Project Engineer - Electrical / Controls (NSP Hydro Projects)

Xcel Energy•Minneapolis, MN

2d•$70,000 - $156,600•Hybrid

About The Position

The Project Engineer develops and applies technical expertise in industrial automation, controls, and power system applications. The role involves engineering work with programmable logic controllers (PLCs), control systems, protective relaying, industrial communications networks, hydraulic systems, and related electrical and electromechanical equipment. It supports the design, testing, troubleshooting, and commissioning of industrial control systems using established engineering principles and industry standards. The successful candidate should have working knowledge of PLC platforms such as Allen-Bradley (Rockwell Automation) and/or Modicon (Schneider Electric), including Function Block programming. Familiarity with GE Cimplicity HMI/SCADA systems, industrial networking, hydraulic control systems, instrumentation, and SEL protective relays is desired. Under general direction, the engineer applies a broad understanding of engineering principles and independently develops approaches to solutions. The role may lead small- to medium-sized non-critical projects, or critical projects under the direction of a higher-level engineer or supervisor, and may provide work direction to other professionals or staff. It represents the organization in resolving difficult technical issues and involves frequent contact with internal organizations and external customers. The position may be placed at the entry, staff, senior, or principal engineer level according to the candidate’s skills and experience. Xcel Energy supports a hybrid work model. Many roles are expected to work onsite three days per week, Tuesday through Thursday; expectations vary based on role, team, and business needs.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in engineering from an ABET-accredited curriculum.
Relevant engineering experience depends on level: 0+ years for Entry Engineer, 2+ years for Staff Engineer, 5+ years with EIT/FE or 7+ years without EIT/FE for Senior Engineer, and 9+ years with PE registration or 15+ years without PE for Principal Engineer.
Ability to demonstrate the technical skills and core competencies established for the applicable engineering level.
For Senior Engineer, EIT/FE is required with the 5-year experience path; a PE registration may be required depending on business need.
For Principal Engineer, PE registration is required with the 9-year experience path.
Working knowledge of PLC platforms such as Allen-Bradley (Rockwell Automation) and/or Modicon (Schneider Electric), including Function Block programming.

Nice To Haves

Electrical Engineering degree.
EIT/FE (Engineer in Training/Fundamentals of Engineering) for Entry Engineer; strongly preferred for Staff Engineer.
PE (Professional Engineer) registration for Senior Engineer, depending on business need.
Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Electrical Engineering Technology, or a related technical discipline.
Experience with Allen-Bradley ControlLogix, CompactLogix, Studio 5000, FactoryTalk, and/or Modicon PLC platforms.
Experience with Function Block programming and industrial automation system development.
Experience developing, configuring, maintaining, and troubleshooting GE Cimplicity HMI/SCADA systems.
Familiarity with Ethernet/IP, Modbus TCP/IP, Modbus RTU, managed switches, VLANs, and industrial network troubleshooting.
Experience with HMI, SCADA, instrumentation, VFDs, and industrial automation systems.
Knowledge of hydraulic and electro-hydraulic control systems.
Experience with SEL protective relays, relay communications, settings management, testing, and troubleshooting.
Experience supporting commissioning, startup, testing, and maintenance of industrial control systems in industrial, utility, hydroelectric, or manufacturing environments.

Responsibilities

Apply technical standards, principles, theories, concepts, and techniques to engineering assignments involving complex features, conflicting design requirements, material or method limitations, or difficult coordination.
Support the development of technical documentation, including designs, testing documentation, calculations, reports, and standards, and use or assist in developing engineering procedures.
Provide ongoing technical support for project activities in Operations, Maintenance, testing and diagnostics, and Regulatory areas.
Provide field engineering oversight or direction for commissioning, testing, inspections, and related activities as needed.
Lead small- to medium-sized non-critical projects, or coordinate and lead critical projects or portions of projects under the direction of a higher-level engineer or supervisor.
Support project phases including research, design, equipment selection, procurement, installation, and commissioning.
Support bid and evaluation processes by preparing bid documents, technically evaluating proposals, and recommending selections; coordinate with Supply Chain and Legal as appropriate.
Exchange information with internal organizations and external customers on matters of varied importance and complexity.
Assign tasks and coordinate the work of interns, drafters, technicians, craft personnel, or others as needed.
Provide guidance and mentoring to less experienced engineers and continuously develop technical skills and competencies.
Support engineering projects through budgeting, estimating, forecasting, accounting, and work order management.