Brandi Hellwinkel, PE
Bozeman,MT
Summary
Strategic senior leader in utility asset management and system planning, specializing in regulatory compliance and risk mitigation for critical infrastructure. Directs multi-level teams to implement innovative solutions, enhancing safety and reliability while fostering stakeholder alignment across engineering, operations, and regulatory.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Manager of System Assets
NorthWestern Energy
11.2022 - Current
- Enterprise leader responsible for system asset strategy, integrity management, and long-range planning across electric and gas portfolios.
- Led asset management and engineering strategies to enhance system safety, reliability, affordability, and long-term resilience.
- Architected and oversaw asset-based reliability and wildfire mitigation programs, ensuring regulatory compliance and risk management for over $1B in assets.
- Direct and develop multi-level management teams, aligning technical, operational, regulatory, and financial priorities through influence.
- Translate complex engineering analyses and risk assessments into clear, actionable recommendations for executive leadership, regulators, and operations.
- Serve as expert witness in utility rate cases, providing defensible engineering, risk, and financial testimony.
- Provided fiscal leadership through budget oversight and resourcing strategy, optimizing organizational structure for effective program execution.
System Integrity Superintendent
NorthWestern Energy
01.2020 - 11.2022
- Led centralized engineering staff in developing enterprise asset strategies, construction standards, and reporting for gas and electric systems, ensuring compliance and operational efficiency.
- Recognized as a trusted technical authority influencing decisions through data-driven insights and advanced risk models.
- Advanced companywide solutions including automated reporting, advanced asset data analytics, and dynamic dashboards that improved transparency and decision-making.
- Facilitated adoption of new processes and technologies by clearly communicating technical value in operational, financial, and strategic contexts.
Senior Engineer, Asset Management & Planning
NorthWestern Energy
04.2015 - 01.2020
- Engineered capacity strategies enabling hundreds of millions in transmission, distribution, and substation investments.
- Formulated company-wide capital prioritization framework to optimize asset investments aligning risk and affordability with corporate objectives.
- Established asset planning standards that integrate system performance with financial and operational targets, improving strategic decision-making.
- Directed outcomes by cultivating credibility, clarifying complexity, and synchronizing stakeholders to support successful project collaboration.
Planning Engineer
NorthWestern Energy
02.2010 - 04.2015
- Managed $7.5M substation and communication project in Yellowstone National Park, leading contract negotiations for rate recovery and implementing internal process improvements.
- Performed electrical system modeling, protection coordination, and arc flash studies, ensuring compliance with IEEE and NFPA 70E standards.
- Developed transmission and distribution system planning initiatives to enhance reliability and ensure long-term capacity.
Substation Design Engineer
Electrical Consultants, Inc.
12.2008 - 01.2010
- Designed high-voltage substation infrastructure supporting utility-scale projects.
- Collaborated with clients to understand project requirements and specifications.
- Developed detailed design documentation and engineering reports for various projects.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Civil Engineering
Montana State University
Bozeman, MT12-2008
Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) -
State of Montana
06-2013
Project & Portfolio Management (PPM) -
Skills
- Utility Asset Strategy & System Planning
- Advanced Electrical & Utility System Engineering
- Regulatory Strategy & Rate Case Testimony
- Wildfire Mitigation & Infrastructure Resiliency
- Executive & Leadership Communication
- Legislative & Public Policy Engagement
- Stakeholder Alignment Across Engineering, Operations & Craft
- Multi-Level & Cross-Functional Leadership
- Leading Through Influence & Consensus
Timeline
Senior Manager of System Assets
NorthWestern Energy
11.2022 - Current
System Integrity Superintendent
NorthWestern Energy
01.2020 - 11.2022
Senior Engineer, Asset Management & Planning
NorthWestern Energy
04.2015 - 01.2020
Planning Engineer
NorthWestern Energy
02.2010 - 04.2015
Substation Design Engineer
Electrical Consultants, Inc.
12.2008 - 01.2010
Bachelor of Science - Civil Engineering
Montana State University
Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) -
State of Montana