Senior Technical Advisor at NorthWestern Energy

About this position

The Sr. Technical Advisor, Thermal & Wind Generation, is responsible for oversight, coordination and execution of engineering and technical support of the plants. The Sr. Technical Advisor will support development and execution of capital project plans for the plants as well as coordinating the work of contract resources as applicable. The Sr. Technical Advisor will work closely with the Manager, Power Generation (Thermal & Wind) and the Manager Hydro Engineering to set priorities, budgets, and develop long term strategies for maintaining and improving the plants.

North Western 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)
• 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.

• 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
• Lead as the technical expert of the plants and provide technical support to the plants as required to maintain 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 40% including overnights
• Develop strategic budget recommendations for plant improvement, and work to accomplish those projects (as assigned) within approved budgets
• Develop and mentor teams in power plant engineering
• 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
• Lead the document management efforts to organize and maintain plant drawings and compliance records
• All North Western Energy employees are required to adhere to company safety standards and the Code of Business Conduct & Ethics
• Ensure all actions are consistent with North Western Energy's values, mission, and strategic business objectives

• Demonstrate and maintain a good personal safety record
• Professional Engineering (PE) License required
• Minimum 15 years working knowledge, experience, and expertise in coal and/or natural gas power generation engineering
• 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
• Thorough experience and understanding in power generation relay protection and protective schemes
• Demonstrated expertise in troubleshooting plant electrical, mechanical, and controls issues including application of corrective measures
• Project Management certification 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, Wind, and Hydro plants, including climbing ladders, confined and cramped wet slippery quarters and traveling rough terrain

Requisition #4798

Posting Dates:
July 3, 2025 through July 10, 2025

Department/Division:
Hydro

Employment Physical:
Required

Drug Test:
Required

Telecommuting:
Part-time Negotiable within North Western 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…