Principal Development Engineer (Mechanical/Process)

About the Role

The engineer will provide technical guidance and engineering support for the planning and development of new dispatchable generation projects and large-scale improvements at existing plants. Work focuses on project origination and conceptual design through FEL-2, including technology selection, cost estimating, scheduling, preliminary layouts, and heat- and material-balance studies. Key duties include managing third-party engineering contracts, preparing technical specifications, developing plant layouts and process flow diagrams, estimating emissions and plant performance, sizing mechanical equipment, and creating engineering standards. The role also involves engaging major equipment vendors and contractors, reviewing technical submittals, supporting permitting and regulatory activities, and advising senior leadership on fleet-planning strategy. As a recognized internal technical subject-matter expert, the engineer will conduct complex, innovative studies, develop new principles, codes, and standards, and serve as a spokesperson for advanced projects. Responsibilities extend to leading multiple critical projects, managing bid and evaluation processes, and providing technical direction to engineers, technicians, and other professionals. • Provide technical guidance and engineering support for new dispatchable generation and large-scale plant improvement projects. • Lead project origination and conceptual design through FEL-2, including technology selection, cost estimating, scheduling, and heat/material balances. • Manage third-party engineering contracts and prepare technical specifications, plant layouts, and process flow diagrams. • Estimate emissions, plant performance, and size mechanical equipment for utility-scale power facilities. • Engage with equipment vendors and contractors, review technical submittals, and support permitting and regulatory activities. • Advise senior leadership on fleet-planning strategy and project feasibility. • Mentor early-career engineers and provide technical direction to multidisciplinary teams. • Conduct complex, innovative studies to develop new engineering principles, codes, and standards. • Lead bid preparation, technical evaluation, and vendor selection processes for major projects.

Key Responsibilities

• ▸conceptual design
• ▸cost estimating
• ▸process flow
• ▸emissions estimation
• ▸vendor management
• ▸bid evaluation

What You Bring

Candidates must have experience with utility-scale power technologies such as steam cycles, combustion turbines, combined cycles, or reciprocating engines, with a preference for low-carbon or emerging process technologies like synthetic fuels, thermal energy storage, or geothermal power. The position operates at a principal level, requiring independent work, collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, and mentorship of early-career engineers, though it has no direct reports. Minimum qualifications include a bachelor's degree in engineering (mechanical or chemical preferred) from an ABET-accredited program, a Professional Engineer (PE) license with 9+ years of relevant experience (or 15+ years without PE), and demonstrated core competencies for this level. Preferred credentials are PMP certification and proven experience in power project development, low-carbon technologies, and multi-disciplinary project leadership. • Hold a bachelor's degree in mechanical or chemical engineering (ABET-accredited) and a PE license (or 15+ years experience without PE). • Possess 9+ years of relevant engineering experience with expertise in steam cycles, combustion turbines, combined cycles, or reciprocating engines; low-carbon technology experience preferred. • Preferred credentials include PMP certification and demonstrated leadership of multi-disciplinary project teams.

Requirements

• ▸pe license
• ▸bachelors
• ▸9+ years
• ▸steam cycles
• ▸pmp
• ▸low‑carbon

Benefits

Xcel Energy offers a salary range of $109,300 to $152,766, an annual incentive program, comprehensive health and wellness benefits, retirement plans, paid time off, tuition reimbursement, and various other employee programs. The company is an equal-opportunity employer committed to diversity, inclusion, and providing accommodations for applicants with disabilities.

Work Environment

Office Full-Time