Principal AI Architect

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.

Principal AI Architect

Position Summary

The Principal IT Architect is a key role within the IT organization. They lead, own and govern the vision, roadmap, use of architecture design patterns, data tools and principles that align to the overarching IT Strategy and optimally serve their respective domain. They consult and collaborate cross-organizationally to support delivery of end-to-end capabilities. They own, report, and consult on the overall health and corresponding risks of the technical domain. In addition to strategic leadership, this role requires direct technical engagement in designing, building, and deploying AI solutions that advance our enterprise AI strategy.

Essential Responsibilities

• Technical Solution Delivery: Actively participate in the hands-on development, prototyping, and implementation of AI models, algorithms, and platforms.
• AI Engineering: Collaborate with engineering teams to architect, code, and optimize AI-driven applications and services.
• Innovation Through Execution: Lead by example in applying advanced AI techniques and tools to solve real-world business challenges, ensuring solutions are robust, scalable, and aligned with strategic goals.
• Leadership: Lead work cross-organizationally through coaching and feedback, and through significant interactions and influence with leaders. Govern work efforts to ensure alignment with reference architecture, IT strategy and policy. Collaborate cross-organizationally to influence alignment on and adoption of enterprise architecture standards.
• Technical Expertise: Provide consultation and direction to delivery and operational teams on optimal architecture for respective solutions. Maintain state-of-the-art expertise of enterprise architecture technologies, frameworks, and industry innovations.
• Planning and Strategy: Participate in creation and renewal of an overarching IT strategy. Develop and enforce reference architecture standards that are aligned with IT strategies and principles. Contribute to architecture road maps and provide input to technology roadmaps. Ensure the domain IT Strategy align with Enterprise Architecture framework and standards.
• Architectural Operations: Review and approve projects and work efforts to ensure that they are compliant with architectural standards. Track and manage exceptions to standards. Continuously improve operational processes. Assess, report, and make recommendations to eliminate operational risk related to technology or architecture.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Technology, Science, Business or related field.
• Ten years of related functional experience
• Demonstrated experience in hands-on development of AI solutions, including model building, data engineering, and deployment in production environments.
• Proficiency with AI development frameworks.
• Proven track record of delivering enterprise-grade AI solutions from concept to production.
• Excellent communication skills, effective with varying organizational levels and skill sets
• Excellent Relationship Management and collaboration skills, with a track record of working as one team cross-organizationally to drive innovation and business results
• Strong architecture acumen across multiple domains including network, infrastructure, software, hosting models, applications, data, mobile platforms, and security.
• Strong knowledge of core aspects of enterprise architecture (Software, Hardware, Network, Integration, Data, hosting models, platform types, etc.)
• In-depth expertise in at least two areas of Architecture competency such as AI/generative AI, SOA, TOGAF, BPM, Data Analytics, standards & governance, or enterprise architecture frameworks
• Expertise on future technology trends within area of expertise.
• Expertise in architectural review and technology lifecycle management disciplines
• Experience in a leading role in project delivery & solutions architecture
• Experience successfully owning and driving strategic roadmap planning, and simplifying technology eco-systems

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: 12/18/25

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ACCESSIBILITY STATEMENT
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