Protection Engineer

Closes: May 13, 2025
Starting Range: $65,410 to $144,406
Full Range: $65,410 to $178,999

Job Description
To carry out at a full Electrical Engineering level engineering assignments related to Protective Relaying and Integration Systems. To perform engineering work in the above areas which requires specific technical and company knowledge as well as originality and judgment in the technical analysis and independent evaluation,
selection and modification of standard techniques, procedures and criteria.

Designs the application of detailed protection schemes and integration systems for the electrical distribution, transmission, substation, and generating stations. Specifies protective relays and certain other related protective equipment for the electric system. Develops, performs and evaluates system fault studies in order to determine coordination and setting of protective devices. Designs detailed Substation Integration schemes and specifies substation equipment necessary for the remote control, status indication and data viewing of substation equipment. Reviews and evaluates Protection Systems operations response to system events. Evaluates System Planning stability and load flow studies and creates Short Circuit Analysis studies for large generator interconnections. Performs transient studies for the coordination and evaluation of equipment applied to the electrical system. Represents the Relay and Protection Group as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) for NERC Protection Systems and Control (PRC) standards by; actively monitor and develop procedures for compliance; review NERC compliance requirements and develop or update processes and activities; gather and coordinate documentation of evidence of compliance.

• Minimum of eight (8) years engineering work experience required
• Professional Engineering License
• Demonstrated skills illustrating their use of productivity, presentation, and analytical tools specific to his/her area of expertise
• Demonstrated technical leadership within engineering
• Demonstrated positive and effective working relationships with internal and external parties
• Advanced knowledge, skills, technical proficiency and abilities as demonstrated by a professional engineering license
• Specialty technical proficiency, project leadership, ability to be self-directed

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

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

Entry Engineer: Hiring Range: $65,410 - $84,379, Full Range: $65,410 - 103,347

Assistant Engineer: Hiring Range: $74,611 - $96,621, Full Range: $74,611 - $118,631 

Associate Engineer: Hiring Range: $84,939 - $110,421, Full Range: $84,939 - $135,903 

Engineer: Hiring Range: $96,517 - $126,439, Full Range: $96,517 - $156,359

Senior Engineer: Hiring Range: $109,815 - $144,406, Full Range: $109,815 - $178,999

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 an additional day determined by the employee and manager.

To Apply
We encourage you to apply as many of our positions have step progressions to account for an incoming employee’s various levels of 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".

Benefits
At Avista, we believe our employees are essential. Through them we deliver value to our customers and the communities we serve. The physical, mental, and financial health and well-being of our employees and their families are important to us. We are committed to offering a comprehensive total rewards program comprised of an externally competitive, internally equitable compensation structure and a benefits package that allows us to retain and attract a diverse, engaged, and skilled workforce. Our benefits package includes medical, dental, vision, life, and disability coverage, retirement benefits, incentive plans, wellness resources, time-off programs and much more. In addition to our total rewards program, the Pacific Northwest offers abundant outdoor recreation, four distinct seasons, and all the amenities and activities an individual or family might be interested in. To learn more, please visit our benefits website at https://avistabenefits.com/.

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. 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 humanresources@avistacorp.com if you would like assistance.

Salary : $65,410 - $144,406