Entry Level Science Jobs in Nebraska (NOW HIRING)

Engineer I/II/III/IV or Engineering Specialist IV/V - Production
Salary Range - $6,638 - $12,512
Location - North Platte, NE North Platte Office
Posting Date: April 6, 2026
Closing Date: December 31, 2026 or until filled
Are you hard-working and eager to make a meaningful impact in the ever-emerging energy industry? Come join us!
By joining the Nebraska Public Power District team, you're becoming part of a close-knit community that embodies the values and traditions of the state. More than generating and delivering power, we empower our employees to thrive both personally and professionally. With safety at the helm, we have created a supportive and inclusive work environment that fosters innovation and growth. Here, you're not just an employee; you're a valued member of a family that respects and supports each other.
Our power grid has been consistently ranked one of the most reliable and resilient, but our reputation for excellence extends beyond our customer service to our employee satisfaction. Many of our team members have built lifelong careers here, advancing through the ranks thanks to our robust training programs and opportunities for professional development. With us, you'll find a place where your efforts are recognized and rewarded, where you're making a deep impact on the communities around you, and where you can truly power a career that you can be proud of.
Get to know us more here
Position Summary
Engineer Level I to Level IV is considered a progression and is approved by the appropriate manager. This engineering position(s) is managed under the Non-Nuclear Engineering Career Path.
Engineering Specialist Level IV to Level V is considered a progression and is approved by the appropriate manager. This Engineering Specialist position(s) is managed under the Non-Nuclear Engineering Technician Career Path.
Assignments are designed to develop general knowledge of professional engineering practice in the electric utility industry and introduce customer/supplier communication skills.
Education, Training and Experience
Engineer Level I & II: Bachelor of science degree or higher in engineering from an Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) accredited university or college or Professional Engineering license obtained by accredited examination. Civil Engineering discipline preferred. Entry level position with assignments designed to develop general knowledge of professional engineering practice in the electric utility industry and introduce customer/supplier communication skills. Second level position with assignments designed to develop competent technical knowledge within an engineering discipline, develop customer relations skills, and introduce project management skills.
Engineer Level III: Bachelor of science degree or higher in engineering from an Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) accredited university or college or Professional Engineering license obtained by accredited examination. Civil Engineering discipline preferred. A fully competent engineer in conventional aspects within the specific discipline with expertise in specific areas of past assignments. Assignments designed to expand the areas of expertise within the discipline, develop project management skills, and develop a general knowledge of other disciplines.
Engineer Level IV: Bachelor of science degree or higher in engineering from an Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) accredited university or college or Professional Engineering license obtained by accredited examination. Civil Engineering discipline preferred. A minimum of 10 years of power plant engineering experience required.
Specialist: Associate Degree required. Experience in Civil Engineering preferred. Training and experience requirements fall under the umbrella of NPPD's Non-Nuclear Engineering Technician Career Path. Specific requirements for Engineering Specialist (Level IV and V) are specified in the career path standard.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
Engineer Level I:
Performs tasks of limited and specific scope under the direction of experienced personnel. Applies standard engineering practices and techniques, utilizing prescribed methods in carrying out a sequence of related engineering tasks. Judgment is required on details of work such as correlating data and recognizing discrepancies in results. Communicates with customers and suppliers as directed by supervision.
Engineer Level II:
Perform tasks of limited and specific scope under the direction of experienced personnel. Plans and conducts detailed phases of work in support of multiple assignments, as well as managing assignments of moderate scope. Independently selects and applies standard engineering techniques and procedures, utilizing prescribed methods in carrying out a sequence of related engineering tasks. Includes some complex features. Work requires a broad knowledge within the discipline and development of expertise in specific areas of work assignment. Judgment is required on details of work such as correlating data and recognizing discrepancies in results. Communicates with customers and suppliers as needed.
Engineer Level III:
Performs detailed development, planning, and implementation of numerous concurrent assignments of moderate scope. Performs work which includes a variety of complex features such as unique operating conditions, conflicting design requirements, unsuitability of conventional materials or methods, or difficult coordination requirements. Performs as a consultant in technical specialties to determine and assess technical and economic feasibility and soundness of proposed engineering solutions, as well as analysis of unusual operating conditions. Communicates with customers concerning needs and work status. Work generally requires a broad range of knowledge within the specific engineering discipline with expertise in numerous areas and general knowledge of other engineering disciplines.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities (Continued)
Engineer Level IV:
Applies intensive and diversified knowledge of engineering principles and practices and has full technical responsibility for interpreting, organizing, and executing assignments. Assignments designed to enhance knowledge of the energy industry and strategic planning skills for technical issues.
Engineering Specialist (Level IV):
A fully competent specialist with a broad knowledge of engineering support within a specific discipline. Assignments are designed to develop engineering skills within a discipline and to introduce project management skills.
Engineering Specialist (Level V):
A fully competent specialist with a broad knowledge of engineering within the specific discipline with expertise in specific areas of past assignments. Assignments designed to increase areas of expertise within the discipline, to develop a general knowledge of other engineering disciplines, and develop project management skills.
Core Competencies
Customer Focus
Employees & Teamwork/Diversity & Inclusion
Integrity/Excellence
Public Service/Environmental Stewardship
Safety
Salary Information - Nebraska Public Power District offers a competitive starting salary with opportunities for growth. In addition to the base salary range listed below, NPPD employees may also be eligible for our Annual Incentive Program (AIP) that may supplement total compensation at a level above and beyond the stated salary range. Successful applicants will be provided more information regarding the incentive program at the time of an interview.
Engineer Level I - Exempt Pay Grade 12: $6,638-$8,384 monthly
Engineer Level II - Exempt Pay Grade 13: $7,445-$9,404 monthly
Engineer Level III - Exempt Pay Grade 14: $8,466-$10,904 monthly
Engineer Level IV - Exempt Pay Grade 15: $9,715-$12,512 monthly
Engineering Specialist (Level IV) - Exempt Pay Grade 13: $7,445-$9,404 monthly
Engineering Specialist(Level V) - Exempt Pay Grade 14: $8,466-$10,904 monthly
Travel Required: Travel required may fluctuate by business need. This is an estimate and will be discussed further with candidates that receive an interview.
Nebraska Public Power District offers a competitive starting salary and an excellent benefits package including medical and dental insurance, 401K retirement plan, paid holidays, paid vacation, paid medical, training opportunities and more.
If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation as part of the employment selection process, please contact Human Resources at Nebraska Public Power District.
Nebraska Public Power District is an Equal Opportunity Employer
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer who values the contributions of its diverse work force. We are only legally able to hire persons who are 1) a United States citizen or national, 2) a lawful permanent resident of the United States, or 3) an alien legally authorized to work in the United States.
Benefits
Customers around the state know what to expect from NPPD - quality, reliability and performance excellence. Our values also extend to the way we take care of our employees and their families. We remain on the leading edge by providing competitive benefits that respond to the diverse lifestyles of our people in an ever-changing world.
Salary
Nebraska Public Power District offers a competitive starting salary with opportunities for growth. In addition to the base salary listed in posting, NPPD employees may also be eligible for our Annual Incentive Program (AIP) that may supplement total compensation at a level above and beyond the stated salary range.
Retirement Savings
NPPD employees may participate in two retirement plan options - a 401(k) plan and a 457(b) plan. Both plans allow for pre-tax or Roth contributions. After the first six months of employment, the 401(k) plan includes a generous matching contribution from NPPD. The five-year vesting period begins on an employee's hire date. Our retired employees are eligible for retiree healthcare benefits as well as a life benefit paid out to designated beneficiaries upon their passing.
Health & Wellness
At NPPD, we care about the health and wellness of our employees. We offer new teammates two competitive hospital / medical plan options to fit their lifestyle and family needs. We also make an annual contribution to employee Health Savings Accounts, which can be used to offset out-of-pocket expenses. Employees and their spouse are invited to participate in a variety of wellness initiatives offered throughout the year as a way to enhance their wellness, reduce health risks and promote healthy lifestyles.
Other Benefits
Employees earn vacation on a schedule commensurate with their years of service. We also offer paid holidays as well as personal and family medical leave, including birth mother recovery leave and parental child bonding leave. All full-time employees receive a life insurance policy equivalent to two times the participant's annual salary at no cost to the employee. NPPD also offers dental and vision insurance as well as personal accident, accidental death and dismemberment, critical illness, hospital indemnity, long-term care, pre-paid legal/identity theft, and short-and long-term disability insurance plans. Additional benefits include college tuition reimbursement, relocation assistance and complimentary access to an Employee Assistance Program.