Xcel Energy

Senior or Principal Simulator Lead - Nuclear

Welch, MN

$95,200-$155,500

About This Job

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 Simulator Lead is a highly skilled subject matter expert that leads and manages the simulator support team to ensure all facilities, equipment, and materials meet regulatory and industry standards. Responsibilities include overseeing Simulator Work Orders, driving simulator modifications, and integrating advanced technologies for operator training. The position also directs the procurement, installation, and maintenance of simulator hardware, managing contracts, and collaborating with site organizations to optimize simulator usage. This role serves as an expert-level resource while providing mentorship and coaching to training instructors, designing and delivering training programs, and addressing emergent training needs to support seamless operations.

Essential Responsibilities - Senior Operations Instructor

•

Leads, Develops and conducts training in the classroom and/or simulator for all operator training programs including non-licensed operator, licensed operator, Shift Manager and Shift Technical Advisor training per NRC requirements. Develop and administer examinations for all operator training programs.

•

Analyze programs, operational experience and designs training for all operations training programs including non-licensed operator, licensed operator, Shift Manager and Shift Technical Advisor training. Leads Assist with self-assessments and other evaluations of the various operator training programs.

•

Continuously pursues personnel development, learning and qualifications to support the various operator training programs such as general instructor, simulator booth operator, SRO Certification, and simulator floor instructor. Once qualified, maintain SRO Certification to support instructional needs

•

Participates as a member of the site Emergency Response Organization (ERO).

•

Supports plant refueling outages by transitioning to the plant staff during refueling outages and assists with in-processing training for supplemental workers

Minimum Requirements - Senior Operations Instructor

•

Diploma or GED, plus, Associate's degree or equivalent experience required. Military or commercial nuclear experience is considered equivalent on a 1:1 basis. Bachelor's degree preferred.

•

Requires history of RO or SRO license/SRO Certification.

•

Requires 5 or more years of work experience related to plant operation, including 3 years of training related experience. Any combination of instructional or work experience related to the operation of a commercial or military nuclear facility; military or commercial instructor, public education or college/technical school teacher, or qualified in-plant trainer.

•

National Academy of Nuclear Training (NANT) instructor qualification or must be qualified within 1-year of assignment.

•

Must be familiar with SAT principles and applicable regulatory requirements associated with licensed and non-licensed operators.

•

Must be familiar with requirements to maintain accreditation of the operator training programs.

•

Ability to obtain and maintain unescorted access to nuclear power plant required.

The anticipated starting salary for a Senior Operations Instructor is: $95,200-$135,200.

Essential Responsibilities - Principal Operations Instructor

•

Lead and manage the simulator support team, ensuring that all simulator facilities, equipment, and materials meet the highest regulatory and industry standards. Develop strategic plans for simulator enhancements and training facility upgrades.

•

Oversee the assignment and coordination of Simulator Work Orders, spearhead simulator modifications, and drive the investigation and integration of cutting-edge technologies to support advanced operator training.

•

Direct the procurement, installation, and maintenance of simulator hardware, ensuring robust support programs are in place. Administer and manage contracts for simulator projects, including comprehensive needs assessments, bid specifications, evaluations, and oversight of procured services.

•

Exhibit strong leadership, interpersonal, and collaborative skills by working closely with site organizations to optimize simulator usage and provide expert assistance to the simulator group. Proactively address emergent training needs and performance issues to ensure seamless plant operations.

•

Mentor and coach simulator staff and operator training instructors on advanced simulator operations, scenario development, and Scenario Based Testing. Design and deliver high-impact training programs and examinations in both classroom and simulator settings to elevate operator proficiency.

Minimum Requirements - Principal Operations Instructor

•

Diploma or GED, plus, Associate’s degree or equivalent experience required. Bachelor’s degree preferred.

•

Requires history of RO or SRO license/SRO Certification.

•

Requires 10 or more years of applicable work experience including 5 years of Simulator Lead related experience. Any combination of instructional or work experience related to the operation of a commercial or military nuclear facility; military or commercial instructor, public education or college/technical schoolteacher, or qualified in-plant trainer. Military or commercial nuclear experience is considered equivalent on a 1:1 basis.

•

National Academy of Nuclear Training (NANT) instructor qualification or must be qualified within 1-year of assignment.

•

Must be familiar with SAT principles and applicable regulatory requirements associated with simulators (10CFR55.46 and ANS/ANSI-3.5).

•

Must be an expert with requirements to maintain accreditation of simulators. Ability to obtain and maintain unescorted access to nuclear power plant required.

The anticipated starting salary for a Principal Operations Instructor is: $109,500-155,500.

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: $95,200.00 to $155,500.00 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: 06/17/25

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

Similar Jobs