Principal Development Engineer; Mechanical​/Process

Principal Development Engineer (Mechanical/Process)

Xcel Energy

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The Principal Development Engineer provides the Generation Planning and Development organization and individual project teams with technical guidance and engineering support to plan and develop new dispatchable generation projects and large-scale improvement projects at existing generation plants. Development work focuses on project origination and conceptual design leading to technology selection, cost estimates, schedules, preliminary layouts and heat & material balances to approximately the FEL-2 level of detail.

The engineer engages with major equipment vendors and construction contractors, reviews technical submittals, supports permitting and regulatory activity, and advises senior leadership about fleet planning strategy. The role may support detailed design or construction activities but is focused on earlier pre‑construction development work.

• Manage third‑party engineering support contracts, prepare technical specifications, and develop plant layouts, process flow diagrams, emissions estimates, plant performance estimates, sizing of mechanical equipment, and develop engineering standards.
• Lead multiple critical or complex projects including research, design, equipment specification and selection, installation, start‑up, commissioning and evaluation of work progress and results.
• Act as advisor to management and customers on advanced technical research studies and applications, and manage bid/evaluation processes including preparation of bid documents, technical evaluations for proposals, and review and approval of recommendations for selection.
• Provide oversight of engineers, interns, craft personnel, technicians and other professionals, and form mentoring relationships with less experienced engineers.

• Required bachelor’s degree in engineering from ABET‑accredited curriculum (preferred mechanical or chemical engineering).
• 9+ years relevant engineering experience with Professional Engineer registration required; 15+ years relevant engineering experience without registration.

• PMP certification.
• Experience in power project development including origination, technology selection, environmental permitting, performance calculations, contract support, etc.
• Experience with low‑carbon or emerging energy process technology such as synthetic fuels, carbon capture, nuclear energy, thermal energy storage, geothermal power, etc.
• Project management skills or history of leading multi‑discipline project teams.

Mid‑Senior level

Full‑time

Engineering and Information Technology

Utilities

Annual Incentive Program, Medical/Pharmacy Plan, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Dependent Care Reimbursement Account, Health Care Reimbursement Account, Health Savings Account (HSA) (if enrolled in eligible health plan), Limited‑Purpose FSA (if enrolled in eligible health plan and HSA), Transportation Reimbursement Account, Short‑term disability (STD), Long‑term disability (LTD), Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Fitness Center Reimbursement (if enrolled in eligible health plan), Tuition reimbursement, Transit programs, Employee recognition program, Pension, 401(k) plan, Paid time off (PTO), Holidays, Volunteer Paid Time Off (VPTO), Parental Leave.

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.

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01/05/26