Distribution Designer - I, II, or Senior

Xcel Energy; Minneapolis (MN); Hybrid; USD 41,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/Pharmacy Plan

Dental

Vision

Life Insurance

Pension

401(k) plan

Paid time off

Holidays

Volunteer Paid Time Off

Job summary

Xcel Energy in Minneapolis seeks a Distribution Designer to design facilities for new and existing customers, and to manage design projects across the distribution network. The role balances customer needs with Xcel Energy standards and guidelines, potentially assisting after hours during emergencies.

The position supports a hybrid work model with on-site collaboration, offers growth opportunities, and aligns with the company's commitment to safe, reliable energy delivery.

Qualifications

• Associates Degree or equivalent education/experience in design/drafting, construction, project management, or electronics.
• Familiarity with GIS, design software, work management tools and related systems.
• Proficient in Windows and MS Office; ability to work with minimal supervision.

Responsibilities

• Manage projects from initial customer contact through post project analysis.
• Design safe, cost-effective facilities per standards; provide distribution design management.
• Obtain permits/easements and execute contracts according to regulations.
• Represent the Company with officials, contractors, and engineers to serve customers.
• Support multiple design levels and act as liaison between construction and customers.

Skills

Self-starter

GIS

Microsoft Office

Education

Associates Degree in drafting/design/engineering or related field

Tools

GIS

Design software

Work management programs

Windows & MS Office

Job description

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

Entry level design position that provides new and existing commercial, industrial, residential, and internal customers with distribution design project management for the least complex areas of design. The responsibility of this position is to function as the primary contact for future and existing customers by providing cost effective designs that balance customer needs in accordance with Xcel Energy's standards and administrative guidelines. May provide work clarification for construction personnel and act as the liaison between the construction department and customers. May be expected to assist as needed after normal business hours during emergency situations.

Essential Responsibilities

• Manage projects from initial customer contact through post project analysis. Establish and manage the construction work plan in order to meet the customers schedule and design requirements as well as financial and budgetary requirements.
• Design safe operating facilities for new and existing customers according to Xcel Energy construction standards and interpret administrative instructions for consistent and cost-effective designs. Provide distribution design project management for the least complex areas of design. Responsible for the generation of additional revenue through contracts with new business or existing customers
• Obtain permits and easements for facilities in accordance with city ordinances, state, federal, and county agencies. Execute contracts and agreements in compliance with administrative instructions and regulatory requirements.
• Represent the Company with government officials, contractors, city agencies, vendors, architects, and engineers to provide service to customers.
• THIS ROLE CAN BE HIRED AT ANY OF THE LEVELS BELOW

Distribution Designer I - ($29.40 to $41.13)

Minimum Requirements

• Assoc. Degree in one of the following fields of study: drafting, design, automation, electronics, mechatronics, engineering, GIS, other related field of study. In lieu of an Assoc. Degree: a combination of education and experience in design/drafting, construction, project management, or electronics providing equivalent knowledge.
• Working knowledge of one or more of the following: GIS, design software, work management programs, and related systems desirable.
• Knowledge of and ability to use Windows operating system and Microsoft Office applications (Outlook, Word, Excel, Access, etc.)
• Self-starter, able to work with minimum supervision.
• Driver's License may be required.

Distribution Designer II - ($33.90 to $47.43)

Minimum Requirements

• Assoc. Degree in one of the following fields of study: drafting, design, automation, electronics, mechatronics, engineering, GIS, other related field of study. In lieu of an Assoc. Degree: a combination of education and experience in design/drafting, construction, project management, or electronics providing equivalent experience and knowledge.
• Minimum 2 years' experience as a Designer I or equivalent experience.
• Proficient in one or more of the following: GIS, design software, work management programs, and related systems or related systems required.
• Knowledge of construction standards, materials, and technical codes.
• Proficient in Windows operating system and Microsoft Office applications (Outlook, Excel, Word, Access, etc.).
• Self-starter, able to work with minimal supervision.
• Driver's License may be required.

Senior Distribution Designer - ($39.00 to $54.53)

Minimum Requirements

• Assoc. Degree in one of the following fields of study: drafting, design, automation, electronics, mechatronics, engineering, GIS, other related field of study. In lieu of an Assoc. Degree: a combination of education and experience in design/drafting, construction, project management, or electronics providing equivalent experience and knowledge.
• Minimum of 5 years design experience or equivalent experience - preferably 3 years as an Xcel Energy Designer II.
• Mastery of one or more of the following: GIS, design software, work management programs, required.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Transmission line design, Substation design, or Distribution design.
• Demonstrated knowledge of construction standards, materials, and technical codes.
• Mastery of Windows operating system and Microsoft Office applications (Outlook, Excel, Word, Access, etc.).
• Highly effective communication and innovative problem-solving skills - self-starter, able to work with minimal supervision.
• Driver's License may be required.

Preferred Characteristics

• Previous experience in a customer service facing role.
• Knowledge of construction standards, materials, and technical codes.

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: $29.40 to $54.53 per hour

This position is eligible for the following benefits:

• Spot On Bonus
• Medical/Pharmacy Plan
• Dental
• Vision
• Life Insurance
• Dependent Care Reimbursement Account
• Health Care Reimbursement AccountHealth 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: 10/05/26

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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. For any other application related questions, including application follow-ups or technical issues, please use our Recruiting Assistance, Electra, for assistance. Electra can be found in the lower right-hand corner of our Xcel Energy Careers site.