Thermal & Wind Generation Plant Engineer

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

Benefits offered by this job

401K match

Healthcare coverage

HSA

Employee assistance program

Life insurance

Education reimbursement

Competitive pay

Volunteer opportunities

Parental leave

Bereavement leave

Training opportunities

PTO + holidays

Job summary

NorthWestern Energy seeks a Thermal & Wind Generation Plant Engineer to oversee contract engineering for the Thermal and Wind facilities in MT/SD. You will coordinate capital project plans, set priorities with management, and ensure safe, compliant operations.

The role requires a strong engineering background, familiarity with NERC/WECC, and ability to manage vendors, budgets, and strategic initiatives. Travel up to 30% may be required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering required; Electrical, Mechanical, or Chemical preferred.
• Engineer in Training (EIT) and/or Professional Engineering (PE) license preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee contract engineering support personnel for plant needs and NERC/WECC compliance.
• Lead safety performance initiatives and interact with employees, contractors, and internal departments.
• Provide technical support to maintain safe, reliable, and compliant operation; manage plant projects and budgets.

Skills

Safety awareness

NERC/WECC knowledge

Project management

Ability to read electrical, mechanical

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

EIT/PE license preferred

Tools

CAD drawings

Job description

• Work Location**: Billings/Laurel, MT or Aberdeen, SD Preferred. Other major generation locations in Montana - DGGS (Anaconda), Yellowstone Generating Station (Billings/Livingston) - may be considered.
• Pay range**: $66,600 to $143,300 per year
• Employment Status:** Regular Full-time

About This Position

The Thermal & Wind Generation Plant Engineer is responsible for oversight, coordination, and execution of engineering and technical support of the NorthWestern Energy Thermal and Wind Generation facilities. The Engineer will support development and execution of capital project plans for the Montana and South Dakota Generation facilities as well as coordinating the work of contract resources as applicable. The Engineer will work closely with the Thermal & Wind Power Generation Manager and the Thermal and Wind Senior Technical Advisor to set priorities, budgets, and develop long term strategies for maintaining and improving the Thermal and Wind Generation facilities.

We Offer Great Benefits

• 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

• Oversee the activities of contract engineering support personnel on all plant needs including NERC/WECC compliance
• Be a leader in safety performance
• Able to interact effectively with company employees, contractors, and other internal departments
• Facilitate, participate, and/or oversee Root Cause Analysis activities as required for plant related events
• Provide technical support to the plants as required to maintain safe, reliable, and compliant operation
• Monitor progress and performance of vendors providing products and services
• Serve as project manager for plant projects as applicable
• Occasional travel required, up to 30% including overnights
• Develop strategic budget recommendations for plant improvement, and work to accomplish those projects (as assigned) within approved budgets
• Coordinate and prioritize resources as necessary for plant support
• Stay current on emerging technologies and identify beneficial upgrades to the plants
• Be available by phone or in person for plant troubleshooting and real time response
• Assist with document management efforts to organize and maintain plant drawings and compliance records
• Perform individual lifts and carry supplies up to 35 pounds
• 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:

• Demonstrate and maintain a good personal safety record
• Bachelor's degree in engineering required, Electrical, Mechanical, or Chemical Engineering preferred
• Engineer in Training (EIT) and/or Professional Engineering (PE) License preferred
• Experience, and expertise in thermal power generation engineering preferredAble to quickly learn new technologies
• Able to work in a dynamic environment with potentially rapidly changing issues and priorities
• Working knowledge of NERC/WECC regulatory requirements and compliance documentation strategies
• Demonstrated expertise in troubleshooting plant electrical, mechanical, and controls issues including application of corrective measures preferred
• Large project management experience preferred
• Perform individual lifts and manipulate items up to 25 pounds
• Ability to read and comprehend electrical, civil, and mechanical plant drawings
• Demonstrated practical knowledge of generation, plant operation, and maintenance
• Valid driver's license and satisfactory driving record
• Must pass physical test to access all areas of the Thermal and Wind Power Generation facilities, including climbing ladders, confined and cramped wet slippery quarters and traveling rough terrain

Requisition #5024

Posting Dates: June 24, 2026 through Open Until Filled

Department/Division: Operations

Employment Physical: Required

Drug Test: Required

Background Check: Required

Relocation Benefit: Negotiable

Telecommuting: Part-time Negotiable within NorthWestern Energy Service Territory