Generation Engineer Lead or Principal

Job Specifications

Black Hills Energy is people powered and purpose driven. Our team uses the power of energy to improve life for over one million customers in 800+ communities across the West and Midwest. We seek talented, caring people who embody our core values and contribute to a culture of inclusion and growth. As an organization, we believe the best part of working on our team is our commitment to making tomorrow better than today—for our customers, communities and each other.

Position Summary

Provide strategic engineering, project management, and construction oversight for major Power Generation capital projects. Direct the planning, design, procurement, construction, commissioning, and startup of generation assets, including new power plant development, major facility upgrades, and plant decommissioning projects, while ensuring safe, reliable, and cost-effective project execution.

Pay Range: ¿This posting includes the full pay range for this position. Pay is based on a number of factors and may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and internal equity.

Lead: $105,750 - $174,450

Principal: $116,500 - $192,400

Reporting Relationship:¿ Manager, Generation Engineer

Location: Rapid City, South Dakota

Relocation Assistance: Relocation assistance is available based on individual circumstances! Details to be shared during the offer process.

Essential Functions

• Lead the planning, development, execution, commissioning, and closeout of major power generation capital projects, including new facilities, plant expansions, major equipment installations, and generating asset retirements.
• Provide construction management oversight to ensure projects are executed safely and in compliance with approved engineering designs, specifications, quality standards, regulatory requirements, schedules, and budgets.
• Direct and coordinate the activities of engineering firms, EPC contractors, consultants, vendors, construction personnel, and internal stakeholders throughout all phases of project execution.
• Develop project execution strategies, contracting approaches, bid packages, technical specifications, and procurement plans to support successful project delivery.
• Manage commercial aspects of major projects, including contract development, contractor performance, change management, claims resolution, and risk mitigation.
• Lead multidisciplinary project teams and provide technical guidance, engineering direction, and construction leadership to support project objectives.
• Monitor project scope, safety, schedule, cost, quality, and performance metrics, implementing corrective actions as necessary to achieve business goals.
• Coordinate startup, commissioning, testing, and turnover activities to ensure completed facilities are safely integrated into operations and achieve intended performance objectives.
• Foster strong relationships with internal customers, regulatory agencies, contractors, consultants, and community stakeholders to support successful project execution.

Additional Responsibilities

• Support the development and implementation of Power Generation standards, processes, construction practices, and project management initiatives.
• Mentor and provide guidance to engineers, project managers, and other personnel involved in the planning and execution of capital projects.
• All other duties as assigned.

All Levels

What Is Required

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering
• This position requires driving responsibilities. You must hold and maintain a valid driver’s license and a driving record that meets company and insurer standards.
• This role will be required to travel up to 10% of the time.

Lead

• Minimum of 7 years of engineering experience in power generation or industrial process plants.

Principal

• Minimum of 12 years of engineering experience in power generation or industrial process plants.

What Is Desired

• Extensive knowledge of power generation systems, industrial construction practices, engineering standards, and project execution methodologies.
• Strong understanding of major capital project development, project controls, EPC contracting strategies, procurement processes, and construction management principles.
• Knowledge of applicable environmental, safety, regulatory, and permitting requirements associated with power generation facilities.
• Demonstrated ability to lead large, complex projects involving multiple stakeholders, contractors, engineering firms, and regulatory agencies.
• Strong contract administration, negotiation, change management, claims resolution, and risk mitigation skills.
• Ability to evaluate technical, commercial, and operational impacts of project decisions and develop practical solutions to complex problems.
• Strong leadership, organizational, and decision-making skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to effectively present information to executive leadership, regulators, community stakeholders, and project teams.
• Proficiency with project management, scheduling, budgeting, engineering, and business software applications.

This description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of responsibilities, duties, and requirements for employees in this position. Job descriptions may and do change periodically. Where positions are covered by a collective bargaining unit agreement, the terms and conditions of the agreement will apply.

About our Company: We are a customer, growth and safety focused utility company that is dedicated to our communities. We improve life with energy as an energy partner of choice. Our diverse culture fuels unique perspectives, opening doors to new insights and possibilities. Based in Rapid City, South Dakota, we have over 3000 employees and serve 1.3 million natural gas and electric utility customers across eight states (South Dakota, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, and Arkansas).

Enjoy our Comprehensive Benefits Package! Annual discretionary bonuses, 401(k) (6% company match and up to 9% company retirement contribution), tuition reimbursement, generous paid time off benefits, including paid holidays and parental leave, company paid life insurance and disability benefits (short and long term), critical illness, accident & group hospital insurance, pet insurance, an employee assistance program and well-being benefits, and competitive medical, dental and vision insurance.

Candidates must successfully pass a pre-employment drug screen and background check. If there is anything that may show up in these reports that may conflict with the position requirements, feel free to contact the Black Hills Energy recruiting team at ***email_hidden***.

Black Hills Energy does not sponsor applicants for work visas. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the US.

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or status as a protected veteran. If you require reasonable accommodation, please visit careers.blackhillsenergy.com for more information.