Major Projects, Mechanical Engineer (Entry, Staff or Senior)

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 job summary below and responsibilities reflect the senior 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 the staff and principal engineer level.  

This position offers an exciting opportunity to join the Xcel Energy team in constructing two new combustion turbines near the Denver metro area. The role involves active participation in the design and construction phases of utility-scale dispatchable generation. It is an excellent chance to develop engineering and operational skills within a rapidly expanding generation portfolio. The successful candidate will work closely with the EPC contractor, equipment suppliers, Operations, and company engineers to achieve top-quartile facility performance. They will be expected to be on-site at the Fort Saint Vrain facility (16805 County Road 19.5, Platteville, CO 80513) three days a week until the end of site commissioning (December 2027). Following this period, a hybrid work arrangement at the office will be anticipated. Strong communication skills, a proactive approach to problem-solving, and the ability to work independently with limited supervision are essential for success in this role.

Position Summary

Applies extensive technical expertise and has full knowledge of other related disciplines.  Performs as a staff advisor and consultant in a technical specialty, a type of facility or equipment, or a program function.  Carries out complex or innovative assignments requiring the development of new or improved techniques and procedures. Work is expected to result in the development of new/improved techniques and procedures or new/refined equipment, materials, processes, products, and/or scientific methods.  Represents the organization as the prime technical contact on contracts and projects and interacts with senior external personnel on significant technical matters often requiring coordination between organizations.  Work is performed without appreciable direction and considerable latitude is exercised in determining technical objectives of assignment.  Guidance relates largely to overall objectives, critical issues, new concepts and policy matters.  Completed work is reviewed from a relatively long- term perspective, for desired results.  May assign tasks to and direct engineers, technicians, craft personnel and administrative staff, including coordination and review of work assignments.  Responsible for (and may lead) multiple projects of moderate to large size or portions of major projects.  

Essential Responsibilities

• Applies extensive technical expertise and has an understanding of the basic principles of other related disciplines.  Fully demonstrates the unique technical skills and core competencies for this engineering level by applying technical standards, principles, theories, concepts, and techniques to lead projects of moderate to large size, scope and complexity.

• Largely self-directed work is expected to result in the development of new or improved techniques, procedures and standards.  Supports the development of technical documentation (including but not limited to designs, testing, calculations, reports, standards, etc.)  

• Without appreciable direction exercises considerable latitude in determining ongoing technical support for project activities within areas such as Operations, Maintenance, Testing/diagnostics and Regulatory.  Provides field engineering oversight and direction for activities such as support, testing, installation, inspections, commissioning etc. 

• Coordinates/leads multiple projects or portions of projects (including phases such as research, design, equipment selection, procurement, installation and commissioning).  May lead more critical projects with oversight of a higher-level engineer or supervisor.

• Represents the organization as the prime technical contact in the bid/evaluation processes including preparation of bid documents, completion of technical evaluations for proposals and providing recommendations for selection.  Interacts with senior external personnel on significant technical matters often requiring coordination with internal and external organizations. 

• Effectively and with precision resolves difficult technical/business matters both inter-organizationally and with outside customer/vendors with all formats of communicat