Distribution Designer (II, Senior, or Principal)

Northern States Power Co - MN; White Bear Lake (MN); On-site; USD 47,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/Pharmacy Plan

Dental

Vision

401(k) plan

Paid time off

Job summary

Xcel Energy is seeking a Mastery level Designer to provide distribution design project management for all design areas, including complex designs, for commercial, industrial, residential, and internal customers. You will act as the primary contact, balancing customer needs with standards and guidelines, and may mentor designers.

Travel may be required and after-hours support is possible. Responsibilities include design for safe facilities, project management, and liaising with partners; strong

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Associate degree in drafting, design, automation, electronics, mechatronics, engineering, GIS, or related field preferred.
• Alternatively, combination of education and experience in design/drafting, construction, and project management.

Responsibilities

• Design safe operating facilities for new and existing customers per standards.
• Provide distribution design project management across all design areas.
• Manage projects from initial contact through post-project analysis.
• Obtain permits and easements as required.
• Mentor and train Designers as needed.

Skills

GIS

Design software

Work management programs

Microsoft Office

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Associate degree in drafting/design/engineering or related field

Tools

GIS software

Microsoft Office

Work management software

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

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

Essential Responsibilities

• Design safe operating facilities for new and existing customers according to Xcel Energy construction standard and interpret administrative instructions for consistent and cost-effective designs.
• Provide distribution design project management for all areas of design, including the complex.
• Responsible for the generation of additional company revenue through contacts with new business or existing customers.
• 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.
• Assist with mentoring and training of Designers.
• Demonstrate ability to set direction, influence others, and build teamwork across work groups and areas to achieve department and company goals.
• Represent the Company with government officials, contractors, city agencies, vendors, architects, and engineers to provide service to 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.

Minimum Requirements for Designer II ($33.90 - $47.43)

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Min. of 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.

Minimum Requirements for Senior Designer ($39 - $54.53)

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Min. of Assoc. Degree in one of the following fields of study: drafting, design, automation, electronics, mechatronics, engineering, GIS, other related field of study and 5 years direct Designer level experience.
• 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.

Minimum Requirements for Principal Designer ($41.60 - $58.25)

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Min. of Assoc. Degree in one of the following fields of study: drafting, design, automation, electronics, mechatronics, engineering, GIS, other related field of study or a combination of education and experience providing equivalent knowledge.
• 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.
• Must have at least 9 years of design experience or equivalent experience - preferably 3 years as an Xcel Energy Sr. Designer.
• Subject matter expert in one or more of the following: GIS, design software, or work management programs.
• Subject matter expert of Transmission line design, Substation design, or Distribution design.
• Expert knowledge of construction standards, design standards, materials, and technical codes.
• Expert in 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 Requirements

• Existing Xcel Energy Electric Distribution Design experience.

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: $33.90 to $58.25 per hour

Benefits

• Spot On Bonus
• 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.

Deadline to Apply

Deadline to Apply: 09/30/26

EEO and Rights

EEO is the Law (PDF) | Equal Opportunity Statement (PDF) | Employee Rights (PDF)

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.

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.