Engineer I

Engineer I – Plant Engineering (Combustion Turbine & Hydro Operations)

Location Fergus Falls, MN

Grade 11

Are you ready to launch your engineering career in a dynamic, growing, and hands-on environment where your work directly powers the communities we live in? We’re looking for a motivated Engineer I to join our Plant Engineering team supporting combustion turbine, hydroelectric, and renewable generation facilities.

This is an exciting opportunity to develop your skills across a broad range of engineering disciplines while working alongside experienced professionals in a collaborative, safety-focused culture. If you enjoy solving real-world problems, optimizing performance, and seeing the direct impact of your work, this role is for you.

In this role, you will support our power generation sites in a variety of ways including performance analytics, maintenance and project planning & execution, and regulatory compliance support. You’ll gain valuable experience in both day-to-day plant operations and long-term asset management while helping ensure safe, reliable, and efficient energy production.

This role reports to the Supply Generation, Engineering Supervisor.

Key Responsibilities

As an Engineer I, you will contribute to a wide range of engineering and operational initiatives, including:

• Plant Performance & Optimization
  
  
  
  • Monitor, analyze, and improve plant performance metrics such as availability, efficiency, and maximum output
  
  
  • Support data-driven decision-making to enhance operational reliability
  
  
  
  


• Project & Financial Support
  
  
  
  • Perform cost/benefit analyses and assist in developing capital and O&M budgets
  
  
  • Help prepare justification documentation for capital improvement projects
  
  
  • Support capital project management activities including scheduling, contractor coordination, and construction oversight
  
  
  
  


• Maintenance & Asset Management
  
  
  
  • Maintain detailed equipment history records and support lifecycle planning
  
  
  • Assist in predicting remaining useful life of equipment and planning timely replacements
  
  
  • Support budgeting efforts for mechanical maintenance and capital improvements
  
  
  • Ensure plant equipment and infrastructure are properly maintained
  
  
  
  


• Contract & Vendor Coordination
  
  
  
  • Assist in coordinating maintenance services and supervising contractor work
  
  
  • Support management of long-term service agreements and warranty claims
  
  
  
  


• Safety, Compliance & Procedures
  
  
  
  • Promote and support company safety programs and ensure compliance with safety policies
  
  
  • Assist in developing Job Safety Analyses (JSAs), maintenance procedures, and operational procedures
  
  
  • Support compliance initiatives, including NERC requirements
  
  
  
  


• Operations Support
  
  
  
  • Help plan and schedule outages and major equipment repairs
  
  
  • Provide support across plant operations as needed
  
  
  
  


• Team Collaboration
  
  
  
  • Work closely with operations and engineering teams to solve problems and improve processes
  
  
  
  

Qualifications

We’re seeking candidates who are eager to learn, adaptable, and passionate about engineering in a power generation environment:

• Education & Technical Knowledge
  
  
  
  • Bachelor of science degree in Engineering or science (or equivalent experience)
  
  
  • Foundational knowledge of mechanical, electrical, and/or civil/structural systems
  
  
  
  


• Skills & Abilities
  
  
  
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
  
  
  • Effective written and verbal communication abilities
  
  
  • Solid time management and organizational skills
  
  
  • Ability to manage multiple tasks and contribute to project teams
  
  
  
  


• Interpersonal & Leadership Traits
  
  
  
  • Collaborative mindset with strong interpersonal skills
  
  
  • Initiative to learn, grow, and take on increasing responsibility
  
  
  • Work and communicate effectively with operations teams and contractors
  
  
  
  


• Physical & Work Environment Requirements
  
  
  
  • Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and work in physically demanding environments
  
  
  • Comfortable working in conditions including heat, cold, noise, dust, and confined spaces
  
  
  • Ability to stand, sit, and move throughout the plant for extended periods
  
  
  • Valid driver’s license required
  
  
  
  

What We Offer

We believe employment is a partnership built on mutual commitment to excellence. In return for your contributions, we offer:

• Competitive wage & benefit package.
  
  
  
  • The expected offer for base compensation for this role is $76,000 - $105,000 annually. The actual compensation within the compensation range will vary based on factors relevant to the position.
  
  
  • Incentive plans
  
  
  • Employee Stock Ownership options
  
  
  • Retirement Savings Fund with employer match
  
  
  • Health, disability and life insurance plan options
  
  
  
  


• Our employees are provided training and development opportunities each year, including education reimbursement. This includes safety – one of our values and key to our success – technical, compliance and developmental training.


• Career development is critical to our long-term success. Otter Tail Power employees have opportunities to participate in various leadership development programs, gain access to an a la carte online leadership course catalog, receive mentorship from current leaders and more!


• Mental health support from the experts at SupportLinc as well as competitive vacation and sick leave to ensure employees are at their best when they’re working.

To apply, visit our careers page at www.otpco.com. Applications accepted through July 3, 2026.

This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship at this time.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.