innovation, where your ideas can lead to groundbreaking solutions that shape the future of energy. Our leadership is committed to fostering an environment where creativity and strategic thinking are at the core of our operations.

Career Development

Xcel Energy is deeply invested in the professional development of its team members. With a variety of career paths available, from engineering to customer service, your journey with us is filled with endless possibilities. We support your growth with robust training programs, leadership development opportunities, and diversity training that prepare you for success.

Join Our Team

Explore the numerous employment opportunities at Xcel Energy, from entry-level positions to senior roles. We are hiring individuals who are passionate about making a difference and ready to contribute their expertise to our mission of delivering safe, clean, and reliable energy.

Internship Programs

Kickstart your career with an internship at Xcel Energy. Our internships provide hands-on experience in real-world projects that matter. You’ll gain invaluable insights into the energy sector while developing essential skills that will enhance your resume and increase your marketability.

Benefits and Culture

Xcel Energy is not just about work; we care about our employees' well-being. We offer competitive benefits, including health care, retirement plans, and wellness programs, designed to keep you at your best. Our inclusive culture encourages collaboration and offers networking opportunities that foster connections and professional growth.

Stay Connected

Keep up to date with the latest at Xcel Energy: - **Search Xcel Energy Jobs**: Find positions that match your skills and interests. We look for driven, curious, and innovative team players. - **Read Careers Blog**: Stay ahead with career tips, insider perspectives, and industry-leading insights you can put to use today—all from the people who work here. - **Job Alert Emails**: Personalize your subscription to receive job alerts, latest news, and insider tips tailored to your preferences. Discover the exciting and rewarding opportunities that await at Xcel Energy. Join Xcel Energy today and be part of a team that is dedicated to building a sustainable future. Your career at Xcel Energy is not just a job; it’s an opportunity to excel in an environment that appreciates your contribution and supports your professional growth.
Learn more about Xcel Energy
Size
11,321 employees
Market Cap
$38.6 billion
Industry
Net Income
$1.4 billion
Founded
2000
5 Year Trend
+3.9%
Revenue
$11.5 billion
NASDAQ

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