Designer (contract)

Xcel Energy; Minneapolis (MN); Hybrid; USD 26,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Xcel Energy in Minneapolis, MN is seeking an entry-level hybrid designer and project manager to support residential, commercial, and industrial electrical distribution work. You will guide projects from intake to completion, balancing customer needs with standards while managing the full lifecycle within an assigned territory.

The role blends office-based design with field exposure, offering a solid foundation for a career in utility distribution and project management, with opportunities to

Qualifications

• Associate degree or higher in a related technical field.
• Experience or exposure to electrical distribution design and GIS mapping.
• Strong communication and customer service orientation.
• Willingness to travel within an assigned territory for site visits.

Responsibilities

• Manage territory projects from initial contact through post-project analysis.
• Perform GIS-based electrical distribution design for simple areas.
• Liaise between customers, construction, engineering, and operations.
• Support new service applications for residential and commercial customers.
• Obtain permits and easements per regulatory requirements.
• Execute contracts in line with administrative instructions.
• Represent the company with agencies, vendors, and engineers.
• Conduct site visits and field inspections as needed.
• Update GIS systems to reflect status and changes.
• Provide after-hours support during emergencies.

Skills

Electrical distribution design

Project management exposure

Customer-facing skills

Microsoft Office proficiency

GIS familiarity

Verbal and written communication

Cross-functional collaboration

Attention to detail

Utility/construction background ok

Education

Associate degree in Electrical Technology / Engineering Technology / GIS / Construction Management

Tools

ArcGIS

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Summary

We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented entry-level professional to join our team in a hybrid designer and project manager capacity supporting customer-driven electrical distribution work. In this role, you will serve as the primary point of contact for new and existing residential, commercial, industrial, and internal customers, guiding projects from initial intake through final completion. You will be responsible for delivering cost-effective distribution designs that balance customer needs with established standards and administrative guidelines, while managing the full project lifecycle across an assigned territory. This is a collaborative, cross-functional role that blends office-based design work with meaningful field exposure, offering an excellent foundation for a career in utility distribution and project management.

Responsibilities

• Manage assigned territory projects from initial customer contact through post-project analysis, ensuring schedules, design requirements, and budgetary targets are met
• Perform GIS-based electrical distribution design for the least complex areas of design, creating safe and cost-effective facilities in accordance with company construction standards
• Serve as the primary liaison between customers, construction personnel, engineering, and operations teams throughout the project lifecycle
• Support new service applications for residential and commercial customers, generating additional revenue through new business and existing customer contracts
• Obtain necessary permits and easements in compliance with city ordinances and state, federal, and county agency requirements
• Execute contracts and agreements in accordance with administrative instructions and regulatory requirements
• Represent the company with government officials, contractors, city agencies, vendors, architects, and engineers
• Conduct site visits and field inspections, providing work clarification for construction personnel as needed
• Update and maintain GIS systems to reflect current project status and design changes
• Assist as needed outside of normal business hours during emergency situations

Skills

• Electrical distribution design knowledge or foundational understanding of distribution systems
• Project management exposure with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Strong customer-facing and customer service skills for both internal and external stakeholders
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook)
• Familiarity with GIS platforms or mapping tools
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to collaborate cross-functionally with engineering, operations, and construction teams
• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail
• Construction or utility industry background is a plus

Experience

• 0–3 years of experience in electrical distribution design, GIS/mapping, project management, or construction
• Experience in a customer-facing or client-management role preferred
• Utility industry experience is a strong advantage
• Exposure to permitting, easement acquisition, or regulatory compliance is beneficial

Qualifications

• Associate degree required, preferably in Electrical Technology, Engineering Technology, GIS, Construction Management, or a related field
• Valid driver's license required for site visits and field inspections within assigned territory

Pay Rate Range

19.38 - 25.85 USD hourly

The closing date for applications for this job posting is 9/17/2026. Should you require any accommodations in responding to this job posting or at any stage during the application process, kindly e-mail: [e-mail]