What are the responsibilities and job description for the Thermal & Wind Generation Plant Engineer position at NorthWestern Energy?
- 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
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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
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
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 documen 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
- 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
- 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
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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
Salary : $66,600 - $143,300