System Protection & Integration Engineer

Description

Closes: November 22, 2026

Job DescriptionJoin Avista as a Protection & Integration Engineer and help strengthen the systems that keep our electric grid safe, reliable, and connected. You’ll design protection and substation integration solutions, support critical infrastructure compliance, and collaborate across the organization on distribution, transmission, substation, and generation projects.

Responsibilities

• Design the application of detailed protection schemes and integration systems for the electrical distribution, transmission, substation, and generating stations.

• Specify integration equipment and related protective equipment for the electric system.

• Develop, perform and evaluate network infrastructures to integrate protective devices in substations and remote locations.

• Design detailed substation integration schemes and specify substation equipment necessary for the 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 (SME) for NERC Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) standards by; actively monitoring and developing procedures for compliance; reviewing NERC compliance requirements and developing or updating processes and activities; gathering and coordinating documentation of evidence of compliance.

• Performs other duties as assigned; responsibilities may evolve with business needs.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science in ABET accredited Electrical Engineering Program

• Effective and flexible communication skills

• Power System knowledge or emphasis in a degree and/or ability to utilize engineering application software desired

Entry Engineer:

• 0-1 years engineering work experience preferred

Hiring Range: $68,027 to $87,754

Assistant Engineer:

• Minimum of one (1) year of engineering work experience required

Hiring Range: $77,595 to $100,486

Associate Engineer:

• Minimum of two years of engineering work experience required

Hiring Range: $88,336 to $114,838

Engineer:

• Minimum of four years engineering work experience required

Hiring Range: $100,378 to $131,496

Other combinations of experience, training, and education may be considered.

Hybrid work options are available for this role. The successful candidate will be required to work at our Spokane, Washington headquarters at least 3 days per week including Mondays and Tuesdays with additional day(s) determined by the manager.

To Apply We encourage you to apply as many of our positions have multiple levels to account for an incoming employee’s various knowledge, skills, and experience.

Complete an online application and attach your resume and cover letter to your profile. All documents must be attached to your application at the time of submitting your application for review. No documents can be attached after you click "Submit".

Total Rewards

At Avista, our employees are the foundation of our success. Their dedication drives the value we deliver to our customers and communities. That’s why we prioritize the physical, mental, and financial well-being of our team members and their families.

We offer a comprehensive Total Rewards program designed to support every stage of life and career. Our offerings include:

• 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)

To learn more, please visit our benefits website at https://avistabenefits.com/.

We are committed to maintaining a competitive and equitable total rewards package that attracts and retains a diverse, skilled, and engaged workforce.

In compliance with state laws, we provide the full salary range for each position, along with the typical hiring range based on qualifications, experience, and internal equity. The full salary range for this position is $68,027 to $162,614. Questions regarding compliance with this requirement can be directed to [email protected].

Pre-employment screening requirements Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a drug test, background check and motor vehicle records review.

Avista’s Commitment to Equal Opportunity Avista is a safe, inclusive workplace for people of all backgrounds, and we are committed to Equal Opportunity Employment. All qualified applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, age, sensory, mental or physical disability (unless based upon a bona fide occupational qualification), Veteran status or any other classification protected by nondiscrimination laws.

Please view Equal Employment Opportunity Posters provided by OFCCP here (https://www.dol.gov/agencies/ofccp/posters) . Prior to the next step in the recruiting process, we welcome you to inform us confidentially if you require any special accommodations to participate fully in our recruitment process. Avista will make reasonable accommodation to assist a qualified person with a disability in the job application, interview process, and to perform the essential functions of the job whenever possible, where undue hardship would not be created for Avista. Please contact us at [email protected] if you would like assistance.

Qualifications

Licenses & Certifications

Preferred

• NERC Background Check

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.