Xcel Energy
Electrical Engineer - Transmission Planning (Entry, Staff, Senior, or Principal
Xcel Energy, Amarillo, Texas, United States, 79161
Electrical Engineer – Transmission Planning
Join Xcel Energy as a Transmission Planning Engineer at the level that best matches your experience. The role is located in Amarillo, TX and supports our transmission planning effort across the Western Interconnection.
Overview The Transmission Planning Engineer develops and performs advanced power system modeling, analysis, and studies that support long‑range transmission system planning, reliability compliance, and integration of emerging resources. The engineer creates study documentation, coordinates with internal and external stakeholders, and maintains compliance with NERC, FERC, and other regulatory frameworks.
Key Responsibilities (All Levels)
Perform power system simulations (steady‑state load flow, short‑circuit, transient stability, small‑signal stability, EMT, GIC) and develop mitigation strategies.
Support regulatory compliance and model validation activities (NERC TPL, WECC, NERC MOD).
Conduct advanced IBR integration studies (ride‑through, reactive power, fast frequency response).
Engage with Western Interconnection and regional planning groups (WestConnect, WECC, interconnection working groups) to support planning and reliability initiatives.
Execute System Impact Studies (SIS) and Facility Studies consistent with FERC Order 2023 and regional tariffs.
Evaluate and recommend transmission reinforcements, upgrades, or operational solutions for new resources and loads.
Analyze and model Grid‑Enhancing Technologies (DLR, APFC, TTO) and support digital workflows for high‑volume interconnection studies.
Develop and maintain Python‑based automation tools to streamline study execution and results processing.
Author technical reports, regulatory filings, and executive summaries; present findings to stakeholders and external regulatory agencies.
Represent Xcel Energy in industry working groups (NERC, IEEE, WECC, WestConnect) and mentor junior staff.
Qualifications by Level Entry Level
Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or Physics from an ABET‑accredited program (or equivalent).
0+ years of relevant engineering experience (internship or entry‑level role).
Basic knowledge of power system simulation tools (PSSE, TARA, PSCAD) preferred.
Engineer in Training (EIT) or FE certification preferred.
Strong communication skills – ability to convey technical concepts to technical and non‑technical audiences.
Staff Level
Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or Physics (ABET‑accredited).
2+ years of experience in power system transmission analysis.
Proficiency with at least one power system simulation tool (PSSE, TARA, EMS, PSCAD, PLEXOS).
EIT/FE certification strongly preferred.
Demonstrated knowledge of NERC and FERC standards.
Senior Level
Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or Physics (ABET‑accredited).
5+ years of experience in transmission planning and power system studies.
Extensive experience with multiple transmission analysis tools (PSSE, TARA, PSLF, PLEXOS, PSCAD).
EIT/FE and/or Professional Engineer (PE) registration preferred.
Strong leadership, project management, and stakeholder engagement skills.
Principal Level
Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or Physics (ABET‑accredited).
9+ years of experience in transmission planning, with a proven record of leading large, complex projects.
Expertise in advanced simulation (EMT, GIC, IBR integration) and regulatory compliance (NERC, FERC, WECC).
Professional Engineer (PE) registration strongly preferred; EIT/FE certification required.
Excellent communication, technical mentorship, and industry representation skills.
Compensation & Benefits Base salary ranges by level: Entry: $68,300 – $86,500 Staff: $79,800 – $103,666 Senior: $94,600 – $126,134 Principal: $109,300 – $152,766
All employees receive an 8–10% annual incentive plan and a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short‑ and long‑term disability, health savings account, dependent care, and retirement savings options. Xcel Energy also offers paid time off, volunteer PTO, and additional employee recognition programs.
EEO & Accessibility Xcel Energy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status. Reach out to recruiting@xcelenergy.com for accommodations during the application process.
Application Deadline Apply by 10/23/25. Join a company that invests in the future of energy and the communities it serves.
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Overview The Transmission Planning Engineer develops and performs advanced power system modeling, analysis, and studies that support long‑range transmission system planning, reliability compliance, and integration of emerging resources. The engineer creates study documentation, coordinates with internal and external stakeholders, and maintains compliance with NERC, FERC, and other regulatory frameworks.
Key Responsibilities (All Levels)
Perform power system simulations (steady‑state load flow, short‑circuit, transient stability, small‑signal stability, EMT, GIC) and develop mitigation strategies.
Support regulatory compliance and model validation activities (NERC TPL, WECC, NERC MOD).
Conduct advanced IBR integration studies (ride‑through, reactive power, fast frequency response).
Engage with Western Interconnection and regional planning groups (WestConnect, WECC, interconnection working groups) to support planning and reliability initiatives.
Execute System Impact Studies (SIS) and Facility Studies consistent with FERC Order 2023 and regional tariffs.
Evaluate and recommend transmission reinforcements, upgrades, or operational solutions for new resources and loads.
Analyze and model Grid‑Enhancing Technologies (DLR, APFC, TTO) and support digital workflows for high‑volume interconnection studies.
Develop and maintain Python‑based automation tools to streamline study execution and results processing.
Author technical reports, regulatory filings, and executive summaries; present findings to stakeholders and external regulatory agencies.
Represent Xcel Energy in industry working groups (NERC, IEEE, WECC, WestConnect) and mentor junior staff.
Qualifications by Level Entry Level
Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or Physics from an ABET‑accredited program (or equivalent).
0+ years of relevant engineering experience (internship or entry‑level role).
Basic knowledge of power system simulation tools (PSSE, TARA, PSCAD) preferred.
Engineer in Training (EIT) or FE certification preferred.
Strong communication skills – ability to convey technical concepts to technical and non‑technical audiences.
Staff Level
Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or Physics (ABET‑accredited).
2+ years of experience in power system transmission analysis.
Proficiency with at least one power system simulation tool (PSSE, TARA, EMS, PSCAD, PLEXOS).
EIT/FE certification strongly preferred.
Demonstrated knowledge of NERC and FERC standards.
Senior Level
Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or Physics (ABET‑accredited).
5+ years of experience in transmission planning and power system studies.
Extensive experience with multiple transmission analysis tools (PSSE, TARA, PSLF, PLEXOS, PSCAD).
EIT/FE and/or Professional Engineer (PE) registration preferred.
Strong leadership, project management, and stakeholder engagement skills.
Principal Level
Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or Physics (ABET‑accredited).
9+ years of experience in transmission planning, with a proven record of leading large, complex projects.
Expertise in advanced simulation (EMT, GIC, IBR integration) and regulatory compliance (NERC, FERC, WECC).
Professional Engineer (PE) registration strongly preferred; EIT/FE certification required.
Excellent communication, technical mentorship, and industry representation skills.
Compensation & Benefits Base salary ranges by level: Entry: $68,300 – $86,500 Staff: $79,800 – $103,666 Senior: $94,600 – $126,134 Principal: $109,300 – $152,766
All employees receive an 8–10% annual incentive plan and a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short‑ and long‑term disability, health savings account, dependent care, and retirement savings options. Xcel Energy also offers paid time off, volunteer PTO, and additional employee recognition programs.
EEO & Accessibility Xcel Energy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status. Reach out to recruiting@xcelenergy.com for accommodations during the application process.
Application Deadline Apply by 10/23/25. Join a company that invests in the future of energy and the communities it serves.
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