Manager, Distribution Grid Operations Engineering

Xcel Energy•Denver, CO

41d

About The Position

Provides visionary and strategic leadership to establish and manage the infrastructure required to operate the modern distribution grid. Accountable to ensure that intelligent field devices communicate properly and the advanced distribution management system applications are performing optimally. They will also manage the installation and specification of these systems. This function ensures that all of the grid management tools are proactively monitored and that they are performing as designed. This includes managing the integration of new applications into the control center. They will ensure the accuracy of the distribution system model used to optimize the Xcel Energy systems and ensure the continued delivery of safe reliable electricity to approximately 3.5 million customers. This position will provide leadership support to metro and non-metro Xcel Energy Control Centers in all the jurisdictions the company serves. Manages per any applicable labor contracts.

Requirements

Minimum of 10 years of experience in electrical energy delivery or other related control center operations role.
Bachelor's degree in engineering required.
Experience in managing bargaining and non-bargaining employees preferred, including knowledge of company/union agreements.
Working knowledge of operational tools preferred.
On-call responsibility may be required.
Ability to serve as media spokesperson may be required.

Nice To Haves

Professional Engineering licensure preferred.

Responsibilities

Accountable for the selection and implementation of tools for day to day monitoring, managing, and maintaining of distribution grid. These include automation end devices, communications and advanced distribution management system applications. This function ensures that all of the grid management tools are proactively monitored; that they are performing as designed and manage system issues to resolution. Guidelines are continuously developed and revised to take advantage of evolving methods and technology. Manage highly skilled technical group with responsibility for grid management directives.
Lead and manage the Distribution System Intelligence effort by ensuring collaboration between DSI's four major components to realize optimal grid performance and corporate benefit. This position will ensure the four major projects work together to optimize DSI effectiveness and meet development and deployment timelines. The four major components/projects making up DSI are: a) ADMS b) Intelligent Field Devices c) Field Area Network d) GIS data accuracy
Accountable for establishing distribution grid management strategies with particular emphasis on system performance, grid efficiency, demand response, planned switching and system status reporting. Prepare and manage business plans and budgets for Grid Management. This will include the development and integration of the business process required to optimize the benefits of DSI.
Establish and champion the Unit's business plan, goals and objectives in coordination with corporate and business unit strategic goals and initiatives with particular emphasis on grid performance, reporting, benchmarking and improvement. Provide strategic direction for all functions of Grid Strategy. Comply with regulatory procedural requirements.
Develop leadership, select, and retain a multi-functional, diversified, well trained, motivated, and empowered workforce. Model innovative approaches. Promote employee involvement in continuous learning, career planning, and enhancing job/industry knowledge and skills. Promote professional registration of engineers. Oversees and implements interpretation and administration of any applicable labor contracts.