Transmission Planning Engineer (Open to major office locations in South Dakota & Montana. Butte, MT Preferred)

Job description

Butte, MT, USA | Transmission | Salary | 73000-139300 per year | Regular Full Time


Transmission Planning Engineer

Number of Positions : 2

Work Location : Open to major office locations in South Dakota & Montana.

Butte, MT Preferred.



Pay range : $73,000 to $139,300 per year (for a more detailed pay range please see below)

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

Planning Engineer II - Starting Range: $92,900 - $111,500

Planning III - Starting Range: $104,500 - $125,400

Planning Engineer IV - Starting Range: $116,100 - $139,300

Employment Status: Regular Full-Time

External candidates apply at northwesternenergy.com

Internal candidates apply through iConnect (https://iconnect.nwe.northwesternenergy.com/Employee-Portal/?m) .



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 heath)

+ 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 (https://getintoenergy.org/courses/energy-industry-fundamentals-2-0/) (click here to certify at no cost)




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.





Requisition #4778

Posting Dates: July 24, 2025 through Open Until Filled

Department/Division: Transmission

Employment Physical: Not Required

Drug Test: Not 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

Required Skill Profession

Other General