Transmission Planning Engineer, or Staff, or Senior Engineer

Xcel Energy•Denver, CO

3d•$70,000 - $129,266•Hybrid

About The Position

This position can be hired at the Entry, Staff, or Senior level, depending on the candidates' overall experience, qualifications, and interview. This position will be based in Denver, Colorado on a hybrid (3 days per week in the office) work schedule. The role involves performing comprehensive power system planning studies, supporting regulatory compliance and model validation, conducting advanced inverter-based resource integration studies, supporting Western Interconnection and regional planning, performing resource interconnection and transmission service studies, evaluating grid-enhancing technologies, and advancing automation and digitalization in transmission planning. The role also includes reporting, regulatory filings, knowledge dissemination, industry engagement, and mentorship. Xcel Energy is a leading combination electricity and natural gas energy company serving millions of customers across eight states, committed to reinventing energy, caring for customers, and reaffirming commitment to the planet.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering and/or Physics from ABET accredited curriculum (or recognized equivalency).
0+ years relevant engineering experience (for Entry Level).
2+ years of demonstrated experience (for Staff Level).
5+ years with nationally recognized certification, 7+ years without certification (for Senior Level).
Experience with at least one power system transmission analysis tool, such as PSSE, TARA, EMS, ASPEN, CAPE, PROMOD, PLEXOS, PowerWorld, PSCAD or other similar analysis software.
Demonstrates broad knowledge and proficiency in power systems studies or transmission planning, knowledge of related specialties, and general knowledge of other related disciplines.
EIT/FE (Engineer in Training/Fundamentals of Engineering) preferred for Entry Level, strongly preferred for Staff Level, and preferred for Senior Level.
PE (Professional Engineer) registration preferred for Senior Level.

Nice To Haves

Graduate degree in Electrical Engineering and/or Physics.
Course experience in Introduction to Power Systems (or similar course) for Entry Level.
Internship experience within power industry for Entry Level.

Responsibilities

Perform Comprehensive Power System Planning Studies, including Steady-State Load Flow Analysis, Short-Circuit and Protection Coordination Studies, Dynamic Performance Assessments, Electromagnetic Transient (EMT) Analysis, and Geomagnetic Induced Current (GIC) Studies.
Support Regulatory Compliance and Model Validation Activities, including NERC TPL-001-5.1 compliance assessments and dynamic model validation.
Conduct Advanced Inverter-Based Resource (IBR) Integration Studies, assessing grid-forming/grid-following inverter technologies and applying IEEE 2800 requirements.
Support Western Interconnection and Regional Planning by coordinating with relevant committees and working groups.
Perform Resource Interconnection and Transmission Service Studies, executing System Impact Studies (SIS) and Facility Studies consistent with FERC Order 2023 and regional tariffs.
Evaluate Grid-Enhancing Technologies (GETs) such as Dynamic Line Rating (DLR), Advanced Power Flow Controllers (APFC), and Topology Optimization (TTO).
Develop and maintain Python-based automation tools to streamline study execution and advance digital workflows.
Author and deliver technical reports, regulatory filings, and executive summaries.
Represent Xcel Energy in industry working groups and task forces.
Mentor engineers, interns, and analysts on advanced simulation methodologies and emerging grid technologies.
Support development of capital budgets, conceptual transmission projects, and economic analyses.