Director Grid Strategy and Emerging Technology

• Denver, Colorado, 80223, United States of America
• St Paul, Minnesota, 55117

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.

Position Summary

Provides visionary and strategic leadership related to operational impacts for Distributed Energy Resources (DER) Integration, Energy Storage and Grid Operations & System performance groups. Leads engineering team responsible for development, implementation and management of technical areas for new and emerging industry technology: the integration of DER; the, implementation and integration of electric battery storage systems including electric vehicles (EV), and the analysis of grid performance and integration of new utility technologies. Interacts with Senior Executives, Regulatory, Utility Commissions and key stakeholders to develop and implement plans policy and practices to safely, reliably, and effectively interconnect and deploy DERs, EVs, and emerging technologies.

Essential Responsibilities

• Primary accountability and lead for the DER Interconnection processes, including compliance. Responsible for the deployment of emerging DER pilots and demonstrations and other emerging technology. Responsible for developing requirements for new platforms to accommodate DER. Understand financial impacts of decisions or policies and drive the development of operational and regulatory plans to gain approval and regulatory recovery. Analyzes and evaluates value propositions and business cases. Through benchmarking and research, identify organizational opportunities to create efficiencies in the integration processes.
• Accountable for the deployment of new company owned or front of the meter battery storage systems. Provide technical leadership on integration requirements and ongoing people, processes and technology requirements. Investigate new battery storage technology to meet safety, reliability and other needs. Responsible for developing engineering and operations requirements related to aggregated DER markets such as FERC 2222 sand performing cursory capacity customer checks for EVs Lead research investments through EPRI, NREL and similar entities to gain value and insights to guide technical requirements.
• Lead and participate in public and regulatory arenas to champion the company's commitment, concerns and position related to DER engineering areas and Quality Service Plan aspects as well as other job area responsibilities as they arise. Provide support to regulatory and testimony as necessary. Stay abreast of technical research and public policy; advocate for policies that shape the company's strategic direction Responsible for working with internal stakeholders to build capital budget for Distribution Operations as well as manage and forecast throughout the year. Responsible for project management of capital projects assigned.
• Evaluate, develop, construct and operate new technologies and emerging DERMS platforms on the distribution grid to meet operational objectives and future needs as identified by the Integrated System Planning group and other stakeholders. Provides for ongoing, effective and clear communication of the organizational vision, mission, key objectives and individual roles to employees and leaders. Establishes effective working relationships to maximize efficiency, responsiveness and resource allocation.
• Lead DER integration process ensuring compliance with tariffs and commission rules. Through benchmarking and research, identify organizational opportunities to create efficiencies in the integration processes. Develop long and short-range plans.
• Responsible for system performance directives and follow-up compliance assessment. Prepare and manage business plans and budgets for System Performance. Assures compliance with regulatory procedural requirements and determines data/reporting needs.
• Organizational Effectiveness - Lead the recruitment, retention, and development of a highly performing team emphasizing leadership and development in an operating environment that embraces diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field required.
• 10 years of work experience within the electric delivery industry which includes 5 years of middle management experience.
• Proven expertise in energy storage, DER integration and emerging technologies.
• Ability to drive major initiatives, significant communication and influence skills (written and verbal).
• Demonstrated management history of cultivating positive operating cultures.
• Demonstrated knowledge of management systems, safety manual and labor agreement is essential.
• Advanced Degree and Professional Engineer License from a state within company service territory are preferred.

As a leading combination electricity and natural gas energy company, Xcel Energy offers a comprehensive portfolio of energy-related products and services to 3.4 million electricity and 1.9 million natural gas customers across eight Western and Midwestern states. At Xcel Energy, we strive to be the preferred and trusted provider of the energy our customers need. If you're ready to be a part of something big, we invite you to join our team.

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.

Individuals with a disability who need an accommodation to apply please contact us at recruiting@xcelenergy.com .

Non-Bargaining

The anticipated starting base pay for this position is: $148,400.00 to $210,733.33 per year

This position is eligible for the following benefits: Annual Incentive Program, Long Term Incentive, 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

Benefit plans are subject to change and Xcel Energy has the right to end, suspend, or amend any of its plans, at any time, in whole or in part.

In any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information including but not limited to dates of school attendance and graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.

Deadline to Apply: 02/04/26

EEO is the Law | EEO is the Law Supplement | Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination | Equal Opportunity Policy (PDF) | Employee Rights (PDF)

All Xcel Energy employees and contractors share responsibility for protecting the company's information and systems by adhering to cybersecurity policies, standards, and best practices, recognizing that cybersecurity is everyone's responsibility.

ACCESSIBILITY STATEMENT

Xcel Energy endeavors to make https://www.xcelenergy.com/ accessible to any and all users. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact Xcel Energy Talent Acquisition at recruiting@xcelenergy.com. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.