Joint Use and Construction Engineer

NorthWestern Energy; Helena (MT); Hybrid; USD 74,000 - 108,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401K match

Healthcare & wellbeing

Life Insurance

Paid time off

Paid holidays

Volunteer opportunities

Paid training

Parental leave

Job summary

NorthWestern Energy in Montana is seeking a Joint Use & Construction Engineer to manage joint use attachments on power poles, review third-party designs, and ensure construction meets standards and codes.

The role requires a B.S. in Engineering (Dec 2026 grads encouraged), knowledge of NESC/NEC, and familiarity with SAP and DDS. Office-based with some field work and a telecommuting option within the service territory.

Qualifications

• Requires a B.S. degree in Engineering; December 2026 grads encouraged to apply.
• Experience with SAP, line design and DDS preferred.
• Knowledge of NESC and NEC.
• Valid driver's license.

Responsibilities

• Respond quickly and professionally to support data and field requests.
• Review joint use (telecommunication) attachment applications.
• Review engineering work for accuracy and constructability.
• Provide crew instruction, clarification, and guidance during construction as needed.
• Attend meetings to report progress and issues.
• Maintain positive working relationships with all NorthWestern Energy departments and contractors.
• Job time is primarily spent in an office with some field work.
• Ensure safety and ethics compliance.
• Contribute to solutions that meet codes and standards.

Skills

Interpersonal communication

Organizational skills

Analytical skills

Teamwork

Ability to work under pressure

Self-starter

Attention to detail

Decision making

Education

B.S. in Engineering

2026 graduates encouraged

Tools

SAP

Line design

DDS

NESC/NEC knowledge

Job description

Work Location : All major Montana locations, excluding Bozeman

Pay range : $74,000 to $107,500 per year

Employment Status: Regular Full-time

About this position:

The Joint Use & Construction Engineer will primarily be involved with all aspects of joint use attachments. You will be responsible for the assessment and quality control of telecommunication attachments being added to existing power poles within Northwestern Energy service territory in Montana. You will verify third party engineering design of these attachments while meeting company standards, applicable codes, and constructability requirements.

We offer great benefits:

NorthWestern Energy is a fully regulated electric and natural gas utility serving Montana, South Dakota and Nebraska. We employ over 1,600 amazing people and serve over 800,000 customers who are our neighbors in our communities. We are a top employer and offer competitive benefits, including:

• 401K with company match up to 4% and non-elective contribution up to 7%
• Healthcare and wellbeing programs, including dental and vision for you, your spouse and dependents, Health Savings Account (HSA), healthcare and dependent care flexible spending account (FSA)
• Employee Assistance Programs (Offering up to six free counseling sessions, per person, per issue, per year for employees, spouses and dependents to include financial heath)
• Life Insurance (Company pays basic employee policy; spouse, dependent insurance also available)
• Competitive pay (Scheduled performance-based wage increases and annual incentive opportunities.)
• Paid company endorsed volunteer opportunities
• Paid parental leave
• Paid training opportunities
• Paid time off starting on your first day, plus 11 paid holidays

Benefits may vary by position or as negotiated as part of a collective bargaining agreement.

About this job:

• Respond quickly and professionally to support data and field requests as required
• Review joint use (telecommunication) attachment applications
• Review engineering work for accuracy and constructability
• Provide crew instruction, clarification, and guidance during construction as needed.
• Attend meetings to report progress and issues
• Maintain positive working relationships with all NorthWestern Energy departments and contractors
• Job time is primarily spent in an office and with some field work
• The ability to maintain regular, reliable, and punctual attendance is an essential function of this position, consistent with applicable laws and reasonable accommodation requirements
• All NorthWestern Energy employees are required to adhere to company safety standards and the Code of Business Conduct & Ethics
• Ensure all actions are consistent with NorthWestern Energy's values, mission, and strategic business objective

The Engineering Position will also include the following duties:

• Review engineering work for accuracy and constructability and provide recommendations for changes to adhere to construction standards
• Contribute to solutions that meet technical requirements, applicable codes, applicable standards, and regulatory requirements

Am I right for this job? Here's the success profile:

• Demonstrate and maintain a good safety record.
• Strong interpersonal communication skills
• Must have a B.S. degree in Engineering (December 2026 grads encouraged to apply)
• Working knowledge and experience in construction and design preferred
• Experience with SAP, line design and DDS preferred
• Knowledge of NESC and NEC
• Valid driver's license and satisfactory driving record
• Must be very proficient with computers and related equipment
• Good organizational and technical skills are necessary
• Ability to plan and prioritize numerous responsibilities
• Must be a highly motivated, self-starter with good analytical, interpersonal, and team skills
• Must be able to handle high-stress situations and make decisions quickly and accurately
• Must have very good attention to detail and be able to consolidate information and ideas
• Must work effectively with minimal supervision
• Get Into Energy - Energy Industry Fundamental 2.0 certification is a plus

Requisition #5060

Posting Dates: August 24, 2026 through September 7, 2026

Department/Division: Operations-Central Construction

Employment Physical: May be Required

Drug Test: Required

Telecommuting: Part-time Negotiable within NorthWestern Energy Service Territory

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information or any other protected class in accordance with applicable federal or state laws and statutes. In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act, should you have a disability that requires assistance and/or reasonable accommodation with the job application process, please contact the Human Resources department at 1-800-245-6977 or at [e-mail].