Senior or Principal Engineer, Distribution Planning

Xcel Energy

. Understand the current state of planning processes and drive integration through tools and automation .

Posted 10/9/2026full-timeUnited StatesSenior💰 $81,800 - $178,900 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in electric distribution planning, including performing studies and technical analysis, while effectively communicating insights and recommendations. Proficient in leading projects, mentoring engineers, and providing technical support across various engineering functions.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Electric Distribution PlanningPE RegistrationProject ManagementTechnical AnalysisCYME/Synergi Electric

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Electric Distribution Planning StudiesCapacity ChecksDER StudiesPower Flow ModelsPythonSQL

Soft Skills

CommunicationMentoringProblem Solving

Tools & Technologies

CYMESynergi ElectricGIS DataCIM

Certifications & Qualifications

PE RegistrationEIT/FE

Industry Keywords

Technical DocumentationRegulatory ActivitiesField Engineering OversightBid Evaluation ProcessesProject Phases Coordination

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

PythonSQL

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Understand the current state of planning processes and drive integration through tools and automation
Collaboratively set assumptions and perform integrated technical analysis as an electric distribution planning subject matter expert
Develop new insights, recommendations, and reports to support business decisions and major initiatives
Communicate technical concepts effectively using appropriate data visualization
Lead projects of moderate to large size, scope, and complexity
Develop new or improved techniques, procedures, standards, and technical documentation
Provide technical support for Operations, Maintenance, Testing/diagnostics, and Regulatory activities
Provide field engineering oversight and direction for support, testing, installation, inspections, and commissioning
Coordinate or lead multiple projects or project phases, including research, design, equipment selection, procurement, installation, and commissioning
Serve as the prime technical contact in bid/evaluation processes, prepare bid documents, evaluate proposals, and recommend selections
Resolve difficult technical and business matters with internal organizations, customers, and vendors
Assign tasks to and direct engineers, technicians, craft personnel, and support staff
Guide and mentor less experienced engineers
Lead budgeting, estimating, forecasting, accounting, and work order management supporting engineering projects

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor's degree in Engineering from ABET accredited curriculum (or recognized equivalency)
Principal Engineer: 9+ years relevant engineering experience with a PE (Professional Engineer) registration required, or 15+ years relevant engineering experience without a PE
Senior Engineer: 5+ years relevant engineering experience with EIT/FE required, or 7+ years relevant engineering experience without EIT/FE
Staff Engineer: 2+ years relevant engineering experience
Ability to demonstrate the unique technical skills and core competencies for the applicable engineering level
Principal Engineer: PE registration required for the 9+ years experience pathway
Senior Engineer: EIT/FE required for the 5+ years experience pathway
Experience performing electric distribution planning studies, capacity checks, or DER studies
Preferred: PE registration may be required depending on business need
Preferred: EIT/FE
Experience performing distribution planning and/or interconnection studies for a utility or consultant
Experience with CYME, Synergi Electric, or similar tools
Experience working with power flow models, GIS data, ratings/equipment database, and CIM
Python/SQL

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 to enable collaboration and flexibility