H-1B Visa Planning Engineer Jobs
Planning Engineer jobs with H-1B visa sponsorship are available across infrastructure, construction, and energy sectors, where employers regularly file Labor Condition Applications for degree-level scheduling and project control roles. This role qualifies as a specialty occupation under H-1B, typically requiring a bachelor's degree in engineering, construction management, or a closely related field.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Xcel Energy (NASDAQ: XEL) is a leading energy provider and Fortune 500 company, dedicated to serving millions of electricity and natural gas customers across eight states: Minnesota, Colorado, Wisconsin, Michigan, North Dakota, South Dakota, New Mexico and Texas. We make energy work better for our customers, helping them thrive every day. That means always raising the bar - delivering better service and providing more reliable, resilient, and sustainable energy.
Xcel Energy is a place where you’ll have opportunities to grow, expand your skills, and help lead the clean energy transition. We offer meaningful rewards, recognition, and support to help you build your career and make an impact - both on the job and beyond. Most importantly, it means you’ll be joining a company that knows employees are the driving force behind its success and is committed to helping you be your best.
Xcel Energy supports a hybrid work model to enable collaboration and flexibility. Many roles are expected to work onsite three days per week (Tuesday–Thursday); however, work location expectations vary based on role, team, and business needs. This position can be hired at the Entry, Staff, or Senior level, depending on the candidates' overall experience, qualifications, and interview. This position will be based in Denver, Colorado on a hybrid (3 days per week in the office) work schedule.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Key Job Performance Criteria (will differ based upon job level)
Perform Comprehensive Power System Planning Studies, including:
- Steady-State Load Flow Analysis under normal and contingency conditions (N-1, N-1-1, and extreme events) to identify system limitations and develop mitigation strategies.
- Short-Circuit and Protection Coordination Studies to ensure appropriate equipment ratings, relay coordination, and breaker duty compliance, including assessments for system modifications and new interconnections.
- Dynamic Performance Assessments, including Transient Stability and Small-Signal Stability Studies to evaluate rotor angle stability, voltage recovery, and oscillatory damping performance under a wide range of system disturbances.
- Electromagnetic Transient (EMT) Analysis for evaluating control interactions and fast dynamic phenomena associated with large power electronic loads (e.g., data centers), inverter-based resources (IBRs), and FACTS devices, leveraging PSCAD/EMTDC.
- Geomagnetic Induced Current (GIC) Studies aligned with NERC TPL-007 standards to assess geomagnetic disturbance impacts on transformers and bulk electric system reliability.
Support Regulatory Compliance and Model Validation Activities:
- Perform NERC TPL-001-5.1 compliance assessments, including extreme event analyses such as CIP-014 physical security risk assessments, wide-area event simulations, and black start restoration studies.
- Support dynamic model validation efforts per WECC and NERC MOD standards, ensuring fidelity of generator, inverter, and composite load models for stability studies.
Conduct Advanced Inverter-Based Resource (IBR) Integration Studies:
- Assess grid-forming/grid-following inverter technologies and their impact on system strength, transient behavior, and control interactions.
- Apply IEEE 2800 requirements for IBR performance, including ride-through, reactive power support, and fast frequency response capabilities.
- Address challenges of high renewable penetration and develop mitigation strategies to maintain bulk power system reliability.
Support Western Interconnection and Regional Planning:
- Coordinate with WestConnect Planning Management Committee, WECC Reliability Subcommittees, and interconnection working groups to support transmission expansion planning, regional policy compliance, and reliability initiatives.
- Engage in regional and subregional transmission planning processes, contributing to multi-utility studies and cross-border resource integration scenarios.
Perform Resource Interconnection and Transmission Service Studies:
- Execute System Impact Studies (SIS) and Facility Studies consistent with FERC Order 2023 and regional tariffs.
- Evaluate interconnection requests for conventional generation, IBRs, storage, hybrid resources, and emerging technologies such as microgrids and aggregated DERs under FERC 2222 frameworks.
- Recommend necessary transmission reinforcements, upgrades, or operational solutions to accommodate new resources and loads.
Evaluate Grid-Enhancing Technologies (GETs):
- Analyze and model Dynamic Line Rating (DLR), Advanced Power Flow Controllers (APFC), and Topology Optimization (TTO) to maximize transmission efficiency and capacity without traditional infrastructure expansion.
- Support cost-benefit assessments and pilot project implementations for GETs in collaboration with operations and asset management teams.
Automation and Digitalization:
- Develop and maintain Python-based automation tools to streamline study execution, scenario management, and results post-processing for PSSE, PSLF, TARA, TSAT, PSCAD simulations.
- Advance digital workflows to reduce engineering effort, improve repeatability, and enable high-volume interconnection and compliance studies.
Reporting, Regulatory Filings, and Knowledge Dissemination:
- Author and deliver technical reports, regulatory filings, and executive summaries for internal leadership and external regulatory agencies.
- Present findings at regional stakeholder meetings, industry conferences (e.g., IEEE PES, CIGRÉ), and technical workshops to communicate planning approaches and emerging challenges.
Industry Engagement and Representation:
- Represent Xcel Energy in NERC working groups, IEEE technical committees, WECC Model Validation Working Group, WestConnect Planning forums, and other industry task forces focused on dynamic performance, renewable integration, and bulk power system reliability.
Mentorship and Technical Leadership:
- Mentor engineers, interns, and analysts on advanced simulation methodologies, IBR modeling, EMT techniques, and emerging grid technologies.
- Provide technical leadership to internal teams, fostering expertise development in grid dynamics, automation, and planning best practices.
- Lead internal technical workshops and contribute to the development of best-in-class planning documentation and standards.
- Support development of capital budgets, conceptual transmission projects, and economic analyses in joint planning contexts.
POSITION SUMMARY: Transmission Planning Engineer (Entry Level)
Annual Base Salary $70,000 - $88,666
This is an entry level position designed to develop technical expertise in transmission planning and power systems simulations. The Engineer performs work that involves conventional plans, investigations, studies, or modeling equipment with relatively few complex features and for which there are precedents. Activities are of limited scope requiring knowledge of principles and techniques commonly employed in power systems engineering. Engineer will work under the guidance of more senior engineers, learning the intricacies of planning and modeling tools used for system evaluations and contributing to large system studies that span multiple years into the future. As proficiency is gained, may work on portions of larger projects. Works under supervision and follows established procedures. May supervise or coordinate the work of interns, technicians and/or others and develop scope of work documents under the supervision of higher-level engineers. This role requires a balance of technical acumen and strong communication skills, as the entry-level engineer will need to convey technical concepts clearly and effectively to both technical and non-technical stakeholders. Communication will occur in various formats, including in-person meetings, virtual discussions, and written reports.
Essential Responsibilities:
- Under the direction of higher-level engineer or supervisor: performs model development, modeling reviews, design, and analysis of Xcel Energy assets using PSSE, PSLF, TARA, DSA Tools or similar software
- Develops study documentation and may assist with the development of procedures.
- Development of technical skillsets
- Coordinate the work of interns and technicians.
- Explores or implements new processes to improve the Integrated System Planning department's ability to perform its tasks
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
- Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering and/or Physics from ABET accredited curriculum (or recognized equivalency).
- 0+ years relevant engineering experience.
- EIT/FE (Engineer in Training/Fundamentals of Engineering) preferred.
- Graduate degree in fields above preferred.
- Course experience in Introduction to Power Systems (or similar course) preferred.
- Internship experience within power industry.
POSITION SUMMARY: Staff Transmission Planning Engineer
Annual Base Salary $81,800 - $106,266
Working under general direction, demonstrates complete understanding and wide application of power systems engineering technical principles, theories, and concepts. Independently determines and develops approaches to solutions. Receives technical guidance on complex problems; completed work reviewed for adequacy in meeting objectives. May lead small/medium projects or implement critical projects under direction of higher-level engineer or supervisor. May provide work direction to other professionals and/or staff. Represents the organization in providing solutions to difficult technical issues associated with specific projects. Frequent inter-organizational and outside customer contact. Demonstrates a broad knowledge and proficiency of precedents in the power systems modeling and transmission planning, a good knowledge of related specialties, and general knowledge of other related disciplines. May be asked to support company within Regional Transmission Organization (RTO) working groups and/or task forces. This role requires a balance of technical acumen and strong communication skills, as the staff engineer will need to convey technical concepts clearly and effectively to both technical and non-technical stakeholders. Communication will occur in various formats, including in-person meetings, virtual discussions, and written reports.
Essential Responsibilities:
- Scopes and/or performs power system simulations to evaluate reliability. Work is checked by a higher-level engineer or manager
- Develops study documentation and may assist with the development of procedures.
- Supports and maintains compliance with NERC and FERC standards through evidence development.
- Constructs information and data to be exchanged with other Integrated System Planning groups and external entities
- Power systems studies engineer: Coordinates model development activities to ensure all metrics of RTO/RE and internal criteria are met
- Transmission planning engineer: Develops simple scopes of work to guide long-range transmission system plans
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering and/or Physics from ABET accredited curriculum (or recognized equivalency).
- 2+ years of demonstrated experience.
- Experience with at least one power system transmission analysis tool, such as PSSE, TARA, EMS, ASPEN, CAPE, PROMOD, PLEXOS, PowerWorld, PSCAD or other similar analysis software.
- Demonstrates broad knowledge and proficiency in power systems studies or transmission planning, knowledge of related specialties, and general knowledge of other related disciplines.
- EIT/FE (Engineer in Training/Fundamentals of Engineering) strongly preferred.
- Graduate degree in fields above preferred.
POSITION SUMMARY: Senior Transmission Planning Engineer
Annual Base Salary $97,000 - $129,266
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. This role requires a balance of technical acumen and strong communication skills, as the senior engineer will need to convey technical concepts clearly and effectively to both technical and non-technical stakeholders. Communication will occur in various formats, including in-person meetings, virtual discussions, presentations to leadership, and written reports.
Essential Responsibilities:
- Power systems studies engineer: Leads and performs modeling and analysis activities for steady state and stability simulations
- Transmission planning engineer: Develops scopes for studies to guide long-range transmission system plans and coordinates with other Integrated System Planning departments to ensure assumptions align across subdisciplines
- Effectively communicates the results of studies and department endeavors to a wide range of audiences through written and verbal means
- Improves Integrated System Planning procedures and techniques through largely self-directed work. Resolves difficult technical and business problems
- Implements, without substantial direction, NERC and FERC compliance activities as an SME. Activities are coordinated through the Integrated System Planning department and with external entities
- Assigns tasks to lower-level engineers, interns and technicians. Mentors and provides training materials for less experienced engineers to ensure group development
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering and/or Physics from ABET accredited curriculum (or recognized equivalency).
- 5+ years with nationally recognized certification, 7+ years without certification.
- Experience with multiple power system transmission analysis tools such as PSSE, TARA, EMS, ASPEN, CAPE, PROMOD, PLEXOS, PowerWorld, PSCAD or other similar analysis software.
PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS:
- EIT/FE (Engineer in Training/Fundamentals of Engineering and/or PE (Professional Engineer) registration.
- Graduate degree in fields above.
- PE (Professional Engineer) registration.
Our culture is grounded in shared values and employee commitments that guide how we work, support one another, and grow together.
Our Values
Connected, Committed, Trustworthy, Safe
Our Employee Commitments
- Work that makes a difference
- A team you can count of
- Opportunities to grow
- Rewards that help you thrive
Xcel Energy provides job applicants reasonable accommodations for disabilities throughout the application process. If you are in need of an accommodation to complete the application process, now or at any time in the future, please complete the Applicant Accommodation Request Form.
Non-Bargaining
The anticipated starting base pay for this position is: $70,000.00 to $145,400.00 per year
This position is eligible for the following benefits: Annual Incentive Program, Medical/Pharmacy Plan, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account, Health Care Flexible Spending 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: 11/22/26
EEO is the Law (PDF) | Equal Opportunity Statement (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 and https://jobs.xcelenergy.com accessible to any and all users. If you are in need of an accommodation to complete the application process, now or at any time in the future, please complete the Applicant Accommodation Request Form. For any other application related questions, including application follow-ups or technical issues, please use our Recruiting Assistance, Electra, for assistance. Electra can be found in the lower right-hand corner of our Xcel Energy Careers site.
INTRODUCTION
Xcel Energy (NASDAQ: XEL) is a leading energy provider and Fortune 500 company, dedicated to serving millions of electricity and natural gas customers across eight states: Minnesota, Colorado, Wisconsin, Michigan, North Dakota, South Dakota, New Mexico and Texas. We make energy work better for our customers, helping them thrive every day. That means always raising the bar - delivering better service and providing more reliable, resilient, and sustainable energy.
Xcel Energy is a place where you’ll have opportunities to grow, expand your skills, and help lead the clean energy transition. We offer meaningful rewards, recognition, and support to help you build your career and make an impact - both on the job and beyond. Most importantly, it means you’ll be joining a company that knows employees are the driving force behind its success and is committed to helping you be your best.
Xcel Energy supports a hybrid work model to enable collaboration and flexibility. Many roles are expected to work onsite three days per week (Tuesday–Thursday); however, work location expectations vary based on role, team, and business needs. This position can be hired at the Entry, Staff, or Senior level, depending on the candidates' overall experience, qualifications, and interview. This position will be based in Denver, Colorado on a hybrid (3 days per week in the office) work schedule.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Key Job Performance Criteria (will differ based upon job level)
Perform Comprehensive Power System Planning Studies, including:
- Steady-State Load Flow Analysis under normal and contingency conditions (N-1, N-1-1, and extreme events) to identify system limitations and develop mitigation strategies.
- Short-Circuit and Protection Coordination Studies to ensure appropriate equipment ratings, relay coordination, and breaker duty compliance, including assessments for system modifications and new interconnections.
- Dynamic Performance Assessments, including Transient Stability and Small-Signal Stability Studies to evaluate rotor angle stability, voltage recovery, and oscillatory damping performance under a wide range of system disturbances.
- Electromagnetic Transient (EMT) Analysis for evaluating control interactions and fast dynamic phenomena associated with large power electronic loads (e.g., data centers), inverter-based resources (IBRs), and FACTS devices, leveraging PSCAD/EMTDC.
- Geomagnetic Induced Current (GIC) Studies aligned with NERC TPL-007 standards to assess geomagnetic disturbance impacts on transformers and bulk electric system reliability.
Support Regulatory Compliance and Model Validation Activities:
- Perform NERC TPL-001-5.1 compliance assessments, including extreme event analyses such as CIP-014 physical security risk assessments, wide-area event simulations, and black start restoration studies.
- Support dynamic model validation efforts per WECC and NERC MOD standards, ensuring fidelity of generator, inverter, and composite load models for stability studies.
Conduct Advanced Inverter-Based Resource (IBR) Integration Studies:
- Assess grid-forming/grid-following inverter technologies and their impact on system strength, transient behavior, and control interactions.
- Apply IEEE 2800 requirements for IBR performance, including ride-through, reactive power support, and fast frequency response capabilities.
- Address challenges of high renewable penetration and develop mitigation strategies to maintain bulk power system reliability.
Support Western Interconnection and Regional Planning:
- Coordinate with WestConnect Planning Management Committee, WECC Reliability Subcommittees, and interconnection working groups to support transmission expansion planning, regional policy compliance, and reliability initiatives.
- Engage in regional and subregional transmission planning processes, contributing to multi-utility studies and cross-border resource integration scenarios.
Perform Resource Interconnection and Transmission Service Studies:
- Execute System Impact Studies (SIS) and Facility Studies consistent with FERC Order 2023 and regional tariffs.
- Evaluate interconnection requests for conventional generation, IBRs, storage, hybrid resources, and emerging technologies such as microgrids and aggregated DERs under FERC 2222 frameworks.
- Recommend necessary transmission reinforcements, upgrades, or operational solutions to accommodate new resources and loads.
Evaluate Grid-Enhancing Technologies (GETs):
- Analyze and model Dynamic Line Rating (DLR), Advanced Power Flow Controllers (APFC), and Topology Optimization (TTO) to maximize transmission efficiency and capacity without traditional infrastructure expansion.
- Support cost-benefit assessments and pilot project implementations for GETs in collaboration with operations and asset management teams.
Automation and Digitalization:
- Develop and maintain Python-based automation tools to streamline study execution, scenario management, and results post-processing for PSSE, PSLF, TARA, TSAT, PSCAD simulations.
- Advance digital workflows to reduce engineering effort, improve repeatability, and enable high-volume interconnection and compliance studies.
Reporting, Regulatory Filings, and Knowledge Dissemination:
- Author and deliver technical reports, regulatory filings, and executive summaries for internal leadership and external regulatory agencies.
- Present findings at regional stakeholder meetings, industry conferences (e.g., IEEE PES, CIGRÉ), and technical workshops to communicate planning approaches and emerging challenges.
Industry Engagement and Representation:
- Represent Xcel Energy in NERC working groups, IEEE technical committees, WECC Model Validation Working Group, WestConnect Planning forums, and other industry task forces focused on dynamic performance, renewable integration, and bulk power system reliability.
Mentorship and Technical Leadership:
- Mentor engineers, interns, and analysts on advanced simulation methodologies, IBR modeling, EMT techniques, and emerging grid technologies.
- Provide technical leadership to internal teams, fostering expertise development in grid dynamics, automation, and planning best practices.
- Lead internal technical workshops and contribute to the development of best-in-class planning documentation and standards.
- Support development of capital budgets, conceptual transmission projects, and economic analyses in joint planning contexts.
POSITION SUMMARY: Transmission Planning Engineer (Entry Level)
Annual Base Salary $70,000 - $88,666
This is an entry level position designed to develop technical expertise in transmission planning and power systems simulations. The Engineer performs work that involves conventional plans, investigations, studies, or modeling equipment with relatively few complex features and for which there are precedents. Activities are of limited scope requiring knowledge of principles and techniques commonly employed in power systems engineering. Engineer will work under the guidance of more senior engineers, learning the intricacies of planning and modeling tools used for system evaluations and contributing to large system studies that span multiple years into the future. As proficiency is gained, may work on portions of larger projects. Works under supervision and follows established procedures. May supervise or coordinate the work of interns, technicians and/or others and develop scope of work documents under the supervision of higher-level engineers. This role requires a balance of technical acumen and strong communication skills, as the entry-level engineer will need to convey technical concepts clearly and effectively to both technical and non-technical stakeholders. Communication will occur in various formats, including in-person meetings, virtual discussions, and written reports.
Essential Responsibilities:
- Under the direction of higher-level engineer or supervisor: performs model development, modeling reviews, design, and analysis of Xcel Energy assets using PSSE, PSLF, TARA, DSA Tools or similar software
- Develops study documentation and may assist with the development of procedures.
- Development of technical skillsets
- Coordinate the work of interns and technicians.
- Explores or implements new processes to improve the Integrated System Planning department's ability to perform its tasks
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
- Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering and/or Physics from ABET accredited curriculum (or recognized equivalency).
- 0+ years relevant engineering experience.
- EIT/FE (Engineer in Training/Fundamentals of Engineering) preferred.
- Graduate degree in fields above preferred.
- Course experience in Introduction to Power Systems (or similar course) preferred.
- Internship experience within power industry.
POSITION SUMMARY: Staff Transmission Planning Engineer
Annual Base Salary $81,800 - $106,266
Working under general direction, demonstrates complete understanding and wide application of power systems engineering technical principles, theories, and concepts. Independently determines and develops approaches to solutions. Receives technical guidance on complex problems; completed work reviewed for adequacy in meeting objectives. May lead small/medium projects or implement critical projects under direction of higher-level engineer or supervisor. May provide work direction to other professionals and/or staff. Represents the organization in providing solutions to difficult technical issues associated with specific projects. Frequent inter-organizational and outside customer contact. Demonstrates a broad knowledge and proficiency of precedents in the power systems modeling and transmission planning, a good knowledge of related specialties, and general knowledge of other related disciplines. May be asked to support company within Regional Transmission Organization (RTO) working groups and/or task forces. This role requires a balance of technical acumen and strong communication skills, as the staff engineer will need to convey technical concepts clearly and effectively to both technical and non-technical stakeholders. Communication will occur in various formats, including in-person meetings, virtual discussions, and written reports.
Essential Responsibilities:
- Scopes and/or performs power system simulations to evaluate reliability. Work is checked by a higher-level engineer or manager
- Develops study documentation and may assist with the development of procedures.
- Supports and maintains compliance with NERC and FERC standards through evidence development.
- Constructs information and data to be exchanged with other Integrated System Planning groups and external entities
- Power systems studies engineer: Coordinates model development activities to ensure all metrics of RTO/RE and internal criteria are met
- Transmission planning engineer: Develops simple scopes of work to guide long-range transmission system plans
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering and/or Physics from ABET accredited curriculum (or recognized equivalency).
- 2+ years of demonstrated experience.
- Experience with at least one power system transmission analysis tool, such as PSSE, TARA, EMS, ASPEN, CAPE, PROMOD, PLEXOS, PowerWorld, PSCAD or other similar analysis software.
- Demonstrates broad knowledge and proficiency in power systems studies or transmission planning, knowledge of related specialties, and general knowledge of other related disciplines.
- EIT/FE (Engineer in Training/Fundamentals of Engineering) strongly preferred.
- Graduate degree in fields above preferred.
POSITION SUMMARY: Senior Transmission Planning Engineer
Annual Base Salary $97,000 - $129,266
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. This role requires a balance of technical acumen and strong communication skills, as the senior engineer will need to convey technical concepts clearly and effectively to both technical and non-technical stakeholders. Communication will occur in various formats, including in-person meetings, virtual discussions, presentations to leadership, and written reports.
Essential Responsibilities:
- Power systems studies engineer: Leads and performs modeling and analysis activities for steady state and stability simulations
- Transmission planning engineer: Develops scopes for studies to guide long-range transmission system plans and coordinates with other Integrated System Planning departments to ensure assumptions align across subdisciplines
- Effectively communicates the results of studies and department endeavors to a wide range of audiences through written and verbal means
- Improves Integrated System Planning procedures and techniques through largely self-directed work. Resolves difficult technical and business problems
- Implements, without substantial direction, NERC and FERC compliance activities as an SME. Activities are coordinated through the Integrated System Planning department and with external entities
- Assigns tasks to lower-level engineers, interns and technicians. Mentors and provides training materials for less experienced engineers to ensure group development
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering and/or Physics from ABET accredited curriculum (or recognized equivalency).
- 5+ years with nationally recognized certification, 7+ years without certification.
- Experience with multiple power system transmission analysis tools such as PSSE, TARA, EMS, ASPEN, CAPE, PROMOD, PLEXOS, PowerWorld, PSCAD or other similar analysis software.
PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS:
- EIT/FE (Engineer in Training/Fundamentals of Engineering and/or PE (Professional Engineer) registration.
- Graduate degree in fields above.
- PE (Professional Engineer) registration.
Our culture is grounded in shared values and employee commitments that guide how we work, support one another, and grow together.
Our Values
Connected, Committed, Trustworthy, Safe
Our Employee Commitments
- Work that makes a difference
- A team you can count of
- Opportunities to grow
- Rewards that help you thrive
Xcel Energy provides job applicants reasonable accommodations for disabilities throughout the application process. If you are in need of an accommodation to complete the application process, now or at any time in the future, please complete the Applicant Accommodation Request Form.
Non-Bargaining
The anticipated starting base pay for this position is: $70,000.00 to $145,400.00 per year
This position is eligible for the following benefits: Annual Incentive Program, Medical/Pharmacy Plan, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account, Health Care Flexible Spending 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: 11/22/26
EEO is the Law (PDF) | Equal Opportunity Statement (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 and https://jobs.xcelenergy.com accessible to any and all users. If you are in need of an accommodation to complete the application process, now or at any time in the future, please complete the Applicant Accommodation Request Form. For any other application related questions, including application follow-ups or technical issues, please use our Recruiting Assistance, Electra, for assistance. Electra can be found in the lower right-hand corner of our Xcel Energy Careers site.
See all 156+ H-1B Visa Planning Engineer Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding H-1B Visa Sponsorship as a Planning Engineer
Align your credentials to specialty occupation standards
Pull up your O*NET profile for Planning Engineer before applying. If your degree is in a field adjacent to engineering, document the technical coursework that ties it directly to project scheduling, resource allocation, and critical path methodology.
Target employers with multi-site LCA filing history
Large construction, EPC, and infrastructure firms often run projects across multiple states, each requiring a separate certified LCA per worksite. Search Migrate Mate to find employers with verified H-1B LCA filings for planning and project controls roles.
Verify prevailing wage tier before accepting an offer
Run your target city and SOC code through the OFLC Wage Search to confirm which wage level the employer is certifying. Level I wages on an LCA can signal a junior role that may face USCIS scrutiny for a credentialed planning engineer.
Get your project scheduling certifications documented early
Planning Engineer roles in infrastructure and energy increasingly require Primavera P6 or PMP credentials. Having certified documentation ready speeds up your employer's specialty occupation justification when USCIS reviews the I-129 petition.
Ask about premium processing during offer negotiation
EPC firms with active project timelines often approve premium processing to meet mobilization deadlines. Confirm before signing whether the employer will file for expedited 15-business-day adjudication through USCIS, since delays can affect your project start date.
Track cap-subject timelines against your OPT expiration
If you're on OPT, the H-1B selection rules have changed recently, so confirm your authorized period covers the gap between registration and your petition's October 1 start date. USCIS cap-gap protection extends your OPT authorization automatically if you file on time.
H-1B Visa Planning Engineer: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Planning Engineer role qualify as an H-1B specialty occupation?
Yes. Planning Engineer is a specialty occupation under H-1B because the role requires at minimum a bachelor's degree in engineering, construction management, or a directly related technical field. Employers document this by showing that industry norms require degree-level knowledge for functions like critical path scheduling, earned value analysis, and resource planning. USCIS expects the job description to reflect these degree-level duties consistently.
Which industries sponsor H-1B visas most often for Planning Engineers?
Infrastructure, oil and gas, power generation, EPC contracting, and large-scale commercial construction firms are the most active H-1B sponsors for planning and project controls professionals. These sectors run multi-year projects that require specialist scheduling expertise throughout the project lifecycle. You can browse verified sponsoring employers on Migrate Mate, which shows LCA filing history by role and location.
What happens to my H-1B status if I move to a different project site?
Each worksite requires its own certified LCA from the DOL before you can work there. If your employer assigns you to a new location not covered by the existing LCA, they must file a new one. Short-term placements under ten consecutive workdays may qualify for a short-term placement exception, but your employer's immigration team needs to confirm eligibility before the move.
How long does H-1B status last for a Planning Engineer?
H-1B status is initially granted for up to three years and can be extended for an additional three years, reaching a six-year maximum. Extensions beyond six years are possible only if a PERM labor certification or I-140 immigrant petition has been filed and meets specific timing thresholds. Plan your project commitments and green card timeline with that six-year ceiling in mind.
What documents should I prepare before my employer files the I-129 petition?
Gather your academic transcripts, degree certificates, and any credential evaluations if your degree is from outside the United States. A detailed resume showing project controls duties, software proficiencies like Primavera P6, and any professional certifications strengthens the specialty occupation case. Your employer's attorney will also need employment verification letters from previous roles that demonstrate degree-level planning work.