Performance Engineer - Electric Generation

NiSource Inc.; Valparaiso (IN); On-site; USD 70,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

NiSource Inc. is seeking a Performance Engineer– Electric Generation to monitor asset performance and health, analyze SCADA data, and drive actions to maximize availability and net energy production across generation assets.

The role supports maintenance planning, investigations, and data-driven decision making within a multifaceted engineering team. The position aligns with a multi‑level engineering career ladder, with responsibilities spanning Associate through Senior levels, and requires

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Engineering or Engineering Technology from an ABET‑accredited program (degree completion by May 30, 2026).
• 0–12+ months of relevant experience (including internships, co‑ops, or research).
• Basic knowledge of power generation and renewable assets (wind, solar, battery).
• Basic knowledge of Microsoft Excel and Word, AutoCAD, time‑series data, drawings.
• Ability to research and extract information from drawings and manuals.
• Ability to create basic reports with assistance.

Responsibilities

• Monitor, trend, and report generation asset performance and health to maximize availability, reliability, and net energy production.
• Analyze SCADA and asset management software data to produce stakeholder‑ready reports and KPI reporting.
• Develop and maintain performance baselines and lost production accounting for derates, outages, and constraints.
• Lead investigations of lost production and data outages; prioritize corrective actions and validate results.
• Support performance analytics testing of SCADA and Asset Management data for new sites.
• Improve data quality by validating instrument health and tag configuration; ensure proper calibration planning.

Skills

Python

SQL

SCADA

Asset Management

Education

Bachelor of Science in Engineering (ABET‑accredited)

Job description

Performance Engineer– Electric Generation

The Performance Engineer monitors, identifies, tracks, analyzes, and reports on the performance and health of electric generation assets to maximize availability, reliability, and net energy production. This role interprets Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) and Asset Management software data, develops expected actual performance baselines, and delivers clear, stakeholder‑ready reports that quantify losses from equipment conditions, controls issues, operating constraints, environmental limits and risk management. The Performance Engineer partners closely with Operations and Maintenance, Environmental, and Real‑Time Systems to investigate and track lost production, recommend and track corrective actions, and validate results. Through trend analysis and early‑failure detection, the role supports predictive and preventative maintenance planning. Recommends, evaluates, oversees and verifies performance improvement of assets and asset management software. This position is posted as a five‑level job family (Associate through Senior); placement will align with the selected candidate’s education, experience, and qualifications.

Key Responsibilities

• Monitor, trend, and report generation asset performance and health to maximize availability, reliability, and net energy production.


• Analyze SCADA and asset management software data to produce stakeholder‑ready reports, KPI reporting, and actionable reports.


• Develop and maintain expected vs. actual performance baselines and lost production accounting for derates, outages, dispatch & transmission constraints, equipment degradation, controls issues, and environmental constraints.


• Lead/participate in investigations of lost production, equipment degradation, controls issues and data related outages; partner with Operations and Maintenance, Environmental, and Real‑Time systems to prioritize corrective actions and validate results.


• Plan and support performance, analytics and acceptance testing of SCADA data and Asset Management data as new sites reach commercial operations Support outage planning and post‑outage reviews by providing performance‑based work prioritization and tracking return‑to‑service performance.


• Improve data quality and repeatability by validating instrument health and tag configuration, maintaining documents and calculation methods. Work with Operations and Maintenance to ensure proper planning, execution and validation of instrument calibration process.


• Maintain professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops, reviewing professional publications, establishing personal networks, and participating in professional societies


• Crosstrain with Reliability, Mechanical and Electrical Engineers on Renewable and Conventional Generation Assets

Associate Engineer Requirements

• Bachelor of Science in Engineering Preferred or Engineering Technology from an ABET‑accredited program (degree completion by May 30, 2026).


• 0‑12+ months of relevant experience (including internships, co‑ops, or research).


• Basic knowledge of power generation and renewable assets (wind, solar, and battery), including performance metrics and common causes of lost production.


• Basic knowledge of Microsoft Excel and Word, AutoCAD, time‑series data, drawings


• Ability to research and extract information from drawings, manuals and tag lists


• Ability to create basic reports with assistance


• Continuously learns and builds job‑related technical and professional skills through training, mentorship, office and field work.


• Valid driver’s license

Preferred

• Basic knowledge with a programming language (Python, SQL, C/C++, R)

Engineer 1 Requirements

• 1+ years relevant experience


• Improved performance of all duties and responsibilities of the Associate Engineer level plus


• Perform routine monitoring of renewable generation asset performance and basic data analysis.


• Support the development of expected vs. actual performance baselines under supervision.


• Assist in investigations of lost production, equipment degradation, or controls issues.


• Contribute to KPI reporting and production of stakeholder‑ready analytics with guidance.


• Participate in SCADA and Asset Management data validation activities.


• Support outage planning activities by gathering performance data and completing assigned analysis tasks


• Ability to prepare cost estimates under supervision


• Basic knowledge with a programming language (Python and SQL)

Preferred

• Experience in the electric utility industry.

Engineer 2 Requirements

• 4+ years of equivalent experience.


• Improved performance of all duties and responsibilities of the Engineer 1 level plus


• Independently conduct performance monitoring and detailed analysis of renewable generation assets.


• Develop, refine, and maintain performance baselines with limited oversight.


• Participate in complex investigations and assist in root‑cause analysis for performance losses.


• Produce KPI reports, operational analytics, and performance summaries for engineering and operations stakeholders.


• Validate and troubleshoot instrument health and tag configuration issues.


• Support outage planning and post‑outage performance reviews through advanced performance analysis.


• Contribute to process improvements and documentation updates.


• Growingexpertisein engineering principles and project execution

Preferred

• Experience in the electric utility industry.


• PMP certification or advanced project management skills.

Engineer 3 Requirements

• 9+ years of equivalent experience


• Improved performance of all duties and responsibilities of the Engineer 2 level plus


• Lead performance engineering activities across multiple renewable generation sites.


• Build advanced analytics models, performance monitoring tools, and reliability assessments.


• Lead investigations into equipment degradation, controls issues, or recurring production losses.


• Coordinate corrective action planning across Maintenance, Environmental, and Real‑Time Systems teams.


• Manage medium‑to‑large engineering projects, ensuring objectives, schedules, and deliverables are met.


• Provide guidance and mentorship to junior engineers and co‑ops.


• Support fleet‑wide data quality improvement initiatives and standardize analytical methods.


• Comprehensive knowledge of asset performance monitoring, data analytics, and root‑cause troubleshooting in a power generation environment.


• Ability to manage complex projects and mentor junior engineers

Preferred

• Experience in the electric utility industry.


• EIT/PE certification


• PMP certification

Senior Engineer Requirements

• 12+ years of equivalent experience


• Improved performance of all duties and responsibilities of the Engineer 3 level plus


• Provide strategic direction and technical leadership for fleet‑wide performance engineering programs.


• Lead complex, high‑impact investigations and oversee root‑cause analysis across renewable portfolios.


• Develop and maintain performance engineering standards, compliance practices, and data governance frameworks.


• Oversee major cross‑functional initiatives to improve availability, reliability, and net energy production.


• Mentor and coach engineers across all levels, supporting professional development and technical training.


• Lead major outage planning and fleet‑wide performance improvement projects.


• Act as a subject matter expert for SCADA, Asset Management systems, and advanced analytics.


• Expert knowledge of engineering principles, compliance standards


• Strong leadership, coaching, and project management skills

Preferred

• Experience in the electric utility industry.


• EIT/PE certification


• PMP certification


• Advanced degree in Business or Engineering

Salary Range

• Associate Engineer: $69,900 – $105,000


• Engineer 1: $69,900 – $105,000


• Engineer 2: $82,200 - $123,200


• Engineer 3: $96,600 – $144,900


• Senior Engineer: $113,500 – $170,300

Disclaimer

This description outlines primary duties and qualifications but is not an exhaustive list of responsibilities.

As a public utility, NiSource provides essential services to customers 24/7. Emergency needs can arise at various times throughout the year, including during storm season. Employees may be required to support emergency response efforts, which could include working outside normal hours or assisting with tasks outside of typical responsibilities.

Work Authorization

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States and must not require employer sponsorship now or in the future.

Workplace Connection

We value a workplace where everyone feels respected, included, and able to do their best work. We encourage open dialogue, value different perspectives, and work collaboratively with employees, customers, and partners.

We recognize and respect the unique experiences people bring, including different backgrounds, cultures, and viewpoints. We treat others with professionalism and care, and we each play a part in creating a positive work environment.

Veteran Hiring & Inclusion

NiSource is proud to support veterans, transitioning service members, and military spouses. We value the leadership, teamwork, and mission‑focused experience the military community brings, and we are committed to providing an inclusive workplace with opportunities for professional growth and development.

Equal Employment Opportunity

NiSource is committed to providing equal employment opportunities in each of its companies to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, veteran status, disability, gender, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, sex (including pregnancy, lactation, childbirth or related medical conditions), genetic information, citizenship status, or any protected group status as defined by law. Each employee is expected to abide by this principle.

By applying, you may also be considered for other roles that match your skills and experience.

ADA Accommodations

If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in any stage of the hiring process or to perform the essential functions of the position, please contact OneHR at [e-mail] or 1-888-640-3320

Safety Statement

Safety is a core value at NiSource. Employees are expected to follow safety requirements, report hazards, and help maintain a safe environment for themselves and their coworkers.

E-Verify

• E-Verify Poster (English and Spanish)


• Right to Work Poster (English and Spanish)

Salary Range*

$69,900.00 - $170,300.00

• The salary offered to a candidate is based on several factors including but not limited to the candidate’s skills, job‑related knowledge, and relevant experience, as well as internal pay equity.