Xcel Energy
Renewables Controls Engineer (Staff, Senior, or Principal)
Xcel Energy, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States, 55400
Renewables Controls Engineer (Staff, Senior, or Principal)
2 weeks ago Be among the first 25 applicants
Are you looking for an exciting job where you can put your skills and talents to work at a company you can feel proud to be a part of? Do you want a workplace that will challenge you and offer you opportunities to learn and grow? A position at Xcel Energy could be just what you’re looking for.
The below job summary and responsibilities reflect the staff 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 senior, and principal engineer levels.
This is a hybrid role with three days in the office and two days remote.
Position Summary The Renewables Reliability Engineering team is responsible for elevating the reliability and availability of renewable energy systems while optimizing costs. The team leverages technical expertise, innovative engineering practices, data‑driven insights and teamwork to deliver resilient, safe, and cost‑effective solutions, resulting in operational excellence across the wind, solar, and battery storage portfolio.
We are seeking a highly skilled Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) Engineer to join our team. This individual will have an opportunity to develop and apply general power plant electrical and control subsystem expertise to an expanding fleet of wind, solar, and battery farms across our three service territories. Willingness to occasionally climb wind turbines and enter substations for educational and small project purposes is desired. This role will require occasional on‑call availability to support plant outage troubleshooting and restoration. Familiarity with component failure rate calculations and other reliability engineering concepts is strongly preferred.
In This Role You Will Have the Opportunity to:
Deliver cyber‑secure solutions to enhance data capture and equipment reliability in our fleet.
Perform routine troubleshooting of Remote Terminal Units (RTUs) and site SCADA infrastructure including Windows Servers and network switches.
Develop expertise in single and multiple‑power plant control methodologies.
Perform root cause analysis and identify corrective action plans to prevent repeat failures.
Provide technical and operational insights to influence new equipment design specifications.
Participate in industry networking and piloting new technologies to improve equipment reliability.
Leverage software and analytics to streamline processes and improve efficiency.
Additional Details
Under general direction, demonstrates complete understanding and wide application of engineering technical principles, theories, and concepts in the field. Independently determines and develops approaches to solutions. Receives technical guidance on complex problems; completed work reviewed for adequacy in meeting objectives. May lead small‑medium non‑critical projects or critical projects under direction of higher‑level engineer/supervisor. May provide work direction to other professionals & staff. Represents the organization in providing solutions to difficult technical issues associated with specific projects. Frequent inter‑organizational and outside customer contact. Demonstrates a broad knowledge and proficiency of precedents in the specialty area, a good knowledge of related specialties, and general knowledge of other related disciplines.
Essential Responsibilities
Uses and applies technical standards, principles, theories, concepts, and techniques to perform activities that may include a variety of complex features such as conflicting design requirements, unsuitable materials or methods, and difficult coordination requirements.
Supports the development of technical documentation (including but not limited to designs, testing, calculations, reports, standards, etc.). Utilizes and may assist with the development of procedures requiring a broad knowledge and proficiency in a specialty area and has a general knowledge of related disciplines.
Works under the general direction of a higher‑level engineer or supervisor for routine engineering projects. Provides ongoing technical support for project activities within areas such as Operations, Maintenance, testing/diagnostics, and Regulatory. May provide field engineering oversight and/or direction for activities such as commissioning, testing, inspections, etc.
May lead small‑medium, non‑critical projects. Coordinates/ leads critical projects or portions of projects (including phases such as research, design, equipment selection, procurement support, installation, and commissioning) under the direction of a higher‑level engineer or supervisor. Work reviewed upon completion for adequacy in meeting objectives.
Under the direction of a higher‑level engineer or supervisor supports bid/evaluation processes, including preparation of bid documents, completion of technical evaluations for proposals, provide recommendations for selection, and coordination with areas such as Supply Chain and Legal following appropriate processes.
Frequently exchanges information in all formats, on matters having a wide range of importance and complexity both inter‑organizationally and with outside customers.
May assign tasks and coordinate work of interns, drafters, technicians, craft personnel, or others. Provides guidance and mentoring to less experienced engineers.
Responsible for continuous self‑development of technical skills and competencies.
Staff Engineer Level (Salary Range: $79,800–$103,666) Minimum Requirements
Bachelor’s degree in engineering from an ABET‑accredited program, electrical engineering preferred.
2+ years’ relevant engineering experience.
Demonstrated broad knowledge and proficiency in specialty area, knowledge of related specialties, and general knowledge of other related disciplines.
Ability to demonstrate the unique technical skills and core competencies for this engineering level established and documented by the organization.
EIT/FE strongly preferred.
Senior Engineer Level (Salary Range: $94,600–$126,134) Minimum Requirements
Required bachelor’s degree in engineering from an ABET‑accredited curriculum, electrical engineering preferred.
5+ years relevant engineering experience with EIT/FE required; 7+ years relevant engineering experience without EIT/FE.
Ability to demonstrate the unique technical skills and core competencies for this engineering level established and documented by the organization.
Preferred PE registration may be required depending on business need.
Principal Engineer (Salary Range: $109,300–$152,766) Minimum Requirements
Required bachelor’s degree in engineering from an ABET‑accredited curriculum, electrical engineering preferred.
9+ years relevant engineering experience with PE registration required; 15+ years relevant engineering experience without PE.
Ability to demonstrate the unique technical skills and core competencies for this engineering level established and documented by the organization.
Preferred Requirements
Experience with SEL RTAC platform and Novatech OrionLX.
Experience with Ignition SCADA from Inductive Automation.
Familiarity with DNP3, MODBUS, and OPC protocols.
Strong computer skills, specifically in computer networking (e.g., CCNA certification) and understanding of computer architecture.
Proficiency in programming languages such as Python and SQL.
As a leading combination electricity and natural gas energy company, Xcel Energy offers a comprehensive portfolio of energy‑related products and services to 3.4 million electricity and 1.9 million natural gas customers across eight Western and Midwestern states. At Xcel Energy, we strive to be the preferred and trusted provider of the energy our customers need. If you’re ready to be a part of something big, we invite you to join our team.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.
Individuals with a disability who need an accommodation to apply please contact us at recruiting@xcelenergy.com.
Deadline to Apply: 10/23/25
EEO is the Law | EEO is the Law Supplement | Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination | Equal Opportunity Policy (PDF) | Employee Rights (PDF)
ACCESSIBILITY STATEMENT
Xcel Energy endeavors to make https://www.xcelenergy.com/ accessible to any and all users. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact Xcel Energy Talent Acquisition at recruiting@xcelenergy.com. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.
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Are you looking for an exciting job where you can put your skills and talents to work at a company you can feel proud to be a part of? Do you want a workplace that will challenge you and offer you opportunities to learn and grow? A position at Xcel Energy could be just what you’re looking for.
The below job summary and responsibilities reflect the staff 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 senior, and principal engineer levels.
This is a hybrid role with three days in the office and two days remote.
Position Summary The Renewables Reliability Engineering team is responsible for elevating the reliability and availability of renewable energy systems while optimizing costs. The team leverages technical expertise, innovative engineering practices, data‑driven insights and teamwork to deliver resilient, safe, and cost‑effective solutions, resulting in operational excellence across the wind, solar, and battery storage portfolio.
We are seeking a highly skilled Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) Engineer to join our team. This individual will have an opportunity to develop and apply general power plant electrical and control subsystem expertise to an expanding fleet of wind, solar, and battery farms across our three service territories. Willingness to occasionally climb wind turbines and enter substations for educational and small project purposes is desired. This role will require occasional on‑call availability to support plant outage troubleshooting and restoration. Familiarity with component failure rate calculations and other reliability engineering concepts is strongly preferred.
In This Role You Will Have the Opportunity to:
Deliver cyber‑secure solutions to enhance data capture and equipment reliability in our fleet.
Perform routine troubleshooting of Remote Terminal Units (RTUs) and site SCADA infrastructure including Windows Servers and network switches.
Develop expertise in single and multiple‑power plant control methodologies.
Perform root cause analysis and identify corrective action plans to prevent repeat failures.
Provide technical and operational insights to influence new equipment design specifications.
Participate in industry networking and piloting new technologies to improve equipment reliability.
Leverage software and analytics to streamline processes and improve efficiency.
Additional Details
Under general direction, demonstrates complete understanding and wide application of engineering technical principles, theories, and concepts in the field. Independently determines and develops approaches to solutions. Receives technical guidance on complex problems; completed work reviewed for adequacy in meeting objectives. May lead small‑medium non‑critical projects or critical projects under direction of higher‑level engineer/supervisor. May provide work direction to other professionals & staff. Represents the organization in providing solutions to difficult technical issues associated with specific projects. Frequent inter‑organizational and outside customer contact. Demonstrates a broad knowledge and proficiency of precedents in the specialty area, a good knowledge of related specialties, and general knowledge of other related disciplines.
Essential Responsibilities
Uses and applies technical standards, principles, theories, concepts, and techniques to perform activities that may include a variety of complex features such as conflicting design requirements, unsuitable materials or methods, and difficult coordination requirements.
Supports the development of technical documentation (including but not limited to designs, testing, calculations, reports, standards, etc.). Utilizes and may assist with the development of procedures requiring a broad knowledge and proficiency in a specialty area and has a general knowledge of related disciplines.
Works under the general direction of a higher‑level engineer or supervisor for routine engineering projects. Provides ongoing technical support for project activities within areas such as Operations, Maintenance, testing/diagnostics, and Regulatory. May provide field engineering oversight and/or direction for activities such as commissioning, testing, inspections, etc.
May lead small‑medium, non‑critical projects. Coordinates/ leads critical projects or portions of projects (including phases such as research, design, equipment selection, procurement support, installation, and commissioning) under the direction of a higher‑level engineer or supervisor. Work reviewed upon completion for adequacy in meeting objectives.
Under the direction of a higher‑level engineer or supervisor supports bid/evaluation processes, including preparation of bid documents, completion of technical evaluations for proposals, provide recommendations for selection, and coordination with areas such as Supply Chain and Legal following appropriate processes.
Frequently exchanges information in all formats, on matters having a wide range of importance and complexity both inter‑organizationally and with outside customers.
May assign tasks and coordinate work of interns, drafters, technicians, craft personnel, or others. Provides guidance and mentoring to less experienced engineers.
Responsible for continuous self‑development of technical skills and competencies.
Staff Engineer Level (Salary Range: $79,800–$103,666) Minimum Requirements
Bachelor’s degree in engineering from an ABET‑accredited program, electrical engineering preferred.
2+ years’ relevant engineering experience.
Demonstrated broad knowledge and proficiency in specialty area, knowledge of related specialties, and general knowledge of other related disciplines.
Ability to demonstrate the unique technical skills and core competencies for this engineering level established and documented by the organization.
EIT/FE strongly preferred.
Senior Engineer Level (Salary Range: $94,600–$126,134) Minimum Requirements
Required bachelor’s degree in engineering from an ABET‑accredited curriculum, electrical engineering preferred.
5+ years relevant engineering experience with EIT/FE required; 7+ years relevant engineering experience without EIT/FE.
Ability to demonstrate the unique technical skills and core competencies for this engineering level established and documented by the organization.
Preferred PE registration may be required depending on business need.
Principal Engineer (Salary Range: $109,300–$152,766) Minimum Requirements
Required bachelor’s degree in engineering from an ABET‑accredited curriculum, electrical engineering preferred.
9+ years relevant engineering experience with PE registration required; 15+ years relevant engineering experience without PE.
Ability to demonstrate the unique technical skills and core competencies for this engineering level established and documented by the organization.
Preferred Requirements
Experience with SEL RTAC platform and Novatech OrionLX.
Experience with Ignition SCADA from Inductive Automation.
Familiarity with DNP3, MODBUS, and OPC protocols.
Strong computer skills, specifically in computer networking (e.g., CCNA certification) and understanding of computer architecture.
Proficiency in programming languages such as Python and SQL.
As a leading combination electricity and natural gas energy company, Xcel Energy offers a comprehensive portfolio of energy‑related products and services to 3.4 million electricity and 1.9 million natural gas customers across eight Western and Midwestern states. At Xcel Energy, we strive to be the preferred and trusted provider of the energy our customers need. If you’re ready to be a part of something big, we invite you to join our team.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.
Individuals with a disability who need an accommodation to apply please contact us at recruiting@xcelenergy.com.
Deadline to Apply: 10/23/25
EEO is the Law | EEO is the Law Supplement | Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination | Equal Opportunity Policy (PDF) | Employee Rights (PDF)
ACCESSIBILITY STATEMENT
Xcel Energy endeavors to make https://www.xcelenergy.com/ accessible to any and all users. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact Xcel Energy Talent Acquisition at recruiting@xcelenergy.com. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.
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