Thermal & Wind Generation Plant Engineer

NorthWestern Energy; Helena (MT); On-site; USD 66,600 - 143,300; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401K with company match

Healthcare benefits

Life insurance

Paid parental leave

Paid time off starting from day one

Job summary

NorthWestern Energy seeks a Thermal & Wind Generation Plant Engineer to manage engineering activities and ensure compliance at generation facilities in Montana and South Dakota. Your role includes overseeing contract support, managing projects, and collaborating with leadership on budgets and strategic improvements.

The ideal candidate holds a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering and possesses expertise in thermal power generation. This position offers competitive pay, excellent benefits, and opportunities for professional growth.

Qualifications

• Demonstrate a good personal safety record.
• Experience in thermal power generation engineering preferred.
• Ability to read and comprehend electrical, civil, and mechanical drawings.

Responsibilities

• Oversee activities of contract engineering support.
• Develop strategic budget recommendations.
• Monitor performance of vendors providing products and services.

Skills

Thermal power generation engineering

Troubleshooting electrical issues

NERC/WECC compliance knowledge

Dynamic environment adaptability

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Electrical, Mechanical, or Chemical Engineering preferred

Job description

Thermal & Wind Generation Plant Engineer

Work Location: Billings/Laurel, MT or Aberdeen, SD Preferred. Other major generation locations in Montana and South Dakota 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 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 preferred
• Able 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
• 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
• Get Into Energy - Energy Industry Fundamental 2.0 certification is a plus (click the link to certify at no cost)

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].