Substation Relay Engineer - NorthWestern Energy : Job Details

Substation Relay Engineer

Work Location: Butte, MT

Pay range: $85,000 to $139,300 per year

Employment Status: Regular Full-Time

About this position:

The Relay Engineer will design, test and maintain relay protection systems for electrical power systems. Responsibilities include developing protective relay settings, conducting coordination studies, collaborating with engineering teams, troubleshooting relay malfunctions, and participating in commissioning activities. Requires a strong background in electrical engineering, expertise in relay technologies, and a commitment to safety and reliability standards associated with NERC compliance.

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
• Employee Assistance Programs
• Life Insurance
• Tuition reimbursement
• Competitive pay
• 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

About this job:

• Develop or modify protective relay test procedures that meet the NERC/WECC requirements
• Complete annual and quarterly Substation Operations regulatory compliance tasks
• Review the results of the relay tests and determine solutions for failed results
• Perform fault studies, conduct fault tests and evaluate test reports to validate system operation and performance
• Document all testing procedures and results for regulatory/internal audits
• Develop construction standards and estimate tools to support consistent and efficient design
• Coordinate with project teams including substation, transmission, relaying and communications
• Provide quality control of designed and constructed projects
• Provide on-site technical assistance as needed
• Use of safe work practices in the design, construction and maintenance facilities
• Travel to jobsites, off-site meetings, and trainings (up to 30% travel per year)
• Work extended hours as required
• Support the Substations/Relay Operations Management team with development and execution of annual work plans
• Serve in a capacity as project engineer
• Participate in an On-Call rotation, after-hours duties, periodically
• Provide backup for Supervisors and Engineers during periods of leave
• Adhere to company safety standards and the Code of Business Conduct & Ethics
• Ensure actions are consistent with NorthWestern Energy's values, mission, and strategic business objectives

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

• Must have a Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering or a similar field of study
• A Professional Engineer's License is preferred, or the ability to obtain one
• Excellent computer skills and proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
• Working knowledge of Substation and Relay databases preferred
• Good understanding of electric power systems and electric circuit analysis techniques
• Good understanding of microprocessor-based equipment and logic design preferred
• Good working knowledge of NESC, NERC, FERC and WECC guidelines preferred
• Valid driver's license and satisfactory driving record
• Demonstrate and maintain a good safety record

Requisition #4593

Posting Dates: February 14, 2025 through Open Until Filled

Department/Division: Distribution Operations: Substation Operations: Relay Engineering

Employment Physical: Required

Drug Test: Required

Background Check: Required

Relocation Benefit: Negotiable

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.