Relay Technician

Northwestern Energy; Great Falls (MT); On-site; USD 67,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401K match

Healthcare and dental

HSA

Tuition reimbursement

Paid time off

Paid holidays

Paid training

Volunteer opportunities

Job summary

NorthWestern Energy is seeking a Relay Technician to install, test, and maintain RTU control equipment in substations and pole-mounted cabinets. The role requires traveling up to 80% to support outages and emergency responses, with a focus on safety and reliable operation of remote-controlled switching systems.

Applicants should have a high school diploma or equivalent, and be prepared to operate test equipment and coordinate with teams across locations.

Qualifications

• High School education or equivalent is required.
• Ability to safely perform field tasks and follow procedures.
• Knowledge of safety policies and electrical work practices.

Responsibilities

• Install, maintain, and test RTU control equipment in substations and pole-mounted cabinets.
• Repair substation relays and controls as needed.
• Manage cables, wiring, and test equipment for RTU systems.
• Travel up to 80% and respond to outages or emergencies.
• Communicate clearly in safety-critical situations.

Skills

Safety awareness

Safe work practices

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Tools

RTU testing equipment

Job description

Relay Technician

Work Location: Great Falls, MT

Pay range: Union Rate $58.74 per CBA

Employment Status: Regular Full-time

About this position:

The Relay Technician installs and maintains Remote Terminal Unit (RTU) control equipment so that the electrical operations of substations and pole-mounted control cabinets can be controlled and monitored from offsite locations. They must be able to install, test, and maintain RTU components in substation relays, AC/DC panels, and at pole-mounted control cabinet re-closers (i.e. breakers) and motor-operated switches (control switches for switching lines out of service).

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 Program (Offering up to six free counseling sessions, per person, per issue, per year for employees, spouses and dependents)
• Life Insurance (Company pays basic employee policy; spouse, dependent insurance also available)
• Tuition reimbursement
• Competitive pay (Scheduled performance-based wage increases and annual incentive opportunities.)
• Paid company endorsed volunteer opportunities
• Paid training opportunities
• Paid time off starting on your first day, plus 10 paid holidays

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

About this job:

• Communicate verbally and understand audible signals in emergency/safety situations
• Install, maintain, and test RTU control equipment in substations
• Assist in repair of substation relays and controls
• Service substation-relay switches to ensure proper functionality in combination with RTU controls
• Install, maintain, and test RTU controls for the "re-closer" breakers and motor-operated switches located in power pole control cabinets
• Properly attach cables to RTU equipment, AC/DC control panels, and relay control panels
• Use a variety of testing equipment, computers, and tools to test and commission RTU equipment
• Complete documentation for substation relay and RTU maintenance
• Update or "redline" substation wiring schematics to show changes to substation relays
• Work on overtime calls including evening and weekend shifts' especially in response to acute service needs
• Work as a team with other workers to troubleshoot and remediate outages and emergency situations
• Interact with the public as needed
• Drive to installation locations
• Pull cables between control buildings, transformers, and RTU control panels
• Assist in snow removal to maintain access within substation facilities. Shovel dirt to backfill trenches for cable conduits
• Organize equipment and perform regular and preventative maintenance
• Travel up to 80% may be required
• Individually lift and manipulate needed equipment and materials weighing up to 75 pounds
• You must agree to live within an area approved by the company that allows for adequate response to our customers in call out and emergency situations
• 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 objectives

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

• Demonstrate and maintain a good safety record
• High School education or equivalent
• Journeyman Electrician
• Must be ready and willing to act as a project foreman
• Valid driver's license and satisfactory driving record
• Knowledge of applicable codes and safety policies/procedures, specifically those outlined in the National Electric Code (NEC), National Electric Safety Code (NESC), and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
• Get Into Energy - Energy Industry Fundamental 2.0 certification is a plus

Requisition #5059

Posting Dates: August 28, 2026 through September 13, 2026

Department/Division: Operations

Employment Physical: Required

Drug Test: Required

Background Check: Required

Relocation Benefit: Negotiable

Telecommuting: None

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].