Planning Engineer
Work Location: Billings or Great Falls, MT
Pay range: $66,600 to $143,300 per year
Employment Status: Regular Full-time
External candidates apply at
Internal candidates apply through .
About this position:The Distribution System Planning Engineer will monitor and manage the performance of electric and/or gas distribution systems, collaborating with multiple stakeholder groups to develop and implement system long-range performance improvement plans, ensuring continued safe and reliable energy delivery.
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 health)
- 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 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: - Develop and maintain distribution system models to simulate system performance in alternatively variable planning scenarios
- Analyze historical load data, projected load data, and growth patterns with system capacities to identify anticipated system needs and actions
- Identify and prioritize system deficiencies, define strategies to monitor and manage deficiencies, while defining strategies and timelines for mitigation of deficiencies
- Collaborate with multiple stakeholders to optimize system performance and ensure compliance with relevant regulations and standards
- Innovate planning processes
- Perform individual lifts and carried office supplies up to 35 pounds
- Other Duties & Details:
- Technical support to Construction and Operations personnel
- Participate in 24-hour on-call supervisor rotation
- Both office and field assignments anticipated
- Intermittent travel up to 20% and extended work hours anticipated
- The ability to maintain regular, reliable, and punctual attendance is an essential function of this position, consistent with applicable laws and reasonable accommodation requirements
- All NorthWestern Energy employees are required to adhere to company safety standards and the Code of Business Conduct & Ethics
- Ensure all actions are consistent with NorthWestern Energy's values, mission, and strategic business objective
Am I right for this job? Here's the success profile: - Bachelor's degree in Engineering required (or soon to be obtained)
- Professional Engineer (PE) license (or ability to obtain), preferred
- Creative and analytical problem-solving skills, capable of making sound engineering decisions
- Proficiency in computer programming, analytics, and data visualization is a plus
- Self-motivated team player that is capable of working independently
- Effective communication and interpersonal skills
- Effective organizational skills and the ability to prioritize and manage multiple conflicting tasks simultaneously
- Valid driver's license and satisfactory driving record required
- (click the link to certify at no cost)
Requisition #5046
Posting Dates: August 7, 2026 through August 21, 2026
Department/Division: Asset Management
Employment Physical: Required
Drug Test: Required
Background Check: Required
Relocation Benefit: Negotiable
Telecommuting: Part-time Negotiable within NorthWestern Energy Service Territory
