Principal Development Engineer; Mechanical​/Process

Position: Principal Development Engineer (Mechanical/Process)

• Denver, Colorado, 80205, United States of America
• Minneapolis, Minnesota, 55401
• Amarillo, Texas, 79101

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 Principal Development Engineer (Mechanical/Process) 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 is largely focused on project origination and conceptual design leading to technology selection, cost estimates, schedules, preliminary layouts and heat & material balances, etc.,

to approximately the FEL-2 level of detail. The work also includes engagement with major equipment vendors and construction contractors, reviewing technical submittals, supporting permitting and regulatory activity, and advising senior leadership about fleet planning strategy. The role may support detailed design or construction activities but is focused on earlier pre-construction development work.

Specific duties include managing 3rd party engineering support contracts, preparing technical specifications, developing plant layouts, process flow diagrams, emissions estimates, plant performance estimates, sizing mechanical equipment, developing engineering standards, and similar tasks.

Experience with utility-scale power technology such as steam cycles, combustion turbines, combined cycles, and/or reciprocating engines is required.

Experience with low-carbon or emerging energy process technology like synthetic fuels, thermal energy storage, geothermal power, etc. is preferred. This is a principal-level role. Accordingly, the candidate is expected to work independently with minimal need for technical direction while working collaboratively to advise a diverse project team including project managers, environmental professionals, supply chain, fuels and transmission representatives, leadership, etc. The candidate is expected to mentor earlier-career engineers, but the role does not have direct reports.

Position Summary

Viewed as the technical engineer or subject matter expert for the organization in the application of advanced theories, concepts, principles, and processes for an assigned area of responsibility (i.e. subject matter, function, type of facility, equipment or product). Contributes to the development of new principles and concepts. Problems must be approached through a series of complex and conceptually related studies, are difficult to define, require unconventional or innovative approaches, and require sophisticated research techniques.

Responsible for major project or several complex projects of moderate to large scope. Serves as organization spokesperson on advanced projects and/or programs. Acts as advisor to management and customers on advanced technical research studies and applications. Maintains contacts with individuals and units within and outside the corporation for action on technical matters. Works under consultative direction toward broad general goals and objectives.

Assignments are often self-initiated. Determine and pursue courses of action necessary to obtain desired results. Work checked through consultation and agreement with others rather than by formal review of superior. May provide work direction for a team of engineers, technicians and other professionals as necessary to complete assignments. This includes evaluation of work progress and results/feedback to supervisors on performance.

May lead multiple critical and/or complex projects.

Essential Responsibilities

• Applies extensive technical expertise and has a higher-level understanding of the basic principles of other related disciplines. Fully demonstrates the unique technical skills and core competencies for this engineering level by applying advanced technical principles, theories and concepts, and contributes to the development of new principles, concepts and technical standards. Fully demonstrates unique technical skills.
• As a recognized internal technical SME, conceives plans and conducts research to develop procedures, codes and standards in problem areas of considerable scope and complexity and supports the development of technical documentation through a series of complex and conceptually related studies requiring unconventional or innovative approaches.
• Exercises authority and technical leadership on assignments that are often self-initiated and self-directed. Assignments are strategic and have significant long-term implications to achievement of overall business objectives.
• May lead multiple critical and/or complex projects including research, design, equipment specification & selection, installation, start-up, commissioning…