Distribution Protection, Controls and SCADA Engineer – Senior or Principal

Xcel Energy

. Manage equipment on the Distribution system .

Posted 9/17/2026full-timeDenver • Colorado • United StatesSenior💰 $97,000 - $156,600 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in managing distribution systems, developing protection and logic controls, and providing technical support for engineering projects. Proficient in leading projects, mentoring staff, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.

Highest-signal resume keywords

PE RegistrationProtection And Logic On Distribution RelaysDNP3, Mirrored Bits, And Modbus ProtocolsProject ManagementTechnical Documentation

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Engineering DegreeProtection And Logic DevelopmentProgramming And Troubleshooting ControlsTesting And DiagnosticsTechnical SupportField Engineering OversightEquipment SelectionBudgeting And ForecastingDNP Maps CreationFault Event File Interpretation

Soft Skills

MentoringCollaborationProblem SolvingCommunication

Tools & Technologies

Advanced Distribution Management System (ADMS)Distribution ControlsCommunication EquipmentRTUs

Certifications & Qualifications

PE (Professional Engineer) RegistrationEIT/FE Certification

Industry Keywords

Distribution System ManagementTechnical DocumentationRegulatory ComplianceProject CoordinationBid Evaluation

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Manage equipment on the Distribution system
Develop and update Protection and Logic in controls as new features are identified or issues arise
Select new devices to pilot and help lead pilot programs
Test new devices in the lab
Create new templates and DNP Maps for devices
Write guides for programming and troubleshooting devices in the field
Support field crews
Assist with getting equipment into ADMS (Advanced Distribution Management System)
Select communication equipment to install in Distribution controls
Lead projects of moderate to large size, scope, and complexity
Develop new or improved techniques, procedures, standards, designs, testing, calculations, reports, and technical documentation
Provide technical support for Operations, Maintenance, Testing/diagnostics, and Regulatory activities
Provide field engineering oversight for support, testing, installation, inspections, and commissioning
Coordinate or lead projects and phases including research, design, equipment selection, procurement, installation, and commissioning
Represent the organization in bid/evaluation processes and prepare bid documents and technical evaluations
Resolve difficult technical and business matters with internal organizations, customers, and vendors
Direct engineers, technicians, craft personnel, and support staff; mentor less experienced engineers
Lead budgeting, estimating, forecasting, accounting, and work order management for engineering projects

Requirements

What you’ll need

Required bachelor’s degree in engineering from ABET accredited curriculum
Senior Engineer: 5+ years relevant engineering experience with EIT/FE required; 7+ years relevant engineering experience without EIT/FE
Principal Engineer: 9+ years relevant engineering experience with PE registration required; 15+ years relevant engineering experience without PE
Ability to demonstrate the unique technical skills and core competencies for the engineering level
Principal Engineer: PE (Professional Engineer) registration required for the 9+ years experience path
Preferred PE registration may be required depending on business need for Senior Engineer
Experience with Protection and Logic on Distribution Relays and maintaining Logic Diagrams preferred
Experience interpreting Fault Event files preferred
Experience programming/troubleshooting controls, RTUs, and/or communication equipment preferred
Experience with DNP3, Mirrored Bits, and Modbus Protocols preferred
Ability to work primarily in the office/lab and travel to the field when necessary

Benefits

Comp & perks

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
Hybrid work model supporting collaboration and flexibility