Make Choteau Home
Transmission Planning Engineer - Butte
Make Choteau Home, Butte, Montana, United States, 59701
About this Position
We're seeking a Transmission Planning Engineer ready to take on the challenge of shaping tomorrow's electric grid. In this exciting new opportunity, you'll be at the forefront of innovation-developing creative engineering solutions to address the evolving complexities of today's energy landscape while helping design a smarter, more resilient grid for the future.
As a key member of our dynamic planning team, you'll conduct transmission planning studies and support critical initiatives across Montana and South Dakota. This role offers the perfect balance of independent problem-solving and collaborative teamwork, ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced, forward-thinking environment.
If you're passionate about energy innovation and want to make a tangible impact, this is your chance to be part of something transformative.
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)
Tuition 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
Use sound analytical skills to model, analyze, and plan the transmission systems for Montana and South Dakota
Develop base cases and conduct transmission system studies, using power flow and stability simulation software (PSSE and Powerworld)
Maintain compliance with all related reliability standards including industry and regulatory
Prepare reports and present results to management and/or internal and external customers
Make recommendations to management on system improvements to mitigate identified constraints
Travel to jobsites, off-site meetings and trainings (up to 5% of travel per year) including overnight stays when necessary
All NorthWestern Energy employees are required to adhere to company safety standards and the Code of Business Conduct & Ethics
Ensure self and others' 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
Engineering degree required, Electrical Engineering preferred
Basic understanding of electric system and transmission system fundamentals
Professional Engineer's Licensure or ability to obtain licensure
Excellent computer skills and proficient with Microsoft Office Suite
Computer programming skills preferred
Knowledge & experience with power system modeling software preferred (such as PSS/E)
Knowledge & experience with generation resource planning is preferred
Excellent communication skills both oral and written required
Valid driver's license and satisfactory driving record
Company travel and extended hours may be required
Get Into Energy - Energy Industry Fundamental 2.0 certification is a plus (click here to certify at no cost)
Salary Ranges
Planning Engineer I
– Starting Range: $73,000 - $97,200
A Bachelor's degree in engineering is required for all levels, with a preference for Electrical Engineering. This role offers the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of electric transmission system studies and gain familiarity with the topology of the Montana and South Dakota transmission networks. Develop an understanding of compliance standards from NERC, WECC, and FERC. Collaborate with experienced engineers on power flow simulations, fault‑duty analysis, and PV (power‑voltage) studies.
Planning Engineer II
– Starting Range: $92,900 - $111,500
Possesses intermediate‑level knowledge of transmission systems and independently conducts power‑flow studies. Demonstrates a solid understanding of guidelines, policies, practices, and standards related to transmission planning. Collaborates with peers to perform transient stability analyses. Actively pursuing Professional Engineer (PE) licensure is preferred.
Planning Engineer III
– Starting Range: $104,500 - $125,400
Demonstrated expertise in power‑flow analysis, scripting languages, and transient stability studies. Experience with integrated resource planning is preferred. Strong analytical and strategic thinking capabilities, with a proven ability to mentor and train junior engineers effectively. A Professional Engineer (PE) license is preferred.
Planning Engineer IV
– Starting Range: $116,100 - $139,300
An advanced degree and/or Professional Engineer (PE) license is preferred and may be required for specific roles. Demonstrates strategic expertise in planning engineering, with the ability to align technical initiatives with broader organizational goals, such as integrated resource planning. Recognized as a subject matter expert in planning tools and methodologies. Capable of producing highly complex designs and deliverables, while also conducting thorough peer reviews to ensure quality and consistency across team outputs.
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As a key member of our dynamic planning team, you'll conduct transmission planning studies and support critical initiatives across Montana and South Dakota. This role offers the perfect balance of independent problem-solving and collaborative teamwork, ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced, forward-thinking environment.
If you're passionate about energy innovation and want to make a tangible impact, this is your chance to be part of something transformative.
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)
Tuition 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
Use sound analytical skills to model, analyze, and plan the transmission systems for Montana and South Dakota
Develop base cases and conduct transmission system studies, using power flow and stability simulation software (PSSE and Powerworld)
Maintain compliance with all related reliability standards including industry and regulatory
Prepare reports and present results to management and/or internal and external customers
Make recommendations to management on system improvements to mitigate identified constraints
Travel to jobsites, off-site meetings and trainings (up to 5% of travel per year) including overnight stays when necessary
All NorthWestern Energy employees are required to adhere to company safety standards and the Code of Business Conduct & Ethics
Ensure self and others' 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
Engineering degree required, Electrical Engineering preferred
Basic understanding of electric system and transmission system fundamentals
Professional Engineer's Licensure or ability to obtain licensure
Excellent computer skills and proficient with Microsoft Office Suite
Computer programming skills preferred
Knowledge & experience with power system modeling software preferred (such as PSS/E)
Knowledge & experience with generation resource planning is preferred
Excellent communication skills both oral and written required
Valid driver's license and satisfactory driving record
Company travel and extended hours may be required
Get Into Energy - Energy Industry Fundamental 2.0 certification is a plus (click here to certify at no cost)
Salary Ranges
Planning Engineer I
– Starting Range: $73,000 - $97,200
A Bachelor's degree in engineering is required for all levels, with a preference for Electrical Engineering. This role offers the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of electric transmission system studies and gain familiarity with the topology of the Montana and South Dakota transmission networks. Develop an understanding of compliance standards from NERC, WECC, and FERC. Collaborate with experienced engineers on power flow simulations, fault‑duty analysis, and PV (power‑voltage) studies.
Planning Engineer II
– Starting Range: $92,900 - $111,500
Possesses intermediate‑level knowledge of transmission systems and independently conducts power‑flow studies. Demonstrates a solid understanding of guidelines, policies, practices, and standards related to transmission planning. Collaborates with peers to perform transient stability analyses. Actively pursuing Professional Engineer (PE) licensure is preferred.
Planning Engineer III
– Starting Range: $104,500 - $125,400
Demonstrated expertise in power‑flow analysis, scripting languages, and transient stability studies. Experience with integrated resource planning is preferred. Strong analytical and strategic thinking capabilities, with a proven ability to mentor and train junior engineers effectively. A Professional Engineer (PE) license is preferred.
Planning Engineer IV
– Starting Range: $116,100 - $139,300
An advanced degree and/or Professional Engineer (PE) license is preferred and may be required for specific roles. Demonstrates strategic expertise in planning engineering, with the ability to align technical initiatives with broader organizational goals, such as integrated resource planning. Recognized as a subject matter expert in planning tools and methodologies. Capable of producing highly complex designs and deliverables, while also conducting thorough peer reviews to ensure quality and consistency across team outputs.
#J-18808-Ljbffr