Performance Engineer – Electric Generation
Job Summary
The Performance Engineer monitors, identifies, tracks, analyzes, and reports on the performance and health of electric generation assets to maximize availability, reliability, and net energy production. This role interprets Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) and Asset Management software data, develops expected actual performance baselines, and delivers clear, stakeholder-ready reports that quantify losses from equipment conditions, controls issues, operating constraints, environmental limits and risk management. The Performance Engineer partners closely with Operations and Maintenance, Environmental, and Real-Time Systems to investigate and track lost production, recommend and track corrective actions, and validate results. Through trend analysis and early-failure detection, the role supports predictive and preventative maintenance planning. Recommends, evaluates, oversees and verifies performance improvement of assets and asset management software. This position is posted as a five-level job family (Associate through Senior); placement will align with the selected candidate’s education, experience, and qualifications.
Key Responsibilities
Monitor, trend, and report generation asset performance and health to maximize availability, reliability, and net energy production.
Analyze SCADA and asset management software data to produce stakeholder-ready reports, KPI reporting, and actionable reports.
Develop and maintain expected vs. actual performance baselines and lost production accounting for derates, outages, dispatch & transmission constraints, equipment degradation, controls issues, and environmental constraints.
Lead/participate in investigations of lost production, equipment degradation, controls issues and data related outages; partner with Operations and Maintenance, Environmental, and Real-Time systems to prioritize corrective actions and validate results.
Plan and support performance, analytics and acceptance testing of SCADA data and Asset Management data as new sites reach commercial operations Support outage planning and post-outage reviews by providing performance-based work prioritization and tracking return-to-service performance.
Improve data quality and repeatability by validating instrument health and tag configuration, maintaining documents and calculation methods. Work with Operations and Maintenance to ensure proper planning, execution and validation of instrument calibration process.
Maintain professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops, reviewing professional publications, establishing personal networks, and participating in professional societies
Crosstrain with Reliability, Mechanical and Electrical Engineers on Renewable and Conventional Generation Assets
Associate Engineer Requirements
Bachelor of Science in Engineering Preferred or Engineering Technology from an ABET-accredited program (degree completion by May 30, 2026).
0-12+ months of relevant experience (including internships, co-ops, or research).
Basic knowledge of power generation and renewable assets (wind, solar, and battery), including performance metrics and common causes of lost production.
Basic knowledge of Microsoft Excel and Word, AutoCAD, time-series data, drawings
Ability to research and extract information from drawings, manuals and tag lists
Ability to create basic reports with assistance
Continuously learns and builds job-related technical and professional skills through training, mentorship, office and field work.
Valid driver’s license
Preferred
Basic knowledge with a programming language (Python, SQL, C/C++, R)
Engineer 1 Requirements
1+ years relevant experience
Improved performance of all duties and responsibilities of the Associate Engineer level plus
Perform routine monitoring of renewable generation asset performance and basic data analysis.
Support the development of expected vs. actual performance baselines under supervision.
Assist in investigations of lost production, equipment degradation, or controls issues.
Contribute to KPI reporting and production of stakeholder-ready analytics with guidance.
Participate in SCADA and Asset Management data validation activities.
Support outage planning activities by gathering performance data and completing assigned analysis tasks
Ability to prepare cost estimates under supervision
Basic knowledge with a programming language (Python and SQL)
Preferred
Experience in the electric utility industry.
Engineer 2 Requirements
4+ years of equivalent experience.
Improved performance of all duties and responsibilities of the Engineer 1 level plus
Independently conduct performance monitoring and detailed analysis of renewable generation assets.
Develop, refine, and maintain performance baselines with limited oversight.
Participate in complex investigations and assist in root-cause analysis for performance losses.
Produce KPI reports, operational analytics, and performance summaries for engineering and operations stakeholders.
Validate and troubleshoot instrument health and tag configuration issues.
Support outage planning and post‑outage performance reviews through advanced performance analysis.
Contribute to process improvements and documentation updates.
Growing expertise in engineering principles and project execution
Preferred
Experience in the electric utility industry.
PMP certification or advanced project management skills.
Engineer 3 Requirements
9+ years of equivalent experience
Improved performance of all duties and responsibilities of the Engineer 2 level plus
Lead performance engineering activities across multiple renewable generation sites.
Build advanced analytics models, performance monitoring tools, and reliability assessments.
Lead investigations into equipment degradation, controls issues, or recurring production losses.
Coordinate corrective action planning across Maintenance, Environmental, and Real-Time Systems teams.
Manage medium‑to‑large engineering projects, ensuring objectives, schedules, and deliverables are met.
Provide guidance and mentorship to junior engineers and co‑ops.
Support fleet‑wide data quality improvement initiatives and standardize analytical methods.
Comprehensive knowledge of asset performance monitoring, data analytics, and root-cause troubleshooting in a power generation environment.
Ability to manage complex projects and mentor junior engineers
Preferred
Experience in the electric utility industry.
EIT/PE certification
PMP certification
Senior Engineer Requirements
12+ years of equivalent experience
Improved performance of all duties and responsibilities of the Engineer 3 level plus
Provide strategic direction and technical leadership for fleet-wide performance engineering programs.
Lead complex, high-impact investigations and oversee root-cause analysis across renewable portfolios.
Develop and maintain performance engineering standards, compliance practices, and data governance frameworks.
Oversee major cross-functional initiatives to improve availability, reliability, and net energy production.
Mentor and coach engineers across all levels, supporting professional development and technical training.
Lead major outage planning and fleet-wide performance improvement projects.
Act as a subject matter expert for SCADA, Asset Management systems, and advanced analytics.
Expert knowledge of engineering principles, compliance standards
Strong leadership, coaching, and project management skills
Preferred
Experience in the electric utility industry.
EIT/PE certification
PMP certification
Advanced degree in Business or Engineering
This position is posted as a five-level Performance Engineer job family, ranging from Associate through Senior. The successful candidate will be placed at the level that best aligns with their education, experience, and qualifications.
Salary Range
Associate Engineer: $69,900 – $105,000
Engineer 1: $69,900 – $105,000
Engineer 2: $82,200 - $123,200
Engineer 3: $96,600 – $144,900
Senior Engineer: $113,500 – $170,300
Disclaimer
This description outlines primary duties and qualifications but is not an exhaustive list of responsibilities.
As a public utility, NiSource provides essential services to customers 24/7. Emergency needs can arise at various times throughout the year, including during storm season. Employees may be required to support emergency response efforts, which could include working outside normal hours or assisting with tasks outside of typical responsibilities.
Work Authorization
Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States and must not require employer sponsorship now or in the future.
Workplace Connection
We value a workplace where everyone feels respected, included, and able to do their best work. We encourage open dialogue, value different perspectives, and work collaboratively with employees, customers, and partners.
We recognize and respect the unique experiences people bring, including different backgrounds, cultures, and viewpoints. We treat others with professionalism and care, and we each play a part in creating a positive work environment.
Veteran Hiring & Inclusion
NiSource is proud to support veterans, transitioning service members, and military spouses. We value the leadership, teamwork, and mission-focused experience the military community brings, and we are committed to providing an inclusive workplace with opportunities for professional growth and development.
Equal Employment Opportunity
NiSource is committed to providing equal employment opportunities in each of its companies to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, veteran status, disability, gender, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, sex (including pregnancy, lactation, childbirth or related medical conditions), genetic information, citizenship status, or any protected group status as defined by law. Each employee is expected to abide by this principle.
By applying, you may also be considered for other roles that match your skills and experience.
ADA Accommodations
If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in any stage of the hiring process or to perform the essential functions of the position, please contact OneHR at [email protected] or 1-888-640-3320
Safety Statement
Safety is a core value at NiSource. Employees are expected to follow safety requirements, report hazards, and help maintain a safe environment for themselves and their coworkers.
E-Verify
NiSource participates in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's E-Verify program. Please review the following notices regarding your rights and responsibilities under U.S. law.
- E-Verify Poster (English and Spanish)
- Right to Work Poster (English and Spanish)
Salary Range*:
$69,900.00 - $170,300.00*The salary offered to a candidate is based on several factors including but not limited to the candidate’s skills, job-related knowledge, and relevant experience, as well as internal pay equity.
Posting Start Date:
2026-09-24Posting End Date (if applicable):
Please note that the job posting will close on the day before the posting end date.Skills Required
- Bachelor of Science in Engineering or Engineering Technology from an ABET-accredited program; Associate level candidates may complete the degree by May 30, 2026.
- Relevant experience ranging from 0–12+ months for Associate Engineer through 12+ years for Senior Engineer, depending on placement level.
- Knowledge of power generation and renewable assets, including wind, solar, battery systems, performance metrics, and causes of lost production.
- Knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word, AutoCAD, time-series data, and engineering drawings.
- Ability to research and extract information from drawings, manuals, and tag lists.
- Ability to create reports and stakeholder-ready analytics, with increasing independence by job level.
- Knowledge of programming languages, especially Python and SQL; C/C++ and R are also identified as acceptable languages.
- Ability to monitor generation asset performance, analyze data, develop performance baselines, investigate losses, and produce KPI reports.
- Ability to validate and troubleshoot instrument health, tag configurations, SCADA data, and asset management data.
- Ability to support outage planning, post-outage reviews, performance testing, corrective action tracking, and data quality improvement.
- Valid driver's license.
- Experience in the electric utility industry.
- PMP certification or advanced project management skills.
- EIT or PE certification.
- Advanced degree in Business or Engineering.
- Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without current or future employer sponsorship.
What We Do
NiSource (NYSE: NI) helps energize the lives of its nearly 4 million natural gas and electric customers across six states. Our local utilities – Columbia Gas and NIPSCO – ensure that customers receive safe, reliable and affordable natural gas and electric service each and every day. Our business plan is focused on proactively investing in our energy infrastructure – approximately $1.4 billion a year – to ensure we meet and improve upon our customer commitments for the next 100 years. We employ more than 7,000 of our neighbors who are actively engaged in the communities we’re privileged to serve, making them great places to live and call home. NiSource is headquartered in Merrillville, Indiana – about 35 miles from Chicago – and we maintain a significant corporate presence in Columbus, Ohio. Our utility operations also span Kentucky, Maryland, Pennsylvania and Virginia
