Engineer Grid Operations - Butte

About this position:

The Grid Operations Engineer performs varying functions in the real time operation group. This will be mainly focused on Outage Coordination, Contingency Analysis (RTCA), Training development and delivery, Procedure development and writing, Maintenance and Management of an Energy Management System (EMS), and t other various technical tasks required.

We offer great benefits:

NorthWestern Energy is a fully regulated electric and natural gas utility serving Montana, South Dakota and Nebraska. We employ 1,500 amazing people and serve 753,600 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:

• Coordinate transmission outages and maintenance, duties include the learning and use of the Coordinated Outage Management software applications
• Local Engineering contact for the Grid Operations Department
• Perform operational real-time and next day studies using the Host Advance Network Applications (HANA) Real-time and Study Network Contingency Analysis tool and PSSE and PowerWorld Software
• Respond to NorthWestern Energy Division and local area request for data and support operations
• Develop learning objectives that identify the knowledge and skills that System Operators must possess to be proficient in the tasks identified above
• Conduct and/or coordinate classroom, On-The-Job (OJT), and multi-media training in accordance with program objectives; this could include working hours outside of the normal 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• Support and use Open Access Technology International (OATI) tools including Curtailment Manager to post outages and make necessary Total Transfer Capability (TTC) adjustments
• Review EMS alarms and perform grid data quality, reporting, and research
• Perform monthly operation reports
• Perform and complete NERC and WECC Event Analysis Reports
• Monitor NorthWestern Energy's performance issues with NERC and WECC
• Work on data visualization tools
• Keep the Hosted Advanced Network Application (HANA) Contingency Analysis tool up to date and running properly
• Work with the NorthWestern Energy Planning Department on transmission models and contingency results
• Develop, coordinate, and work with Subject Matter Experts to deliver annual training for Blackstart and System Restoration in accordance with NERC requirements including training outside of Grid Operations (e.g. NWE Divisions and interconnecting Generator Operators (GOP))
• Develop, coordinate, and work with Subject Matter Experts to deliver annual training for activation of the Backup Control Center (BUCC) in accordance with NERC requirements
• Develop, coordinate, and work with Subject Matter Experts to deliver annual training related to emergency operations, including the use of drills, exercises, and simulation technology
• Support NorthWestern Energy's Energy Management System (EMS)
• Provide input and support for the compliance gap analysis process and NERC Audit preparation
• Maintain awareness of changes in FERC, NERC, and WECC requirements for Balancing Authorities and Transmission Operators
• Provide support for the maintenance and upkeep of the Energy Management System (EMS)
• Some multi-day and overnight travel up to 10%. Extended hours may be required
• 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 objectives

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

• Demonstrate and maintain a good safety record
• Must possess strong interpersonal communication skills
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, while keeping supervision apprised of project status
• Must have a BS degree in Engineering, Electrical Engineering preferred
• NERC Certification preferred
• Ability to obtain a Professional Engineer's License is desired
• Excellent communications and computer skills, and good to excellent technical writing skills required
• Experience with PSSE, PowerWorld or Alstom Software preferred
• Have the ability to handle multiple conflicting tasks or projects and challenging situations
• Must be organized and have the ability to work well with a wide variety of job functions
• Very familiar with MS Outlook, Word and Excel. Plant Information (PI) software experience desired.
• A valid Montana driver's license or the ability to obtain one is required