Substation Engineer

Substation Engineer

Work Location: Butte, MT

Pay range: $73,000 to $139,300 per year

Substation Engineer I - Starting Range: $74,000 - $97,200

Substation Engineer II - Starting Range: $75,000 - $111,500

Substation Engineer III - Starting Range: $83,600 - $125,400

Substation Engineer IV - Starting Range: $92,900 - $139,300

Employment Status: Regular Full-time

External candidates apply at northwesternenergy.com

Internal candidates apply through iConnect.

About this position:

The Substation Operations Engineer is responsible for designing and overseeing the construction of substations in Montana and South Dakota. Key duties include substation layout and one line/three-line development, grading design, concrete foundation design, steel and wood structure design, and ground mat analysis and design. The Substation Operations Engineer is also responsible for project management tasks, including estimating, scheduling, budgeting, and forecasting, to ensure projects are completed on time, within budget, and in alignment with operational goals. This role involves close collaboration with contract crews and NorthWestern Energy's internal crews throughout construction, commissioning and energization of substations. The Engineer will also work alongside relay engineers, transmission line engineers, distribution engineers, and lands and permitting specialists to ensure designs meet industry standards.

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:

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

About this job:

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

Substation Engineer I - Starting Range: $73,000 - $97,200

Entry Level position - Bachelor's degree in engineering required for all levels. Produce basic designs utilizing existing procedures and standards; applying modifications as directed. Responsibilities include designing and constructing substations. Produce basic substation layouts and one line/three line development, grading design, concrete foundation design equipment specification and all aspects of construction. Work on multiple projects and meet project deadlines. Perform peer review of colleagues. Develop basic understanding of substation operations and ensure compliance with industry standards. Accurate data keeping.

Substation Engineer II - Starting Range: $74,900 - $111,500

Bachelor's degree in engineering required Intermediate Working knowledge to produce conventional designs and deliverables of limited complexity; independently applying modifications for which precedents are generally established. Effectively manage projects of limited scope; accurately adjusting scope, schedule and budget as variances occur. Independently produce substation analysis and designs of limited complexity; applying modifications for which precedents are generally established. Efficiently supports and works closely with contract and internal crews during the construction commissioning and energization of substations. in independently analyzing/troubleshooting relay malfunctions and supporting commissioning activities. Ability to obtain a PE license is preferred and strongly encouraged in order to progress.

Substation Engineer III - Starting Range: $83,500 - $125,400

Bachelor's degree in engineering required. Additional certifications or advanced degrees may be beneficial. Expertise in utilizing resource planning software. Profound knowledge of construction and compliance requirements. Produce designs and deliverables of varying complexity including conflicting design requirements or special considerations; independently applying modifications as needed. Perform peer review of colleagues' work. Independently and effectively manage projects and programs of moderate to extensive scope; accurately adjusting scope, schedule, and budget as variances occur. Proactively support customers, both internal and external. Lead complex substation engineering projects, from design through construction implementation. Develop and implement new standards/processes. Provide expertise on substation engineering philosophy and substation construction projects. Proactively collaborate with senior management and operations on strategic substation design decisions. Conduct comprehensive research to support strategic decision-making. The ability to obtain a Professional Engineer License is preferred and strongly encouraged in order to progress fully within the profession. .

Substation Engineer IV - Starting Range: $92,100 - $139,300

May include an advanced degree and PE preferred and may be required for certain positions. Technical substation leadership experience with a proven track record of improving and driving substation processes and standards. In-depth expert on operational and compliance requirements and processes. Strong strategic planning skills to align substation design and implementation with organizational objectives/initiatives. Executive communication and presentation abilities to convey complex information to top management effectively. Innovative thinking for substation design and complex problem-solving. Mastery of project management tools. Extensive experience in designing and managing large, complex substation jobs. Exceptional leadership and strategic thinking skills.

Requisition #4804

Posting Dates: July 21, 2025 through Ausgust 4, 2025

Department/Division: Distribution Operations / Substation

Employment Physical: Required

Drug Test: Required

Background Check: Required

Relocation Benefit: Negotiable

Telecommuting: Part-time Negotiable within NorthWestern Energy Service Territory

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 job.inquiries@northwestern.com.