Controls Engineer

Avista•Spokane, WA

13d•$68,027 - $186,159•Hybrid

About The Position

In this role, you will join the Generation Controls Engineering team and contribute to the safe, reliable operation of Avista’s hydroelectric and thermal generating facilities. You will design PLC‑based control system solutions that monitor, control, and protect generating equipment and associated auxiliary and support systems. As a Controls Engineer, you will support capital projects that include control system scope, which may range from stand‑alone control system replacements to control system upgrades delivered as part of broader plant improvement initiatives. You will support work across the full project lifecycle, including concept development, detailed design, implementation planning, and commissioning support. You will work closely with other engineering disciplines, project managers, plant operators, maintenance personnel, technicians, consultants, and vendors to deliver control system solutions. You will translate functional requirements and operational needs into control system designs, PLC logic, electrical design packages, and technical documentation. Field installation, configuration, and physical modifications are performed by technicians, with Controls Engineers providing technical direction, review, and engineering support. In addition to project work, Controls Engineers provide ongoing engineering support for the operation and maintenance of generating facilities. This includes troubleshooting control system issues, evaluating system performance, supporting plant operations, and developing engineering changes or improvements to existing control systems as needed.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science in an ABET-accredited Engineering Program (Electrical, Mechanical, or related discipline)
Effective and flexible communication skills
Ability to travel overnight and work at remote locations when needed

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated experience with PLC‑based control systems, including development, modification, testing, or support of PLC logic for industrial or power generation applications.
Experience translating functional control requirements and engineering intent into implemented control logic and system behavior.
Ability to read, interpret, and develop electrical drawings and schematics related to PLC-based control systems, instrumentation, network architecture, and motor control equipment.
Experience developing or supporting control systems using the Rockwell Automation Studio 5000 environment is strongly preferred.
Ability to develop clear, well‑organized technical documentation to support control system design, implementation, and operation.
Effective written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to collaborate across engineering, project management, operations, maintenance, and construction organizations.
Experience supporting field activities such as commissioning, startup, troubleshooting, or operational support.

Responsibilities

Own the technical design of generation control systems, including control philosophies and functional requirements supporting safe and reliable operation of generating assets and associated auxiliary and support systems.
Develop and maintain PLC‑based control solutions using the Rockwell Automation Studio 5000 platform, translating functional control requirements into implemented logic and system behavior. Designs may be validated through testing and simulation, including use of lab environments when appropriate, prior to field deployment.
Develop and maintain electrical and controls design packages that define the physical installation and logical integration of control system equipment, including general arrangements, panel layouts and elevations, PLC I/O lists (hard‑wired and communicated), I/O schematics, wiring diagrams, cable schedules, bills of material, and related installation details.
Define and implement control functions that support mechanical equipment protection, including monitoring, permissives, interlocks, and protective actions associated with generators, auxiliaries, and balance‑of‑plant systems.
Define and document the exchange of data between PLCs and other systems such as HMI, SCADA, and PI Historian.
Specify and evaluate automation and monitoring equipment by developing technical requirements, reviewing manufacturer and vendor submittals, and ensuring selected equipment meets functional, environmental, regulatory, reliability, and lifecycle expectations. Equipment may include PLC hardware, field instrumentation, motor controls, communication interfaces, and other components integral to generation control systems.
Develop, maintain, and use technical engineering documentation as a core part of control system design and delivery, capturing control system intent, design decisions, and operational behavior. Documentation may include Basis of Design documents, Controls Narratives, Design Standards, Process Flow Diagrams, and Standard Operating Procedures.
Provide field engineering support during construction, commissioning, startup, troubleshooting, and operational events, ensuring installed systems perform as intended.

Benefits

Affordable healthcare options including medical, dental, and vision coverage
Retirement benefits with an enhanced 401(k) match
Incentive programs rewarding performance and contributions
Competitive paid time off including holidays, personal days, and vacation
Life and disability insurance for added peace of mind
Wellness resources supporting mental and physical health
Education and development support including tuition assistance
Community giving programs encouraging employee engagement and impact
Other optional benefits from Legal insurance, Pet insurance, and more (Eligibility subject to Bargaining Unit affiliation)

Stand Out From the Crowd

Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.

Upload and Match Resume