Major Project Civil Engineer (Staff, Senior, or Principal)

This position offers an exciting opportunity to join the Xcel Energy team in constructing new electric generation stations around Colorado. The role involves active participation in the design and construction phases of utility-scale renewable and dispatchable generation. It is an excellent chance to develop engineering and operational skills within a rapidly expanding generation portfolio.

The successful candidate will work closely with the EPC contractor, equipment suppliers, Operations, construction team, and Company engineers to achieve top-quartile facility performance. Candidate should expect to be on-site at least three days a week until the end of site commissioning. Following this period, a hybrid work arrangement at the office will be anticipated. Strong communication skills, a proactive approach to problem-solving, and the ability to work independently with limited supervision are essential for success in this role.

About the role

Under general direction, demonstrates complete understanding and wide application of engineering technical principles, theories, and concepts in the field. Independently determines and develops approaches to solutions. Receives technical guidance on complex problems; completed work reviewed for adequacy in meeting objectives. May lead small-medium non-critical projects or critical projects under direction of higher level engineer/supervisor. May provide work direction to other professionals and/or staff. Represents the organization in providing solutions to difficult technical issues associated with specific projects. Frequent inter-organizational and outside customer contact. Demonstrates a broad knowledge and proficiency of precedents in the specialty area, a good knowledge of related specialties, and general knowledge of other related disciplines.

Responsibilities

• Uses and applies technical standards, principles, theories, concepts, and techniques to perform activities/assignments that may include a variety of complex features such as conflicting design requirements, unsuitability of conventional materials or methods, and difficult coordination requirements.
• 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 requiring a broad knowledge and proficiency in a specialty area and has a general knowledge of related disciplines.
• Works under the general direction of a higher level engineer or supervisor for routine engineering projects.
• Provides ongoing technical support for project activities within areas such as Operations, Maintenance, testing/diagnostics, and Regulatory.
• May provide field engineering oversight and/or direction for activities such as commissioning, testing, inspections, etc.
• May lead small-medium, non-critical projects. Coordinates/leads critical 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. Work reviewed upon completion for adequacy in meeting objectives.
• Under the direction of a higher level engineer/supervisor, supports bid/evaluation processes including preparation of bid documents, completion of technical evaluations for proposals, and provides recommendations for selection, etc.
• Partners and communicates with areas such as Supply Chain and Legal following appropriate processes.
• Frequently exchanges information in all formats, on matters having a wide range of importance and complexity both inter-organizationally and with outside customers.
• May assign tasks and coordinate work of interns, drafters, technicians, craft personnel, and/or others. Provides guidance and mentoring to less experienced engineers.
• Responsible for continuous self-development of technical skills and competencies.
• Performs activities such as budgeting, estimating, forecasting, accounting, work order management, in support of engineering projects.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering from ABET accredited, civil engineering degree preferred.
• EIT/FE (Engineer in Training/Fundamentals of Engineering) strongly preferred for Staff Engineer level; required for Senior Engineer level.
• PE (Professional Engineer) registration required for Principal Engineer level.

Qualifications

Staff Engineer Level

• 2+ years relevant engineering experience.
• Demonstrated broad knowledge and proficiency in specialty area, knowledge of related specialties, and general knowledge of other related disciplines.
• Ability to demonstrate the unique technical skills and core competencies for this engineering level established and documented by the organization.

Senior Engineer Level

• 5+ years relevant engineering experience with EIT/FE; 7+ years relevant engineering experience without EIT/FE.
• Ability to demonstrate the unique technical skills and core competencies for this engineering level established and documented by the organization.
• PE (Professional Engineer) registration may be required depending on business need.

Principal Engineer

• 9+ years relevant engineering experience with PE (Professional Engineer) registration; 15+ years relevant engineering experience without PE.
• Ability to demonstrate the unique technical skills and core competencies for this engineering level established and documented by the organization.

Skills

• Experience in utility-scale projects, particularly in renewable such as wind, solar, or battery storage projects, with design experience in these areas being particularly valuable.
• Experience in utility-scale combustion turbine and/or reciprocating engines is an acceptable alternative to renewable facilities.
• Experience designing facilities such as sizing foundations and understanding geotechnical reporting will be preferred.
• Experience overseeing construction and commissioning of utility equipment.
• Strong communication skills and a proactive approach to problem-solving.
• Ability to work independently with limited supervision.

Pay

• Staff Engineer Level: $81,000 - $106,267 per year
• Senior Engineer Level: $97,000 - $129,267 per year
• Principal Engineer: $112,000 - $156,600 per year

Benefits

• Annual Incentive Program
• Medical/Pharmacy Plan
• Dental
• 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 disability (STD)
• Long-term disability (LTD)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Fitness Center Reimbursement (if enrolled in eligible health plan)
• Tuition reimbursement
• Transit programs
• Employee recognition program
• Pension
• 401(k) plan
• Paid time off (PTO)
• 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.