System Protection & Integration Engineer

Avista • Spokane, WA

4d • $68,027 - $162,614 • Hybrid

About The Position

Join Avista as a Protection & Integration Engineer designing protection and substation integration solutions that support a safe, reliable, and connected electric grid. The role supports critical infrastructure compliance and collaborates across distribution, transmission, substation, and generation projects. The successful candidate will work in a hybrid arrangement from Avista’s Spokane, Washington headquarters at least three days per week, including Mondays and Tuesdays, with additional office days determined by the manager.

The position may be filled at one of several engineering levels, depending on the candidate’s experience and qualifications: Entry Engineer, Assistant Engineer, Associate Engineer, or Engineer. Other combinations of experience, training, and education may be considered. The full salary range is $68,027 to $162,614, with level-specific hiring ranges stated in the posting.

Employment is contingent on successfully completing a drug test, background check, and motor vehicle records review.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science in an ABET-accredited Electrical Engineering program.
• Effective and flexible communication skills.
• Assistant Engineer level: at least one year of engineering work experience.
• Associate Engineer level: at least two years of engineering work experience.
• Engineer level: at least four years of engineering work experience.
• Successful completion of a drug test, background check, and motor vehicle records review is required for employment.

Nice To Haves

• Entry Engineer level: 0–1 years of engineering work experience preferred.
• Power systems knowledge or emphasis in a degree.
• Ability to use engineering application software.

Responsibilities

• Design detailed protection schemes and integration systems for electrical distribution, transmission, substations, and generating stations.
• Specify integration equipment and related protective equipment for the electric system.
• Develop, perform, and evaluate network infrastructures that integrate protective devices in substations and remote locations.
• Design detailed substation integration schemes and specify equipment for remote control, status indication, and data collection of substation equipment.
• Evaluate System Planning studies for large generator interconnections and help ensure Avista’s integration standards are followed.
• Represent the System Protection department as a Subject Matter Expert for NERC Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) standards.
• Monitor and develop procedures for NERC CIP compliance; review compliance requirements; develop or update processes and activities; and gather and coordinate evidence of compliance.
• Perform other duties as assigned; responsibilities may evolve with business needs.

Benefits

• Affordable medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Retirement benefits with an enhanced 401(k) match.
• Incentive programs rewarding performance and contributions.
• Paid time off including holidays, personal days, and vacation.
• Life and disability insurance.
• Wellness resources supporting mental and physical health.
• Education and development support, including tuition assistance.
• Community giving programs encouraging employee engagement and impact.
• Optional legal insurance and pet insurance, among other benefits; eligibility is subject to Bargaining Unit affiliation.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level