Distribution Wildfire Engineer

We are seeking a Distribution Electrical Engineer to support growing efforts in system protection and wildfire resiliency across the distribution grid. This role provides the opportunity to develop expertise in protection engineering, grid resiliency, and wildfire risk reduction while working alongside experienced engineers and operations teams. The successful candidate will contribute to key initiatives focused on reducing wildfire ignition risk and improving system performance, including support of Enhanced Powerline Safety Settings (EPSS), asset health programs, and field-driven mitigation strategies.

About the role

This is an entry-level position designed to develop technical expertise in a particular area of specialty. Performs work that involves conventional types of plans, investigations, surveys, structures, or equipment with relatively few complex features for which there are precedents. Activities are of limited scope requiring knowledge of principles and techniques commonly employed in the specific narrow area of assignments. May lead small-medium, non-critical projects and/or provide field oversight of critical projects under the direction of a higher-level engineer or supervisor. Work is reviewed for soundness of technical judgment, overall adequacy, and accuracy. As proficiency is gained, may work on portions of larger projects. Works under supervision and follows established procedures. May supervise or coordinate the work of interns, drafters, craft personnel, technicians, and/or others.

Responsibilities

• Uses and applies technical standards, principles, theories, concepts, and techniques to perform activities/assignments of limited scope.
• Supports the development of technical documentation (including but not limited to designs, testing, calculations, reports, standards, etc.).
• Utilizes and may assist with the development of procedures.
• Provides ongoing technical support for project activities within areas such as Operations, Maintenance, Testing/diagnostics, Regulatory, etc.
• May provide field engineering oversight for activities such as commissioning, testing, inspections, etc., under direct supervision.
• Coordinates/leads projects or portions of projects (including phases such as research, design, equipment selection, procurement support, installation, and commissioning), under the direction of a higher-level engineer or supervisor.
• Under the direction of a higher-level engineer/supervisor, supports bid/evaluation processes by performing basic analysis and calculations on existing documentation and materials that support the preparation of bid documents.
• Effectively exchanges information in all formats, on matters having a wide range of importance and complexity both inter-organizationally and with outside customer/vendors.
• May coordinate the work of interns, drafters, technicians, and/or others and provides guidance and mentoring to less experienced engineers.
• Responsible for continuous self-development of technical skills and competencies.
• May perform activities such as budgeting, estimating, forecasting, accounting, work order management, in support of engineering projects.

Requirements

• Required bachelor's degree in engineering from ABET-accredited curriculum; Electrical Engineering degree preferred.
• EIT/FE (Engineer in Training/Fundamentals of Engineering) preferred for entry-level; strongly preferred for Staff Engineer; required for Senior Engineer.
• PE (Professional Engineer) registration may be required for Senior Engineer and is required for Principal Engineer depending on business need.

Qualifications by Level

• Entry Engineer Level: 0+ years relevant engineering experience. Salary range: $70,000–$88,667.
• Staff Engineer Level: 2+ years relevant engineering experience. Salary range: $81,000–$106,267.
• Senior Engineer Level: 5+ years relevant engineering experience with EIT/FE; 7+ years without EIT/FE. Salary range: $97,000–$129,267.
• Principal Engineer Level: 9+ years relevant engineering experience with PE; 15+ years without PE. Salary range: $112,000–$156,600.

Preferred Experience and Skills

• Degree in Electrical Engineering or related field.
• Experience with power systems, system protection, or grid resiliency.
• Exposure to protection concepts, fault analysis, or relay/recloser.

Pay

The anticipated starting base pay for this position ranges from $70,000 to $156,600 per year, depending on level and experience.

Benefits

• Annual Incentive Program
• Medical/Pharmacy Plan
• Dental and Vision
• Life Insurance
• Dependent Care Reimbursement Account
• Health Care Reimbursement Account
• Health Savings Account (HSA) (if enrolled in eligible health plan)
• Limited-Purpose FSA (if enrolled in eligible health plan and HSA)
• Transportation Reimbursement Account
• Short-term and Long-term Disability
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Fitness Center Reimbursement (if enrolled in eligible health plan)
• Tuition reimbursement
• Transit programs
• Employee recognition program
• Pension and 401(k) plan
• Paid time off (PTO) and Holidays
• Volunteer Paid Time Off (VPTO)
• Parental Leave

Benefit plans are subject to change, and Xcel Energy has the right to end, suspend, or amend any of its plans at any time, in whole or in part.