Planning Engineer

NorthWestern Energy; Billings (MT); On-site; USD 67,000 - 143,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401K with company match up to 4%

Healthcare and wellbeing programs

Education reimbursement

Life Insurance

Job summary

NorthWestern Energy is seeking a Distribution System Planning Engineer in Billings/Great Falls, MT, to monitor and improve electric and gas distribution system performance. This role collaborates across stakeholder groups to implement long-range plans ensuring safe, reliable energy delivery.

The position requires a Bachelor's in Engineering (PE preferred), strong analytical and programming/data visualization skills, and readiness for on-call duties with travel as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering required (or soon to be obtained).
• PE license preferred or ability to obtain.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to work independently and in a team.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain distribution system models for planning scenarios.
• Analyze historical and projected load data to anticipate needs.
• Identify deficiencies and define mitigation timelines.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to optimize performance and ensure compliance.
• Participate in on-call rotations and flexible schedule.

Skills

Creative problem-solving

Analytical thinking

Programming skills

Data visualization

Communication skills

Team player

Time management

Driver's license

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Professional Engineer (PE) license

Job description

Work Location: Billings or Great Falls, MT

Pay range: $66,600 to $143,300 per year

Employment Status: Regular Full-time

About This Position

The Distribution System Planning Engineer will monitor and manage the performance of electric and/or gas distribution systems, collaborating with multiple stakeholder groups to develop and implement system long-range performance improvement plans, ensuring continued safe and reliable energy delivery.

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 health)
• Life Insurance (Company pays basic employee policy; spouse, dependent insurance also available)
• Continuing education reimbursement
• Competitive pay (Scheduled performance-based wage increases and annual incentive opportunities.)
• Paid company endorsed volunteer opportunities
• Paid parental leave
• Paid bereavement 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

• Develop and maintain distribution system models to simulate system performance in alternatively variable planning scenarios
• Analyze historical load data, projected load data, and growth patterns with system capacities to identify anticipated system needs and actions
• Identify and prioritize system deficiencies, define strategies to monitor and manage deficiencies, while defining strategies and timelines for mitigation of deficiencies
• Collaborate with multiple stakeholders to optimize system performance and ensure compliance with relevant regulations and standards
• Innovate planning processes
• Perform individual lifts and carried office supplies up to 35 pounds
• Other Duties & Details:
  • Technical support to Construction and Operations personnel
  • Participate in 24-hour on-call supervisor rotation
  • Both office and field assignments anticipated
  • Intermittent travel up to 20% and extended work hours anticipated
• 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

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

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering required (or soon to be obtained)
• Professional Engineer (PE) license (or ability to obtain), preferred
• Creative and analytical problem-solving skills, capable of making sound engineering decisions
• Proficiency in computer programming, analytics, and data visualization is a plus
• Self-motivated team player that is capable of working independently
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills
• Effective organizational skills and the ability to prioritize and manage multiple conflicting tasks simultaneously
• Valid driver's license and satisfactory driving record required
• Get Into Energy - Energy Industry Fundamental 2.0 certification is a plus (click the link to certify at no cost)

Requisition #5046

Posting Dates: August 7, 2026 through August 21, 2026

Department/Division: Asset Management

Employment Physical: Required

Drug Test: Required

Background Check: Required

Relocation Benefit: Negotiable

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].