Distribution Protection, Controls and SCADA Engineer (Senior or Principal)

Xcel Energy; Minneapolis (MN); Hybrid; USD 97,000 - 157,000; Full time

Job summary

Xcel Energy in Minneapolis, MN is seeking a Senior/Principal Engineer to join the Distribution Controls and SCADA team. You will apply advanced engineering skills to protect and optimize the distribution grid, develop protection logic, test devices, and support field crews with installation and commissioning.

The role requires leading projects, coordinating with internal and external teams, and potentially traveling to field sites.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering from ABET-accredited program.
• 5+ years of engineering experience with EIT/FE required; 7+ years without EIT/FE.
• Preferred PE (Professional Engineer) registration.

Responsibilities

• Develop and update protection and logic in controls as features arise.
• Lead pilots of new devices and test in the lab.
• Create templates and DNP maps for devices.
• Write guides to program/troubleshoot devices in the field.
• Support field crews and assist equipment integration into ADMS.
• Provide field engineering oversight for testing, installation, and commissioning.

Skills

Protection & Logic

Fault analysis

RTU programming

DNP3

Mirrored Bits

Modbus Protocols

Project leadership

Education

ABET-accredited engineering degree

Tools

ADMS

DNP Maps

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.The below job summary and responsibilities reflect the senior engineer level role. The successfully chosen candidate will be placed at a level that is commensurate with their skills and experience as different skills and/or experience will be required at the principal level.Position SummaryAs part of the Distribution Controls and SCADA group you would help manage the equipment on the Distribution system. Examples of some of the work this position may perform include: Developing and updating Protection and Logic in controls as new features are identified or issues arise, picking new devices to pilot and helping lead those pilots, testing new devices in the lab, creating new templates and DNP Maps for devices, write guides on how to program/troubleshoot devices in the field, support field crews, assist getting equipment into ADMS (Advanced Distribution Management System), and select communication equipment to install in Distribution controls. This position is primarily in the office/Lab but there are times when going out to the field is necessary. Come join our group! We have snacks!Essential ResponsibilitiesApplies extensive technical expertise and has an understanding of the basic principles of other related disciplines. Fully demonstrates the unique technical skills and core competencies for this engineering level by applying technical standards, principles, theories, concepts, and techniques to lead projects of moderate to large size, scope and complexity.Largely self-directed work is expected to result in the development of new or improved techniques, procedures and standards. Supports the development of technical documentation (including but not limited to designs, testing, calculations, reports, standards, etc.)Without appreciable direction exercises considerable latitude in determining ongoing technical support for project activities within areas such as Operations, Maintenance, Testing/diagnostics and Regulatory. Provides field engineering oversight and direction for activities such as support, testing, installation, inspections, commissioning etc.Coordinates/leads multiple projects or portions of projects (including phases such as research, design, equipment selection, procurement, installation and commissioning). May lead more critical projects with oversight of a higher-level engineer or supervisor.Represents the organization as the prime technical contact in the bid/evaluation processes including preparation of bid documents, completion of technical evaluations for proposals and providing recommendations for selection. Interacts with senior external personnel on significant technical matters often requiring coordination with internal and external organizations.Effectively and with precision resolves difficult technical/business matters both inter-organizationally and with outside customer/vendors with all formats of communication.May assign tasks to and/or direct engineers, technicians, craft personnel and other support staff including coordination and review of work assignments. Provides guidance and mentoring to less experienced engineers. Responsible for continuous self-development of technical skills and competencies.Leads activities such as budgeting, estimating, forecasting, accounting, work order management, in support of engineering projects.Senior Engineer Level (Salary Range: $97,000-$129,267)Minimum RequirementsRequired bachelor’s degree in engineering from ABET accredited curriculum5+ years relevant engineering experience with EIT/FE (Engineer in Training/Fundamentals of Engineering) required; 7+ years relevant engineering experience without EIT/FE.Ability to demonstrate the unique technical skills and core competencies for this engineering level established & documented by the organization.Preferred PE (Professional Engineer) registration may be required depending on business need.Principal Engineer (Salary Range: $112,000-$156,600)Minimum RequirementsRequired bachelor’s degree in engineering from ABET accredited curriculum9+ years relevant engineering experience with PE (Professional Engineer) registration required; 15+ years relevant engineering experience without PE.Ability to demonstrate the unique technical skills and core competencies for this engineering level established & documented by the organizationPreferredExperience with Protection and Logic on Distribution Relays and maintaining Logic DiagramsExperience Interpreting Fault Event files and understanding what may have caused the eventExperience programming/troubleshooting controls/RTU’s and/or communication equipment.Experience with DNP3, Mirrored Bits, and Modbus ProtocolsOur culture is grounded in shared values and employee commitments that guide how we work, support one another, and grow together.Our ValuesConnected, Committed, Trustworthy, SafeOur Employee CommitmentsWork that makes a differenceA team you can count ofOpportunities to growRewards that help you thriveXcel 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-BargainingThe anticipated starting base pay for this position is: $97,000.00 to $156,600.00 per yearThis 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 LeaveBenefit 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: 10/07/26EEO 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 StatementXcel 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.