Power Systems Modeling Engineer - Distribution (Staff, Senior)

Xcel Energy Inc; Denver (CO); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Job summary

Xcel Energy in Colorado is seeking a Power Systems Modeling Engineer - Distribution (Staff or Senior) to maintain and validate distribution models, support planning studies, and drive data-quality initiatives within ISP. You will collaborate with ISP's data science team to build ETL workflows in Databricks, perform hosting capacity analyses, and contribute to grid modernization and regulatory filings.

The role emphasizes technical leadership, cross-functional coordination, and delivering

Qualifications

• Extensive technical expertise in power systems modeling.
• Experience with data quality, ETL workflows, and model validation.
• Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Maintain up-to-date power flow models as data changes.
• Develop modeling standards for interconnection and planning studies.
• Stay current on industry practices to enhance analytical capabilities.
• Coordinate data quality efforts with upstream data systems.
• Validate ETL workflows with ISP's data science team.
• Assess hosting capacity of the distribution grid using EPRI DRIVE.
• Support grid modernization and regulatory filings.
• Integrate distribution planning with transmission, resource, and gas planning.
• Lead multiple projects of moderate to large size.

Job description

Xcel Energy(NASDAQ:XEL)is a leading energy providerand Fortune 500company,dedicated toserving millions ofelectricity andnaturalgascustomersacross eight states:Minnesota, Colorado, Wisconsin, Michigan, North Dakota, South Dakota,New Mexicoand Texas.We make energy work better forourcustomers, 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.

Integrated System Planning (ISP) Organization:

Xcel Energy'sdedicated Integrated System Planning (ISP) departmentcoordinates planning across all aspects of its utility operations — generation, transmission, distribution, and natural gas — in preparation for a carbon‑neutral future. Within ISP, the modeling team supports long term, cross functional planning with technical power systems modeling expertise.

Power Systems Modeling Engineer - Distribution (Staff or Senior) Role Overview:

Model Maintenance

• Maintain up-to-date power flow models as data and conditions change

• Work with model consumers to develop modeling standards that meet requirements for interconnection and planning studies and ensure consistent and repeatable modeling practices

• Stay current on industry best practices, emerging technologies, and advanced modeling techniques to continuously enhance analytical capabilities and planning outcomes

Model Validation & Data Quality

• Ensure accurate models through a standard model validation process

• Work to resolve data quality issues in upstream source data systems

• Work with ISP's data science team to build and validate ETL workflows in Xcel’s data management platform (Databricks)

Hosting Capacity Analysis

• Assess the capabilities of the distribution grid via hosting capacity analysis using EPRI DRIVE

• Publish distribution system capacity maps

• Incorporate stakeholder feedback to improve HCA map user experience

Grid Modernization & Regulatory Support

• Support Xcel's Distribution System Plansand other regulatory filings

• Support grid modernization efforts, such as beneficial electrification, non-wire alternatives, proactive grid upgrades, and dispatchable distributed generation

• Work to integrate distribution planning efforts with transmission, resource, and gas planning

The job summary below 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 entry, staff, or principal engineer level.

General Position Summary

Applies extensive technical expertise and has full knowledge of other related disciplines. Performs as a staff advisor and consultant in a technical specialty, a type of facility or equipment, or a program function. Carries out complex or innovative assignments requiring the development of new or improved techniques and procedures. Work is expected to result in the development of new/improved techniques and procedures or new/refined equipment, materials, processes, products, and/or scientific methods. Represents the organization as the prime technical contact on contracts and projects and interacts with senior external personnel on significant technical matters often requiring coordination between organizations. Work is performed without appreciable direction and considerable latitude is exercised in determining technical objectives of assignment. Guidance relates largely to overall objectives, critical issues, new concepts and policy matters. Completed work is reviewed from a relatively long- term perspective, for desired results. May assign tasks to and direct engineers, technicians, craft personnel and administrative staff, including coordination and review of work assignments. Responsible for (and may lead) multiple projects of moderate to large size or portions of major projects.

Essential Responsibilities

• Applies extensive technical expertise and has an understanding of the basic