Gas Strategic Planning Engineer (Staff, Senior, or Principal) - Denver, CO

Xcel Energy•Denver, CO

3d•$81,800 - $156,600•Hybrid

About The Position

Xcel Energy is hiring a Gas Strategic Planning Engineer at the Staff, Senior, or Principal level in Denver, Colorado. The role leads development of long-term strategic plans for the natural gas distribution system by evaluating future planning scenarios, identifying innovative solutions, and aligning investments with regulatory requirements, company strategy, and customer needs. The engineer collaborates across the organization to assess traditional infrastructure and emerging solutions, including non-pipeline alternatives, demand-side resources, beneficial electrification, renewable natural gas, and other decarbonization opportunities. The role calls for utility planning experience, strategic thinking, and the ability to translate complex analyses into actionable recommendations. The position applies technical expertise to lead engineering projects and develop or improve techniques, procedures, standards, and technical documentation. Work includes technical support and field engineering oversight; coordinating projects through research, design, procurement, installation, and commissioning; representing the organization in bid and evaluation processes; resolving technical and business matters with internal and external stakeholders; mentoring less experienced engineers; and supporting project budgeting, estimating, forecasting, accounting, and work order management. Xcel Energy supports a hybrid work model. Many roles are expected to work onsite three days per week, Tuesday through Thursday, although expectations vary by role, team, and business needs. The anticipated annual starting base pay range is $81,800 to $156,600, depending on level and qualifications.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in engineering from an ABET-accredited curriculum or recognized equivalency.
Staff level: at least 2 years of relevant engineering experience; demonstrated broad knowledge and proficiency in the specialty area, knowledge of related specialties, and general knowledge of other related disciplines.
Senior level: at least 5 years of relevant engineering experience with EIT/FE, or at least 7 years without EIT/FE; EIT/FE is required for the 5-year path.
Principal level: at least 9 years of relevant engineering experience with PE registration, or at least 15 years without PE registration; PE registration is required for the 9-year path.
Ability to demonstrate the unique technical skills and core competencies established for the applicable engineering level.
Strong utility planning experience, strategic thinking, and ability to translate complex analyses into actionable recommendations.

Nice To Haves

EIT/FE (Engineer in Training/Fundamentals of Engineering) for Staff Engineer level.
Professional Engineer (PE) registration for Senior Engineer level; it may be required depending on business need.
Synergi Gas hydraulic modeling experience.

Responsibilities

Develop long-term strategic plans for the natural gas distribution system.
Evaluate future planning scenarios and identify innovative solutions aligned with regulatory requirements, company strategy, and customer needs.
Assess traditional infrastructure and emerging solutions, including non-pipeline alternatives, demand-side resources, beneficial electrification, renewable natural gas, and other decarbonization opportunities.
Apply engineering standards, principles, theories, concepts, and techniques to lead projects of moderate to large size, scope, and complexity.
Develop or improve techniques, procedures, and standards, and support technical documentation such as designs, testing, calculations, reports, and standards.
Provide technical support and field engineering oversight for Operations, Maintenance, Testing/diagnostics, and Regulatory activities, including testing, installation, inspections, and commissioning.
Coordinate or lead multiple projects or project phases, including research, design, equipment selection, procurement, installation, and commissioning.
Represent the organization as the prime technical contact in bid and evaluation processes, prepare bid documents, evaluate proposals, and recommend selections.
Coordinate with internal and external organizations and resolve difficult technical and business matters with customers and vendors.
Assign or direct work for engineers, technicians, craft personnel, and support staff; review work assignments and mentor less experienced engineers.
Maintain and develop technical skills and competencies.
Lead or support budgeting, estimating, forecasting, accounting, and work order management for engineering projects.

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 enrollees
Limited-purpose flexible spending account for eligible health plan and HSA enrollees
Transportation reimbursement account
Short-term disability
Long-term disability
Employee assistance program
Fitness center reimbursement for eligible health plan enrollees
Tuition reimbursement
Transit programs
Employee recognition program
Pension
401(k) plan
Paid time off
Paid holidays
Volunteer paid time off
Parental leave