Substation Engineer at NorthWestern Energy

Overview

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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 North Western 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:

• 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)
• 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.

• Design and implement innovative, cost-effective solutions to optimize substation projects
• Manage a project from inception to completion, including estimating, designing, budgeting, forecasting, procuring materials, scheduling and overseeing execution
• Coordinate and oversee contractor teams and subcontractors for substation projects
• Maintain substation drawings and records, such as construction plans, equipment specs, correspondence, purchase orders, and approval drawings
• Spec, request quotes, create purchase requisitions/orders, and procure relevant materials for projects
• Develop detailed, phased construction plans, including clearances/outages, material deliveries, tasks, and responsibilities
• Prepare construction packages, including drawings, standards, plans, material lists, charge data, clearance details, and other relevant information
• Coordinate projects with applicable internal/external stakeholders
• Develop annual work plans and schedule projects
• Provide technical support for operations
• Design and evaluate projects to ensure compliance with industry and company standards
• Proficiency or ability to learn relevant software tools;
  Microsoft Suite, SAP, Cascade, AutoCAD
• Strong focus on safety and reliability
• Experience (preferred) or interest in substation design
• Use of safe work practices in the design and construction of substation facilities
• Perform technical training for crew members, contractors, and subcontractors, as applicable
• Travel to jobsites, off-site meetings, and trainings (up to 60% travel per year) including overnight stays when necessary
• Participate in an On
  - Call rotation, after-hours duties, periodically, for one week at a time; this includes response to emergency situations and calling personnel out for after-hours activities
• Work extended hours as required
• Perform individual lifts of supplies and materials weighing up to 35 pounds
• Provide backup for Supervisors and Engineers during periods of leave
• All North Western 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 North Western Energy's values, mission, and strategic business objectives

• Must have a B.S. degree in Engineering
  • December 2025 graduates encouraged to apply
• Ability to obtain a Professional Engineer's License is preferred
• Excellent computer skills and proficient with Microsoft Office Suite
• Working knowledge of AutoCAD or other structural design software
• Demonstrate and maintain a good safety record
• Valid driver's license and satisfactory driving record

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…