Distribution Planning Engineer (Entry, Staff, Senior, or Principal)

Xcel Energy•Maple Grove, MN

1d•$70,000 - $156,600•Onsite

About The Position

The Distribution Planning Engineer is responsible for developing and implementing near- and mid-term distribution system plans that ensure the safe, reliable, and cost-effective delivery of electric service. This role conducts distribution system analyses, including power flow studies, hosting capacity assessments, capacity checks, and load forecasting to identify infrastructure needs and support system growth. The engineer develops detailed execution plans for capacity expansion projects, evaluates non-wires alternatives and other innovative grid solutions, and collaborates with account management, economic development, community relations, and regulatory teams. Responsibilities also include supporting distribution planning regulatory filings, maintaining design philosophy documents and planning standards, identifying distributed energy resource integration opportunities, and providing technical recommendations that align operational system needs with long-term business and customer objectives. This position is designed to develop technical expertise in a particular area of specialty. Performs work that involves conventional types of plans, investigations, surveys, structures or equipment with relatively few complex features for which there are precedents. Activities are of limited scope requiring knowledge of principles and techniques commonly employed in the specific narrow area of assignments. May lead small-medium, non-critical projects and/or provide field oversight of critical projects under direction of higher level engineer or supervisor. Work is reviewed for soundness of technical judgment, overall adequacy and accuracy. As proficiency is gained, may work on portions of larger projects. Works under supervision and follows established procedures. May supervise or coordinate the work of interns, drafters, craft personnel, technicians and/or others.

Requirements

Required bachelor's degree in engineering from ABET accredited curriculum
0+ years relevant engineering experience. Ability to demonstrate the unique technical skills and core competencies for this engineering level established & documented by the organization.
2+year's relevant engineering experience. Demonstrated broad knowledge & proficiency in specialty area, knowledge of related specialties, & general knowledge of other related disciplines.
Ability to demonstrate the unique technical skills & core competencies for this engineering level established & documented by the organization.
5+ years relevant engineering experience with EIT/FE (Engineer in Training/Fundamentals of Engineering) required; 7+ years relevant engineering experience without EIT/FE.
9+ years relevant engineering experience with PE (Professional Engineer) registration required; 15+ years relevant engineering experience without PE.

Nice To Haves

Preferred EIT/FE (Engineer in Training/Fundamentals of Engineering) preferred.
EIT/FE (Engineer in Training/Fundamentals of Engineering) strongly preferred.
Preferred PE (Professional Engineer) registration may be required depending on business need.
Experience in distribution planning, distribution/substation design, DER interconnection, or distribution operations
Experience with LoadSEER or other load forecasting tools
Experience with CYME or other power flow tools
Familiarity with utility regulatory processes and filings

Responsibilities

Uses and applies technical standards, principles, theories, concepts, and techniques to perform activities/assignments of limited scope.
Supports the development of technical documentation (including but not limited to designs, testing, calculations, reports, standards, etc.). Utilizes and may assist with the development of procedures.
Provides ongoing technical support for project activities within areas such as Operations, Maintenance, Testing/diagnostics, Regulatory, etc. May provide field engineering oversight for activities such as commissioning, testing, inspections etc. under direct supervision.
Coordinates/leads projects or portions of projects (including phases such as research, design, equipment selection, procurement support, installation and commissioning), under the direction of a higher level engineer or supervisor.
Under the direction of a higher level engineer/supervisor, supports bid/evaluation processes by performing basic analysis and calculations on existing documentation and materials that support the preparation of bid documents. In completing segments of technical evaluations for proposals may need to effectively communicate with other business areas of the company following appropriate processes.
Effectively exchanges information in all formats, on matters having a wide range of importance and complexity both inter-organizationally and with outside customer/vendors.
May coordinate the work of interns, drafters, technicians, and/or others and provides guidance and mentoring to less experienced engineers. Responsible for continuous self development of technical skills and competencies.
May perform activities such as budgeting, estimating, forecasting, accounting, work order management, in support of engineering projects.