Xcel Energy

Senior or Principal Engineer - Integrated System Planning (Electric)

Xcel Energy$97K — $156K *
Energy & Utilities
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in engineering from ABET accredited curriculum
  • 5+ years engineering experience with EIT/FE; 7+ years without EIT/FE for Senior Engineer
  • 9+ years engineering experience with PE registration; 15+ years without PE for Principal Engineer
  • Demonstrated technical skills and competencies
  • Preferred experience with gas/electric utility or advisory role to a utility.

Responsibilities

  • Lead long-term planning initiatives for electric and gas distribution systems
  • Develop data-driven strategies to modernize energy systems
  • Coordinate and analyze cross-commodity planning and regulatory requirements
  • Oversee technical documentation including designs and reports
  • Serve as prime technical contact during bid evaluations and project coordination
  • Resolve complex technical matters with internal and external stakeholders
  • Mentor and guide junior engineers and support staff
  • Manage budgeting and forecasting for engineering projects.

Benefits

  • Annual Incentive Program
  • Medical/Pharmacy Plan
  • Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance
  • Health Savings and Reimbursement Accounts
  • Tuition reimbursement and Employee recognition program
  • Paid time off (PTO) and Holidays
  • Parental Leave and Volunteer Paid Time Off (VPTO)
Full Job Description
The job summary below and responsibilities reflect the senior 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 principal engineer level.

Position Summary

We are seeking a forward‑thinking Principal or Sr. Engineer to join our Integrated System Planning team to support many of the crosscutting long-term planning initiatives at the intersection of our gas and electric distribution systems. As an Integrated System Planning Engineer, you will help chart the path toward a modernized energy system by developing data‑driven strategies that aim to align electric and gas planning, enable clean energy adoption, and support customer choice. This is a highly cross functional role that will require the successful candidate to develop, coordinate, and drive analysis and strategy related to long-term planning in close collaboration with partners in Xcel’s operations, customer, and regulatory organizations. The successful candidate will work on modeling, analysis, and strategy development supporting the Company’s Colorado Distribution System Plans (DSPs) and other long-term infrastructure plans at the intersection of generation, transmission, distribution and gas LDC planning. This will include distilling policy and trends into planning inputs (e.g. scenario analysis), advancing the use of non-traditional solutions, and coordinating DSPs with other cross-commodity planning and regulatory requirements (e.g. Clean Heat Plans).

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.

Senior Engineer Level (Salary Range: $97,000-$129,267)

Minimum Requirements

  • Required bachelor’s degree in engineering from ABET accredited curriculum
  • 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
  • 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

  • Previous experience working directly for an electric or combination (gas/electric) utility or in a consulting/advisory role to a utility
  • Demonstrated ability to thrive in a cross-functional, highly collaborative role
  • Ability to distil complex and ambiguous problems and challenges into solutions
  • Familiarity/Proficiency and/or direct experience with distribution system forecasting and modeling tools (e.g. LoadSEER, CYME, etc.)
  • Familiarity/Proficiency and/or direct experience conducting long-term planning and/or scenario modeling
  • Experience using both structured and unstructured data and data tools (e.g. Databricks) to drive insights and recommendations

Non-Bargaining

The anticipated starting base pay for this position is: $97,000.00 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: 07/02/26

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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