Engineer/Technical Advisor - Butte - Northwestern Energy

Description

Overview

Engineer/Technical Advisor

Work Location: Butte, MT Preferred. Open to major office locations in Montana

Pay range: $74,300 to $153,400 per year

Employment Status: Regular Full-time

External candidates apply at

Internal candidates apply through iConnect.

About this position:

The Technical Advisor serves as a subject matter expert and technical lead within the Environmental, Lands, Permitting & Compliance Department, providing engineering, regulatory, and environmental expertise to support the company\'s capital projects, operations, and long-term asset management. This position plays a critical role in ensuring company projects and activities comply with all applicable environmental regulations, land use requirements, and permitting conditions while advancing the company\'s commitment to safety, reliability, and environmental stewardship.

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 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 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

Technical Leadership & Expertise

• Serve as the company\'s technical resource on complex environmental liability and permitting projects that may include development of testimony for the Public Service Commissions in multiple states
• Provide engineering and technical guidance in the planning, design, and execution of the company\'s energy development projects with particular focus on air permitting and compliance, and emissions testing and reporting
• Interpret and apply environmental regulations, engineering standards, and land management requirements to ensure compliance across utility operations
• Conduct or oversee technical studies, assessments, and engineering analyses to support the company\'s environmental goals
• Review and approve technical reports, company publications and other deliverables ensuring accuracy, regulatory compliance, and consistency with company standards

Project Support & Coordination

• Coordinate with external consultants, contractors, and regulatory agencies to prepare and submit permit applications and reports, conduct site investigations, resolve technical issues and facilitate timely implementation of permit requirements or remediation plans
• Provide field support for energy development projects, remediation projects and other environmental permitting projects as required
• Partner with project managers, engineers, and environmental specialists to develop permitting strategies and schedules for new construction, maintenance, and infrastructure upgrades as required

Regulatory & Compliance Oversight

• Monitor regulatory developments affecting company operations and provide recommendations to management
• Serve as liaison with regulatory agencies to help ensure transparent communication and cooperative relationships
• Assist with the development and maintenance of compliance tracking systems, documentation standards, and technical reporting protocols
• Lead or support internal audits and reviews to verify ongoing compliance with internal and external regulatory and environmental requirements, standards and laws

Mentorship & Knowledge Sharing

• Provide periodic technical training, mentorship, and guidance to engineering and environmental staff
• Contribute to the development and continuous improvement of company and departmental policies, procedures, and best practices
• Represent the company on industry working groups, committees, and stakeholder initiatives related to environmental compliance and energy resource development

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

• Bachelor\'s degree in Engineering (Civil, Environmental, Mechanical, or related discipline required; Master\'s degree preferred).
• Professional Engineer (P.E.) license strongly preferred.
• 5+ years of progressively responsible experience in engineering, permitting, or environmental compliance, preferably in the utility or energy sector
• Demonstrated experience with federal and state permitting processes (e.g., Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, Endangered Species Act, NEPA)
• Proven ability to manage multiple complex projects involving regulatory coordination and technical evaluation
• Deep understanding of engineering principles, environmental regulations, and land management practices
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities, including technical writing and regulatory correspondence
• Ability to build relationships and work collaboratively with regulatory agencies, landowners, and internal stakeholders
• High attention to detail and commitment to quality and compliance
• Proficiency in engineering and environmental software, GIS applications, and document management systems
• Valid drivers license & satisfactory driving record
• Get Into Energy - Energy Industry Fundamental 2.0 certification is a plus

Requisition #4910

Posting Dates: February 6, 2026 through February 22, 2026

Department/Division: Environmental Permitting & Compliance

Employment Physical: May be Required

Drug Test: Required

Background Check: Required

Relocation Benefit: Negotaible

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 or at