Electrical Engineer (contract)

Xcel Energy; Denver (CO); Hybrid; USD 36,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

Xcel Energy is seeking a skilled Distribution Systems Engineer to support IVVO and FLISR modernization from the Marshall Operations Center. You will deploy and configure automated field devices and integrate them into ADMS, with emphasis on controller settings, device databases, and cross-functional collaboration for long-term success.

The role offers hybrid work from Denver, with duties spanning system studies, modeling, testing, and documentation, and a strong path toward full-time employment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in electrical or computer engineering with power systems focus.
• 2–3 years of electrical engineering experience focusing on power distribution and utility operations.
• Experience with ADMS/SCADA integration is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead deployment of automated field devices including capacitor bank controllers and SEL protection devices, coordinating with design and field personnel.
• Develop and configure device settings for cap bank controllers, reclosers and other distribution automation equipment.
• Perform distribution system modeling using Synergi and CYME to determine optimal capacitor bank and recloser placement and settings.
• Support integration and communications testing of devices into ADMS.
• Maintain and update device databases for accuracy with deployed configurations.
• Assist in AMI functionality assessments and provide technical support to field personnel as needed.
• Monitor device and meter functionality as part of daily operations.
• Develop design docs, test plans, calculations and standards; document technical work.

Skills

Capacitor bank controllers

SEL protection devices

ADMS IVVO FLISR

Distribution automation

Synergi

CYME

Python/SQL

C/C++ (preferred)

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering with power systems concentration

Tools

Synergi

CYME

ADMS

Job description

We are seeking a skilled and motivated distribution systems engineer to join our team in support of a critical utility modernization initiative focused on Integrated Volt/VAR Optimization (IVVO) and Fault Location, Isolation, and Service Restoration (FLISR) programs. In this hybrid role based out of the Marshall Operations Center, you will be responsible for the deployment and configuration of automated field devices — including capacitor banks and protection devices — and their integration into Advanced Distribution Management Systems (ADMS). This position offers a high degree of technical ownership, with daily responsibilities spanning system studies, settings development, device database management, and cross-functional collaboration with engineering and field personnel. There is a strong likelihood that this contract position will convert to a full-time employee role, making it an excellent long-term opportunity for the right candidate.

We are seeking a skilled and motivated distribution systems engineer to join our team in support of a critical utility modernization initiative focused on Integrated Volt/VAR Optimization (IVVO) and Fault Location, Isolation, and Service Restoration (FLISR) programs. In this hybrid role based out of the Marshall Operations Center, you will be responsible for the deployment and configuration of automated field devices — including capacitor banks and protection devices — and their integration into Advanced Distribution Management Systems (ADMS). This position offers a high degree of technical ownership, with daily responsibilities spanning system studies, settings development, device database management, and cross-functional collaboration with engineering and field personnel. There is a strong likelihood that this contract position will convert to a full-time employee role, making it an excellent long-term opportunity for the right candidate.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support the deployment of automated field devices including capacitor bank controllers and SEL protection devices, encompassing system studies, settings development, and coordination with design and field personnel
• Develop and configure device settings for cap bank controllers, reclosers, and other distribution automation equipment based on distribution system modeling and analysis
• Perform distribution system modeling using tools such as Synergi and/or CYME to determine optimal placement and settings for capacitor banks and reclosers
• Support the integration and communications testing of capacitor banks and automated field devices into Advanced Distribution Management Systems
• Maintain and update automated field device databases to ensure accuracy and alignment with deployed configurations
• Assist in assessing advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) functionalities and provide technical support to field personnel as needed
• Monitor automated field devices and meter functionality as part of routine daily operations
• Maintain issue trackers for field-identified problems and proactively communicate status updates and resolutions to managementDevelop and support technical documentation including designs, test plans, calculations, reports, and standards
• Collaborate across engineering and non-engineering organizations to advance program objectives and resolve technical challenges
• Support budgeting, estimating, forecasting, and work order management activities in connection with assigned engineering projects
• Provide guidance and mentoring to less experienced engineers and support continuous self-development of technical skills and competencies

Skills

• Hands-on experience with Eaton Cooper capacitor bank controllers and SEL protection devices
• Familiarity with Advanced Distribution Management System applications, including IVVO and FLISR functionalities
• Working knowledge of power distribution systems, utility operations, and distribution automation concepts
• Experience with distribution system modeling tools such as Synergi and/or CYME
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to independently assess technical issues and develop effective solutions
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to collaborate across engineering and non-engineering teams
• Ability to maintain organized issue tracking and deliver proactive, clear reporting to management
• Programming skills in Python and/or SQL (preferred)
• Familiarity with C/C++ programming (preferred)

Experience

• 2 to 3 years of experience in electrical engineering with a focus on power distribution systems and utility operations
• Demonstrated experience performing system studies and developing protection or automation device settings in a utility or related environment
• Experience supporting integration and communications testing of field devices with ADMS or SCADA platforms is strongly preferred

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering required; power systems concentration strongly preferred

The closing date for applications for this job posting is 9/24/2026.

Should you require any accommodations in responding to this job posting or at any stage during the application process, kindly e-mail : [e-mail]

Pay Rate Range

26.19 - 34.92 USD hourly