Xcel Energy

Power Plant Engineer, Controls System Focus (Senior, Staff, or Entry level)

Xcel Energy$70K — $129K *
Energy & Utilities
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in engineering from ABET accredited curriculum (mechanical, chemical, aerospace, or civil engineering preferred).
  • 0+ years for entry-level; 2+ years for staff engineer; 5+ years for senior engineer, in relevant engineering experience.
  • EIT/FE (Engineer in Training/Fundamentals of Engineering) preferred or required based on level of position.
  • Demonstrated technical skills and core competencies in engineering established by the organization.
  • Experience in power generation or heavy industrial environments is a plus.

Responsibilities

  • Troubleshoot and solve operational issues and implement solutions.
  • Provide technical support for equipment repairs and coordinate offsite support for complex problems.
  • Assess equipment risk and develop corrective action plans to mitigate risk.
  • Analyze failure rates and trends to prioritize maintenance and investments.
  • Identify and implement project improvement opportunities to enhance reliability.
  • Support capital projects, upgrades, and refurbishment of equipment.
  • Plan and execute plant overhauls and outages, ensuring effective closeout.

Benefits

  • Annual Incentive Program
  • Medical/Pharmacy, Dental, and Vision Plans
  • Short-term and Long-term Disability Insurance
  • Tuition assistance and employee recognition programs
  • 401(k) plan and pension options
  • Paid time off and holidays, including Volunteer Paid Time Off
  • Parental Leave
Full Job Description
Xcel Energy has an exciting opportunity within its Energy Supply Power Generation team. Candidate will work with engineering staff to support the reliable and efficient operation of Xcel Energy's generation assets.

As the site Plant Engineer with primary focus on control systems, duties would include technical support for equipment repairs, involvement in troubleshooting for operational issues, project management tasks for asset improvement and budgetary planning for the site. The candidate must demonstrate the unique technical skills and critical thinking required to support a complex operating environment. Candidate will work closely with departments within Xcel Energy such as Operations, Maintenance, Environmental and Projects to maintain safe and reliable operation of our Power Plants.

This position is located in Burnsville, MN. The candidate must have the ability to travel to various Power Plants as needed throughout the region.

Key Responsibilities:
  • Provide initial troubleshooting and problem solving to investigate, document and resolve operational issues and implement solutions.
  • Provide engineering technical support for equipment repairs and coordinate offsite engineering services when required for complex problems.
  • Quantify equipment risk and develop corrective action plans to mitigate risk
  • Analyze equipment failure rates, failure causes and risk trends to prioritize maintenance and future investments
  • Identify project improvement opportunities to reduce failures and improve reliability.
  • Provide engineering support for capital projects, upgrades, and refurbishment of powerhouse equipment.
  • Support Overhauls & Outages through planning, execution and close out stages
  • Provide support for plant crews, including reviewing technical material specifications and ordering materials for plant projects
  • Create capital and operational and maintenance (O&M) projects to ensure long term reliable operation of various plant systems.
  • Support Break-in plant work screening and prioritization by participating in daily plant plan of the day tailgates and weekly planning meetings.


The job summary below and responsibilities reflect the staff engineer level role. The successfully chosen candidate will be placed at a level that is commensurate with their skills and experience as different skills and/or experience will be required at the entry, senior and principal engineer levels.

Position Summary
Under general direction, demonstrates complete understanding & wide application of engineering technical principle, theories, & concepts in the field. Independently determines & develops approaches to solutions. Receives technical guidance on complex problems; completed work reviewed for adequacy in meeting objectives. May lead small-medium non-critical projects or critical projects under direction of higher-level engineer/supervisor. May provide work direction to other professionals &/or staff. Represents the organization in providing solutions to difficult technical issues associated with specific projects. Frequent inter-organizational & outside customer contact. Demonstrates a broad knowledge & proficiency of precedents in the specialty area, a good knowledge of related specialties, & general knowledge of other related disciplines.
Essential Responsibilities
  • Uses & applies technical standards, principles, theories, concepts, & techniques to perform activities/assignments that may include a variety of complex features such as conflicting design requirements, unsuitability of conventional materials or methods & difficult coordination requirements.
  • Supports the development of technical documentation (including but not limited to designs, testing, calculations, reports, standards, etc.) Utilizes & may assist with the development of procedures requiring a broad knowledge & proficiency in a specialty area & has a general knowledge of related disciplines.
  • Works under the general direction of a higher-level engineer or supervisor for routine engineering projects. Provide ongoing technical support for project activities within areas such as Operations, Maintenance, testing/diagnostics & Regulatory. May provide field engineering oversight &/or direction for activities such as commissioning, testing, inspections, etc.
  • May lead small-medium, non-critical projects. Coordinate/leads critical projects or portions of projects (including phases such as research, design, equipment selection, procurement support, installation & commissioning), under the direction of a higher-level engineer or supervisor. Work reviewed upon completion for adequacy in meeting objectives.
  • Under the direction of a higher-level engineer/supervisor supports bid/evaluation processes including preparation of bid documents, completion of technical evaluations for proposals; provide recommendations for selection, etc. Partners & communicates with areas such as Supply Chain & Legal following appropriate processes.
  • Frequently exchanges information in all formats, on matters having a wide range of importance & complexity both inter-organizationally & with outside customers.
  • May assign tasks & coordinate work of interns, drafters, technicians, craft personnel &/or others. Provide guidance & mentoring to less experienced engineers. Responsible for continuous self-development of technical skills & competencies.
  • Performs activities such as budgeting, estimating, forecasting, accounting, work order management, in support of engineering projects.


Entry Engineer Level (Salary Range: $70,000-$88,667)

Minimum Requirements
  • Required bachelor's degree in engineering from ABET accredited curriculum, mechanical, chemical, aerospace, or civil engineering preferred.
  • 0+ years relevant engineering experience Ability to demonstrate the unique technical skills and core competencies for this engineering level established & documented by the organization.
  • Preferred EIT/FE (Engineer in Training/Fundamentals of Engineering) preferred.

Staff Engineer Level (Salary Range: $81,000 -106,267)

Minimum Requirements
  • Required bachelor's degree in engineering from ABET accredited curriculum, mechanical, chemical, aerospace, or civil engineering preferred.
  • 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-$129,267)

Minimum Requirements
  • Required bachelor's degree in engineering from ABET accredited curriculum, mechanical, chemical, aerospace or civil Engineering.
  • 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.


Preferred Experience & Skills
  • Experience in power generation or heavy industrial environments.
  • Experience with Control Systems, Programmable Logic Controllers, Cyber Security and Network


Non-Bargaining

The anticipated starting base pay for this position is: $70,000.00 to $129,267.00 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: 08/05/26

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.

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 [email protected]. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.

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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