Position SummaryThe Senior IT Network Architect is an individual contributor responsible for leading the development of network and connectivity architecture and strategies for Xcel Energy's IT and OT environments. This role owns long-term network strategy, architectural governance, and technology roadmap development across a geographically distributed utility infrastructure that spans four operating regions in 8 US States. This role partners closely with Network Engineering, Cyber Security, IT Infrastructure Operations and OT Architecture teams to deliver resilient, compliant, and forward-looking network solutions.
The successful candidate will also provide technical leadership and mentorship to architecture and engineering staff and will represent network architecture in multi-disciplinary project teams and governance forums.
Essential Responsibilities- Architectural Operations: Review project work efforts to ensure that they are compliant with architectural standards. Track and manage exceptions to standards. Develop and maintain architectural reference diagrams, architecture decision records (ADRs), and standards documentation. Participate in Architecture Review Board (ARB) processes. Continuously improve operational processes. Assess, report, and make recommendations to eliminate operational risk related to technology or architecture.
- Technical Expertise: Provide consultation and direction to delivery and operational teams on optimal architecture for respective solutions. Maintain network architecture strategy and roadmap, as well as governance and documentation.
- Leadership: Lead work cross-organizationally through coaching and feedback, and through significant interactions and influence with leaders. Participate in hiring, skills assessment, and professional development planning for the network pod.
- Planning and Strategy: Govern work efforts to ensure alignment with reference architecture, IT strategy and policy. Collaborate cross-organizationally and provide technical guidance and mentorship to network architects and engineers. Contribute to architecture road maps and provide input to technology roadmaps. Ensure the domain IT Strategy align with Enterprise Architecture framework and standards.
Minimum Requirements- Bachelor's degree in Technology, Science, Business or related field, or 4 years of experience equivalent to the position.
- Ten years of related functional experience.
- Architecture acumen across multiple domains including network, infrastructure, software, hosting models, mobile platforms, and security.
- Exposure to diverse systems, technologies and processing environments in a large Corporate setting.
- Project solution architecture experience.
- General knowledge of core aspects of enterprise architecture (Software, Hardware, Network, Integration, Data, hosting models, platform types, etc.).
- Strong analytical, problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
- Extensive knowledge of future technology trends within area of expertise.
- Demonstrated leadership on technical aspects of large scale projects.
- Excellent communication skills, effective with varying organizational levels and skill sets.
- Excellent Relationship Management and collaboration skills, with a track record of working as one team cross-organizationally to drive innovation and business results.
Preferred Requirement- Experience with the following:
- Enterprise security boundaries.
- Traffic segmentation, routing and security policies.
- NERC/CIP compliance space in partnership with other SMEs.
- Strategy and collaboration with operations for the connectivity of the Corporate network.
- Collaboration with OT teams related to infrastructure and connectivity in OT environments.
Non-Bargaining
The anticipated starting base pay for this position is: $135,800.00 to $165,000.00 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: 09/25/26
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 STATEMENTXcel 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.
