DER Interconnection Engineer (Entry, Staff, Senior, or Principal)

Xcel Energy • Denver, CO

3d • Hybrid

About The Position

Xcel Energy is seeking an engineer to join its Distributed Energy Resource (DER) Integration team, which evaluates requests to connect distributed generation to the distribution system. The team assesses reliability and safety impacts and determines methods for safe, reliable interconnection, working with internal engineering groups such as area engineering, planning, integrated system planning, substation engineering, and protection. The role supports the NSP interconnection process and has geographic and milestone responsibilities. The preferred location is Minnesota. Xcel Energy supports a hybrid work model; many roles are expected onsite three days per week, Tuesday through Thursday, though expectations vary by role, team, and business needs.

The position level—Entry, Staff, Senior, or Principal—will be determined according to the candidate’s skills and experience. The listed summary and responsibilities describe the Staff Engineer level. The engineer applies technical expertise to complex assignments, develops or improves techniques and procedures, supports project documentation and technical activities, and may coordinate projects and guide less experienced staff. Work may include technical support, field engineering, project coordination, bid evaluations, external technical representation, and project budgeting and forecasting.

The anticipated base salary range across levels is $70,000 to $156,600 per year. The position is eligible for an annual incentive program and a range of health, insurance, retirement, leave, reimbursement, and development benefits. The application deadline is 11/09/26.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering from an ABET-accredited curriculum; electrical engineering is preferred, or mechanical engineering with relevant engineering experience.
• Entry level: 0 or more years of relevant engineering experience.
• Staff level: 2 or more years of relevant engineering experience, broad knowledge and proficiency in a specialty area, knowledge of related specialties, and general knowledge of other related disciplines.
• Senior level: 5 or more years of relevant engineering experience with EIT/FE, or 7 or more years without EIT/FE.
• Principal level: 9 or more years of relevant engineering experience with PE registration, or 15 or more years without PE.
• Ability to demonstrate the technical skills and core competencies established for the applicable engineering level.
• Senior and Principal levels require the stated EIT/FE or PE qualification as applicable.

Nice To Haves

• EIT/FE (Engineer in Training/Fundamentals of Engineering) is preferred for Entry level and strongly preferred for Staff level.
• PE (Professional Engineer) registration may be required for Senior level depending on business need.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate requests to connect distributed generation to the distribution system, assessing impacts on reliability and safety and determining safe, reliable interconnection methods.
• Support the NSP interconnection process, including assigned geographic areas and project milestones.
• Apply engineering standards, principles, theories, concepts, and techniques to lead projects of moderate to large size, scope, and complexity.
• Develop or improve engineering techniques, procedures, and standards.
• Support technical documentation, including designs, testing, calculations, reports, and standards.
• Provide technical support for project activities in areas such as operations, maintenance, testing and diagnostics, and regulatory matters.
• Provide field engineering oversight and direction for support, testing, installation, inspections, and commissioning.
• Coordinate or lead projects or project phases, including research, design, equipment selection, procurement, installation, and commissioning.
• Represent the organization in bid and evaluation processes, including preparing bid documents, evaluating proposals, and recommending selections.
• Serve as a technical contact and coordinate significant technical matters with internal and external organizations.
• Resolve technical and business matters with internal organizations and external customers or vendors.
• Assign or direct work for engineers, technicians, craft personnel, and support staff, and coordinate and review assignments.
• Provide guidance and mentoring to less experienced engineers.
• Maintain and develop technical skills and competencies.
• Lead project support activities such as budgeting, estimating, forecasting, accounting, and work order management.

Benefits

• Annual incentive program
• Medical/pharmacy plan
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Dependent care flexible spending account
• Health care flexible spending account
• Health savings account for eligible health plan participants
• Limited-purpose flexible spending account for eligible health plan and HSA participants
• Transportation reimbursement account
• Short-term disability
• Long-term disability
• Employee assistance program
• Fitness center reimbursement for eligible health plan participants
• Tuition reimbursement
• Transit programs
• Employee recognition program
• Pension
• 401(k) plan
• Paid time off
• Holidays
• Volunteer paid time off
• Parental leave

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level