Power Systems Modeling Engineer - Distribution (Staff, Senior)

Xcel Energy•Denver, CO

4d•$70,000 - $156,600

About The Position

Xcel Energy's Integrated System Planning (ISP) department coordinates planning across all aspects of its utility operations — generation, transmission, distribution, and natural gas — in preparation for a carbon‑neutral future. Within ISP, the modeling team supports long term, cross functional planning with technical power systems modeling expertise. This role focuses on maintaining and validating power flow models, assessing distribution grid capabilities through hosting capacity analysis, and supporting grid modernization and regulatory filings. The job summary and responsibilities reflect the senior engineer level role, with placement at a level commensurate with skills and experience. The General Position Summary describes a role that applies extensive technical expertise, acts as a staff advisor, performs complex assignments, and represents the organization as a prime technical contact. Work is performed with considerable latitude and may involve directing other personnel. The role is responsible for multiple projects of moderate to large size or portions of major projects.

Requirements

Required bachelor's degree in engineering from ABET accredited curriculum.
0+ years relevant engineering experience (Entry Engineer Level)
Bachelor’s degree in engineering from ABET accredited, electrical engineering degree with specialization in power systems preferred. (Staff Engineer Level)
2+year's relevant engineering experience. (Staff Engineer Level)
Demonstrated broad knowledge & proficiency in specialty area, knowledge of related specialties, & general knowledge of other related disciplines. (Staff Engineer Level)
Bachelor’s degree in engineering from ABET accredited, electrical engineering degree with specialization in power systems preferred. (Senior Engineer Level)
5+ years relevant engineering experience with EIT/FE (Engineer in Training/Fundamentals of Engineering) required; 7+ years relevant engineering experience without EIT/FE. (Senior Engineer Level)
Required bachelor's degree in engineering from ABET accredited curriculum, electrical engineering degree preferred. (Principal Engineer)
9+ years relevant engineering experience with PE (Professional Engineer) registration required; 15+ years relevant engineering experience without PE. (Principal Engineer)

Nice To Haves

EIT/FE (Engineer in Training/Fundamentals of Engineering) preferred. (Entry Engineer Level)
EIT/FE (Engineer in Training/Fundamentals of Engineering) strongly preferred. (Staff Engineer Level)
PE (Professional Engineer) registration may be required depending on business need (Senior Engineer Level)
Experience performing distribution system planning and interconnection studies
Experience with distribution modeling tools such as CYME, Synergi, OpenDSS, or similar
Proficiency in Python
Familiarity with power system data models and standards, such as the Common Information Model (CIM)

Responsibilities

Maintain up-to-date power flow models as data and conditions change
Work with model consumers to develop modeling standards that meet requirements for interconnection and planning studies and ensure consistent and repeatable modeling practices
Stay current on industry best practices, emerging technologies, and advanced modeling techniques to continuously enhance analytical capabilities and planning outcomes
Ensure accurate models through a standard model validation process
Work to resolve data quality issues in upstream source data systems
Work with ISP's data science team to build and validate ETL workflows in Xcel’s data management platform (Databricks)
Assess the capabilities of the distribution grid via hosting capacity analysis using EPRI DRIVE
Publish distribution system capacity maps
Incorporate stakeholder feedback to improve HCA map user experience
Support Xcel's Distribution System Plans and other regulatory filings
Support grid modernization efforts, such as beneficial electrification, non-wire alternatives, proactive grid upgrades, and dispatchable distributed generation
Work to integrate distribution planning efforts with transmission, resource, and gas planning
Applies extensive technical expertise and has an understanding of the basic principles of other related disciplines.
Fully demonstrates the unique technical skills and core competencies for this engineering level by applying technical standards, principles, theories, concepts, and techniques to lead projects of moderate to large size, scope and complexity.
Supports the development of technical documentation (including but not limited to designs, testing, calculations, reports, standards, etc.)
Provides field engineering oversight and direction for activities such as support, testing, installation, inspections, commissioning etc.
Coordinates/leads multiple projects or portions of projects (including phases such as research, design, equipment selection, procurement, installation and commissioning).
Represents the organization as the prime technical contact in the bid/evaluation processes including preparation of bid documents, completion of technical evaluations for proposals and providing recommendations for selection.
Effectively and with precision resolves difficult technical/business matters both inter-organizationally and with outside customer/vendors with all formats of communication.
Provides guidance and mentoring to less experienced engineers.
Responsible for continuous self-development of technical skills and competencies.
Leads activities such as budgeting, estimating, forecasting, accounting, work order management, in support of engineering projects.