System Protection & Integration Engineer

Avista Corporation • Spokane, WA

3d • $68,027 - $162,614 • Hybrid

About The Position

Avista is hiring a Protection & Integration Engineer to design protection and substation integration solutions that support a safe, reliable, and connected electric grid. The role supports distribution, transmission, substation, and generation projects, as well as critical infrastructure compliance. Hybrid work is available, with at least three days per week at Avista’s Spokane, Washington headquarters, including Mondays and Tuesdays; the manager determines the additional onsite day or days. The role may be filled at the Entry Engineer, Assistant Engineer, Associate Engineer, or Engineer level, depending on the candidate’s qualifications and experience. The full salary range is $68,027 to $162,614, with level-specific hiring ranges described in the posting. Employment is contingent on successful completion of 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.
• Other combinations of experience, training, and education may be considered.

Nice To Haves

• Entry Engineer level: 0–1 years of engineering work experience preferred.
• Power Systems knowledge or emphasis in a degree and/or ability to use engineering application software is desired.

Responsibilities

• Design detailed protection schemes and integration systems for electric distribution, transmission, substations, and generating stations.
• Specify integration equipment and related protective equipment for the electric system.
• Develop, perform, and evaluate network infrastructures for integrating protective devices in substations and remote locations.
• Design detailed substation integration schemes and specify equipment for remote control, status indication, and data collection.
• 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 compliance procedures; review NERC compliance requirements and develop or update processes and activities; gather and coordinate documentation of compliance evidence.
• 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 benefits, including legal insurance and pet insurance; eligibility is subject to bargaining unit affiliation.

What This Job Offers

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