Senior IT Network Architect

Xcel Energy

. Lead the development of network and connectivity architecture and strategies for Xcel Energy's IT and OT environments .

Posted 9/16/2026full-timeMinneapolis • Colorado • United StatesSenior💰 $135,800 - $165,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in network architecture, governance, and strategy development, with a strong focus on collaboration across IT and OT environments. Proven ability to lead technical teams, manage architectural standards, and drive innovation in large-scale projects.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Network Architecture DevelopmentEnterprise Architecture GovernanceProject Solution ArchitectureNERC/CIP Compliance ExperienceTechnical Leadership and Mentorship

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Network ArchitectureInfrastructure ArchitectureSoftware ArchitectureTraffic SegmentationRouting PoliciesSecurity PoliciesAnalytical SkillsProblem-Solving SkillsTroubleshooting SkillsFuture Technology Trends

Soft Skills

Excellent Communication SkillsRelationship ManagementCollaboration SkillsCoaching and FeedbackInfluence with Leaders

Tools & Technologies

Architectural Reference DiagramsArchitecture Decision Records (ADRs)Enterprise Security BoundariesOperational Processes ImprovementIT Strategy Alignment

Industry Keywords

IT and OT EnvironmentsGeographically Distributed InfrastructureArchitecture Review Board (ARB)Corporate Network ConnectivityOperational Risk Assessment

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

Cyber Security

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead the development of network and connectivity architecture and strategies for Xcel Energy's IT and OT environments
Own long-term network strategy, architectural governance, and technology roadmap development across a geographically distributed utility infrastructure
Partner with Network Engineering, Cyber Security, IT Infrastructure Operations and OT Architecture teams
Provide technical leadership and mentorship to architecture and engineering staff
Represent network architecture in multi-disciplinary project teams and governance forums
Review project work efforts for compliance 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 recommend ways to eliminate operational risk related to technology or architecture
Provide consultation and direction to delivery and operational teams on optimal architecture
Maintain network architecture strategy, roadmap, governance, and documentation
Lead work cross-organizationally through coaching, feedback, interaction, and influence with leaders
Participate in hiring, skills assessment, and professional development planning for the network pod
Govern work efforts to align with reference architecture, IT strategy, and policy
Collaborate cross-organizationally and provide technical guidance and mentorship to network architects and engineers
Contribute to architecture roadmaps and provide input to technology roadmaps
Ensure domain IT Strategy aligns with the Enterprise Architecture framework and standards

Requirements

What you’ll need

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
Experience with enterprise security boundaries
Experience with traffic segmentation, routing and security policies
Experience in the 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

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