Network Reliability Lead

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

The Network Reliability Lead position manages and is responsible for the real-time operation and reliability of Xcel Energy's transmission system. The Network Reliability Lead supervises the actions of the Transmission System Operator and Balancing Authority Operator working directly on shift. Oversees Transmission Desk and Balancing Authority Desk issues and is responsible to conduct training exercises and determining shift coverage for safe, reliable 24 X 7 operations. The Network Reliability Lead makes final operational decisions in the real-time operation and reliability of Xcel Energy's transmission system. The Network Reliability Lead is responsible for making internal and external communications and coordination during normal and emergency operating conditions. Act as an Incident Leader during emergency conditions and manage EverBridge alerts and situation rooms.

Essential Responsibilities

• Maintain security & reliability of Xcel Energy transmission system thru management of real-time operation, emergency operations, system disturbances, & coordination with internal & external entities. Maintain & monitor real-time transmission system configuration in Network Analysis & Contingency Analysis tools to identify SOL/IROL violations or local area problems. Formulate pre & post-contingency actions based on actual or expected system conditions. Ensure adherence to approved operating guides, operations policies & procedures. Make necessary communications & event notifications to applicable entities. Act as Incident Leader during emergency conditions & manage EverBridge alerts /situation rooms. Assure compliance with NERC, regional, & regulatory standards/reporting requirements. Perform necessary actions, incl. load shedding, to maintain transmission system security. Monitor functionality of operator tools & that the control center environment is conducive to real time operation
• Manage and coordinate functional duties of the Xcel Energy Transmission System Operators, including, but not limited to, supervising switching on the Xcel Energy transmission system to ensure safety, prevent damage to equipment, and minimize the possibility of loss of service to customers. Provide approval for switching procedures.
• Manage and coordinate functional duties of the Xcel Energy Balancing Authority Operators, including, but not limited to, supervising the requesting of Xcel Energy generation on-line or re-dispatch as necessary to maintain grid reliability, overseeing posting of available transmission capacity, and compliance with transmission service requests and tagging.
• Ensure effective control center communication with adjacent Balancing Authorities, Transmission Operators, Reliability Coordinators, and others as required. Communicate system status to Reliability Coordinators and affected Transmission Operators, Balancing Authorities, and Xcel Energy management. Work closely with Real-time Planning Engineers and Outage Coordinators to ensure coordinated system operation and to minimize unexpected abnormal conditions. Direct system restoration duties. Ensure proper shift coverage for the safe, reliable 24 X 7 operation of the Xcel Eenrgy transmission system.
• Set goals and job performance standards, provide recommendations regarding job performance, and provide input to management for performance reviews for Balancing Authority Operators and Transmission System Operators. Develop operator training plans and perform operator training to increase expertise in the Balancing Authority Area and transmission system operations. Ensure NERC training requirements are met. Identify areas of concern regarding personnel development and make recommendations regarding action plans for improvement and implement those plans.
• Maintain thorough knowledge and understanding of system operation, including but not limited to new equipment, relaying, protective schemes, equipment upgrades, tagging, OASIS, Energy Accounting, current FERC, NERC, RRO and RTO requirements. Assist in the development and maintenance of training materials, training plans, and job tasks. Maintaining NERC Certification through completion of required training is a condition of continued employment. Represent the control center at organizational and external meetings. Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum of 8 years of Balancing Authority Operator (BAO) or Transmission System Operator (TSO) experience.
• A combination of 5 years of BAO or TSO experience AND 5 years of experience working with high-voltage auxiliary electrical systems, instrumentation & control/relay systems may be considered in lieu of the 8 years BAO or TSO experience.
• Successful completion of EEI System Operator/Power Dispatching (SOPD) screening test required.
• NERC certified & qualified as a Transmission System Operator & Balancing Authority Operator is required.
• Demonstrated knowledge of transmission switching, balancing authority operation.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze and solve complex problems, develop solutions, and coordinated action plan.

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: $50.30 to $72.04 per hour

This position is eligible for the following benefits: Spot On Bonus, 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: 11/02/25

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ACCESSIBILITY STATEMENT
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