Thermal Projects Mechanical Engineer (Staff, Senior or Principal)

About the Role

The position demands extensive technical expertise across multiple disciplines and serves as a staff advisor and consultant on facilities, equipment, or program functions. The engineer will tackle complex, innovative assignments that create new or improved techniques, procedures, equipment, materials, processes, or scientific methods, and will act as the primary technical contact on contracts and projects. Key responsibilities include leading moderate‑to‑large projects, developing technical documentation, providing field‑engineering oversight for testing, installation, commissioning and inspections, and coordinating all project phases from research through procurement and commissioning. The engineer also represents Xcel Energy in bid and evaluation processes, resolves difficult technical and business issues with internal and external stakeholders, mentors less‑experienced staff, and manages budgeting, estimating and work‑order activities. • Apply extensive technical expertise to develop new or improved techniques, procedures, equipment, or scientific methods. • Lead and coordinate moderate‑to‑large engineering projects through all phases (research, design, procurement, installation, commissioning). • Produce technical documentation such as designs, calculations, test reports, and standards. • Provide field‑engineering oversight for testing, diagnostics, installation, inspections, and commissioning activities. • Serve as the primary technical contact on contracts, bids, and evaluations, preparing bid documents and technical recommendations. • Resolve complex technical and business issues with internal teams, customers, and vendors. • Mentor and guide less‑experienced engineers, technicians, and support staff. • Manage project budgeting, cost estimating, forecasting, and work‑order administration.

Key Responsibilities

• ▸project lead
• ▸technical docs
• ▸field oversight
• ▸bid management
• ▸issue resolution
• ▸mentor staff

What You Bring

Xcel Energy is seeking motivated engineers to join a dynamic team where skills and talents can be applied to meaningful work. The role is a senior‑engineer level position, with the level (staff, senior, principal) aligned to the candidate’s experience. This hybrid role requires three days in the office, two days remote, and up to three local travel days per week. Three engineering levels are defined: Staff Engineer (Bachelor’s in ABET‑accredited engineering, 2+ years experience, EIT/FE preferred, salary $79,800‑$103,666), Senior Engineer (Bachelor’s, 5‑7 years experience, EIT/FE required or 7‑+ years without, salary $94,600‑$126,134, PE preferred), and Principal Engineer (Bachelor’s, 9‑15+ years experience, PE required for 9+ years, salary $109,300‑$152,766). Mechanical‑engineering degrees and experience with major power projects—including natural‑gas, coal, and renewable retrofits—are strongly preferred. • Hold an ABET‑accredited engineering bachelor’s degree; meet level‑specific experience requirements (2+ years staff, 5+ years senior, 9+ years principal) and appropriate licensure (EIT/FE, PE). • Prefer mechanical‑engineering background and experience with major power projects, especially natural‑gas and retrofit initiatives.

Requirements

• ▸abet
• ▸pe
• ▸eit
• ▸mechanical
• ▸power projects
• ▸natural‑gas

Benefits

The role includes a comprehensive benefits package that supports health, financial security, work‑life balance and professional development, and the anticipated base salary ranges from $79,800 to $152,766 depending on level. • Benefit from an Annual Incentive Program, comprehensive medical/vision/dental coverage, life insurance, disability plans, and health‑savings/flexible‑spending accounts. • Access retirement options including pension and 401(k) plans, along with tuition reimbursement and professional development resources. • Receive paid time off, holidays, volunteer PTO, parental leave, and transportation reimbursement to support work‑life balance.

Work Environment

Hybrid