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** A Principal Data Scientist plays a crucial role in guiding and mentoring junior data analysts while advocating for best practices in statistical analysis, modeling, and Big Data capabilities. This role is pivotal in fostering effective working relationships and developing data-driven solutions that align with business goals. The Principal Data Scientist ensures the integrity and accuracy of statistical processes within the department and explores innovative data science opportunities. **Essential Responsibilities** + Advising and providing mentorship and guidance to junior data analysts. + Advocating for best-in-class processes and techniques for statistical analysis, modeling, and Big Data capabilities. + Fostering effective working relationships and data-fueled solutions that drive the business toward its goals. + Ensuring statistical integrity, accuracy, and adequacy within the department. + Innovating, exploring, and practicing the art of ‘the possible’ to uncover valuable data science opportunities and bring them to fruition. + Conducting research, designing, implementing, and deploying scalable data analytics and machine learning solutions. + Dissecting complex problems and finding data-driven solutions; addressing various business issues by leveraging diverse data sources. + Developing and maintaining an analytics infrastructure for widespread use. + Delivering advance AI and GenAI models to enable desired business outcomes. + Performing development at all stages in the data science lifecycle; working autonomously and taking ownership of projects and driving them forward. + Clearly communicating findings to technical and non-technical enterprise stakeholders in addition to various levels of organizational leadership. **Minimum Requirements** + Post graduate degree required in computer science, data science, math, statistics, or a related analytical field. + A minimum of 7 years of professional data science experience. + Proficient in various data modeling techniques and can demonstrate successful implementations in past projects. **Preferred Requirement** + Utility experience 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: $125,900.00 to $178,766.00 per year This position is eligible for the following benefits: Annual Incentive Program, 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: 09/11/25 EEO is the Law (https://www.dol.gov/agencies/ofccp/posters) | EEO is the Law Supplement (https://www.dol.gov/agencies/ofccp/posters) | Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination (https://www.dol.gov/agencies/ofccp/posters) | Equal Opportunity Policy (PDF) (https://www.xcelenergy.com/staticfiles/xe/Corporate/Corporate%20PDFs/Equal\_Opportunity\_Policy.pdf) | Employee Rights (PDF) (https://www.xcelenergy.com/staticfiles/xe-responsive/assets/images/Content/Careers/Xcel-Energy-Careers-Employee-Rights.pdf) **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.