Job Title: Substation Electrical Engineer (Field-Based)

Requisition: 1531 – Electrical Engineers

Location: Minnesota

Positions Available

• Position 1: Substation Electrical Engineer
• Position 2: Senior Substation Electrical Engineer (PE required)
  
  

Position Summary

Xcel Energy is seeking field-based Substation Electrical Engineers to support brownfield substation projects across Minnesota. These roles focus on upgrade, integration, replacement, and maintenance of existing substation equipment. The engineer will work in the field supporting breaker replacements, transformer filling activities, equipment upgrades, and system integrations using existing designs.

This position does not involve designing new equipment. Instead, it emphasizes hands-on field execution, troubleshooting, coordination, and ensuring equipment is installed, updated, and maintained according to established engineering plans and standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Support brownfield substation activities, including breaker replacements and transformer filling (equipment already designed).
• Perform equipment upgrades, replacements, and system integrations within existing substations.
• Maintain and update substation electrical equipment and systems.
• Read and interpret blueprints, schematics, wiring diagrams, and electrical drawings.
• Provide field-level electrical troubleshooting during installation, commissioning, and maintenance activities.
• Support breaker replacement activities, including basic reprogramming when required.
• Work with SAP projects, documentation, and asset tracking as needed.
• Interface with PLC systems (no programming required, but familiarity is beneficial).
• Ensure compliance with safety standards, procedures, and Xcel Energy requirements.
• Coordinate with project teams, contractors, and operations personnel during field execution.
  
  

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering (or related electrical discipline).
• Substation field experience or strong working knowledge of substation environments.
• Ability to work in the field and around energized electrical equipment.
• Strong understanding of electrical systems and power distribution equipment.
• Proficiency in:
• Electrical troubleshooting
• Blueprint and schematic reading
• Wiring diagrams
• Willingness to travel to substations as required within Minnesota.
  

Position-Specific Requirements

Substation Electrical Engineer (1-5 Years Experience)

• Strong foundational knowledge of substation equipment and electrical systems.
• Ability to learn on-the-job under the guidance of senior engineers and field leads.
• EIT certification preferred but not required.
  
  

Senior Substation Electrical Engineer (5+ Years Experience)

• 5+ years of substation electrical engineering field experience.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license in the State of Minnesota – required.
• Proven experience supporting substation upgrades, breaker replacements, and system integrations.
• Ability to independently support field activities and provide technical guidance.
• Strong experience with SAP projects and documentation workflows.
  
  

Preferred Skills

• Familiarity with PLC systems (programming not required, exposure preferred).
• Experience with breaker reprogramming during equipment replacement.
• Background working with firms such as 1TEC Engineering, Integral Power, or similar substation-focused organizations.
• Prior experience in field service electrical engineering roles within utility or power environments.
  
  

Ideal Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate is a hands-on, field-focused Substation Electrical Engineer who enjoys working directly in substations, supporting upgrades and maintenance—not designing equipment. This role is well-suited for engineers who thrive in operational environments and have strong electrical troubleshooting and field execution skills.

Pay Rate Range

46 - 61 USD hourly