Power Systems Modeling Engineer - Distribution (Entry and Staff)

Integrated System Planning (ISP) Organization: Xcel Energy's dedicated 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.

About the role

This is an entry level position designed to develop technical expertise in power systems modeling. 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 distribution system modeling. May lead small-medium, non-critical projects and/or provide field oversight of critical projects under direction of 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.

Responsibilities

• Model Maintenance
  • 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
• Model Validation & Data Quality
  • 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)
• Hosting Capacity Analysis
  • 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
• Grid Modernization & Regulatory Support
  • 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
• 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.
• In completing segments of technical evaluations for proposals may need to effectively communicate with other business areas of the company following appropriate processes.
• 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

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering from ABET accredited, electrical engineering degree with specialization in power systems preferred.
• 0+ years relevant engineering experience (Entry Engineer Level).
• 2+ years relevant engineering experience (Staff Engineer Level).
• Ability to demonstrate the unique technical skills and core competencies for this engineering level established & documented by the organization.
• EIT/FE (Engineer in Training/Fundamentals of Engineering) preferred (Entry Engineer Level), strongly preferred (Staff Engineer Level).

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience performing distribution system planning and interconnection studies
• Experience with distribution modeling tools such as CYME, Synergi, OpenDSS, or similar
• Electrical Engineering degree with specialization in power systems
• Proficiency in Python
• Familiarity with power system data models and standards, such as the Common Information Model (CIM)

Pay

Entry Engineer Level: $70,000 - $88,667 per year
Staff Engineer Level: $81,000 - $106,267 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.