Cyber Security IT Engineer

Xcel Energy Services Inc; United States; Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 145,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual incentive program

Medical/Pharmacy plan

Dental

Vision

Life insurance

401(k) plan

Paid time off

Job summary

Xcel Energy is seeking a Cyber Security Lead for the Monticello Nuclear Generating Plant. You will serve as subject matter expert for Critical Digital Assets, lead cyber security assessments, and interface with site stakeholders to ensure regulatory compliance and robust security controls.

The role requires strong communication, leadership, and experience in nuclear cyber security programs, with responsibilities spanning NRC readiness, vulnerability management, and cross‑functional team guidance.

Qualifications

• Seven years of related functional experience.
• Excellent communication skills, able to translate between technical and non‑technical concepts.
• Experience with delivery methodologies (Waterfall, Agile, Scrum) and IT service management.

Responsibilities

• Nuclear Cyber Security Program Management - manage CDA identification, classification, assessment, and documentation; evaluate new/modified systems for cyber security impacts; ensure proper defensive architecture and controls.
• Vulnerability and Risk Management - review notices, advisories, and cyber vulnerability information; coordinate mitigation activities; document cyber risks.
• Subject Matter Expertise: stay current on technical industry knowledge; support NRC inspections, audits, and benchmarking.
• Relationship Management: conduct peer reviews, mentor staff, and collaborate cross‑organizationally to drive cost‑efficient solutions.

Skills

Cyber security

Leadership

Stakeholder communication

Regulatory compliance

Analytical mindset

Education

Bachelor's degree in Technology/Science/Business

Tools

ITIL

Job description

About Xcel Energy

Xcel Energy (NASDAQ: XEL) is a leading energy provider and Fortune 500 company, dedicated to serving millions of electricity and natural gas customers across eight states: Minnesota, Colorado, Wisconsin, Michigan, North Dakota, South Dakota, New Mexico and Texas. We make energy work better for our customers, helping them thrive every day. That means always raising the bar - delivering better service and providing more reliable, resilient, and sustainable energy.

Xcel Energy is a place where you’ll have opportunities to grow, expand your skills, and help lead the clean energy transition. We offer meaningful rewards, recognition, and support to help you build your career and make an impact - both on the job and beyond. Most importantly, it means you’ll be joining a company that knows employees are the driving force behind its success and is committed to helping you be your best.

Xcel Energy supports a hybrid work model to enable collaboration and flexibility. Many roles are expected to work onsite three days per week (Tuesday–Thursday); however, work location expectations vary based on role, team, and business needs.

Position Summary

This role will serve as the Cyber Security Lead for the Monticello Nuclear Generating Plant and is the subject matter expert for work affecting Critical Digital Assets (CDAs) at the nuclear plant, engaging directly with plant stakeholders to ensure that cyber security controls are correctly implemented within process. This position is responsible for leading Cyber Security Assessment Team meetings and ensuring completion of critical digital asset determinations and assessments. The Cyber Security Lead interfaces with various site departments to maintain regulatory compliance with Nuclear Cyber Security Program requirements and supports NRC inspections, audits, self‑assessments, and benchmarking activities. A nuclear badging and elevated security screening is required for this role and hiring will be contingent on passing this security screen.

Essential Responsibilities

• Nuclear Cyber Security Program Management - Manage activities associated with Critical Digital Asset identification, classification, assessment, and documentation. Evaluate new and modified systems for potential cyber security impacts. Ensure proper implementation of defensive architecture and security controls. Evaluate potential vulnerabilities and consequences from an attack. Evaluate the effectiveness of existing cyber security controls.
• Vulnerability and Risk Management - Review vendor notifications, advisories, and cyber vulnerability information. Evaluate cybersecurity implications of software updates, patches, and system configuration changes. Coordinate vulnerability mitigation activities. Ensure cyber risks are appropriately documented and managed.
• Subject Matter Expertise: Continuously stay current on, and apply, technical industry knowledge. Support NRC inspections, audits, self‑assessments, and benchmarking activities as it relates to the Nuclear Cyber Security Program.
• Relationship Management: Conduct peer reviews and approve system changes and technical solution design. Coach and mentor less experience team members. Partner cross‑organizationally to drive minimal costs on optimal solutions. Provide in‑depth technical information to stakeholders as needed.

Minimum Requirements

Seven years of related functional experience. Bachelor's degree in Technology, Science, Business or related field, or 4 years of experience equivalent to the position. Excellent communication skills, effective with varying organizational levels and skill set, and able to translate between technical and non‑technical concepts. Excellent Relationship Management and collaboration skills, with a track record of working as one team cross‑organizationally to drive innovation and business results. Experience managing the lifecycle of technical solutions. Deep Subject Matter Expertise within the respective system domain products, platforms, processes and architecture. Broad general knowledge of technology architecture, infrastructure, network, security and software principles and models. Experience working in partnership with internal and external vendors. Proven analytical, problem‑solving and troubleshooting skills. Extensive knowledge of future technology trends within area of expertise. Demonstrated leadership on technical aspects of large scale projects. Experience with delivery methodologies (Waterfall, Agile, Scrum) and operational models (ITIL). Experience and understanding of core IT Service Management functions, such as Change Management and Incident Management.

Preferred Requirements

Five Years of cyber security or nuclear plant operations/engineering background Knowledge of nuclear cyber security framework requirements specified in 10CFR73.54 as implemented via NEI 08-09.

Our Culture

Our culture is grounded in shared values and employee commitments that guide how we work, support one another, and grow together. Our Values Connected, Committed, Trustworthy, Safe Our Employee Commitments Work that makes a difference A team you can count of Opportunities to grow Rewards that help you thrive Xcel Energy provides job applicants reasonable accommodations for disabilities throughout the application process. If you are in need of an accommodation to complete the application process, now or at any time in the future, please complete the Applicant Accommodation Request Form.

Non‑Bargaining

The anticipated starting base pay for this position is: $110,000.00 to $145,000.00 per year.

This position is eligible for the following 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.

In any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age‑identifying information including but not limited to dates of school attendance and graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.

Deadline to Apply: 10/04/26 EEO is the Law (PDF) | Equal Opportunity Statement (PDF) | Employee Rights (PDF) All Xcel Energy employees and contractors share responsibility for protecting the company's information and systems by adhering to cybersecurity policies, standards, and best practices, recognizing that cybersecurity is everyone's responsibility.

Accessibility Statement

Xcel Energy endeavors to make https://www.xcelenergy.com and https://jobs.xcelenergy.com accessible to any and all users. If you are in need of an accommodation to complete the application process, now or at any time in the future, please complete the Applicant Accommodation Request Form.

You. Us. Together. At Xcel Energy, we’re more than an energy company. We’re reinventing how we power communities. Redefining how we care for customers. Reaffirming our commitment to the planet. We’re committed to leading with equity and inclusion. You’re not waiting for change – you’re creating it. You’re driven to protect the environment, support your community, and seek innovation. You want a career that grows with you and an employer who values you. You are reliable, trustworthy and bring integrity to everything you do. We are leading the way in clean energy. We’re using technology and innovation in every facet of our company. We’re providing safe, stable jobs with robust benefits. We keep our customers at the center of all we do. We’re committed to hiring a workforce that reflects the communities we serve.

Together, we can provide carbon‑free electricity by 2050. Together, we can take care of the environment and our communities. Together, we can create a place where everyone belongs. Together we’re building a better tomorrow.