Substation Maintenance Engineer

Avista Corporation; Spokane, Northern (WA, KY); Hybrid; USD 68,000 - 186,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Affordable healthcare options (medical

Dental, vision coverage

Retirement benefits with enhanced 401k

Incentive programs

Competitive paid time off

Life and disability insurance

Wellness resources

Education and tuition assistance

Community giving programs

Job summary

Avista Corporation is seeking a Substation Maintenance Engineer to oversee maintenance programs, support field crews, and ensure regulatory compliance for substation assets in Spokane. The role emphasizes lifecycle maintenance, fault analysis, and documentation across engineering, operations, and vendors.

The ideal candidate combines a strong substation background with field operation experience, plus the ability to develop technical documentation and support safe, reliable power delivery.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in an ABET-accredited engineering program.
• Substation equipment commissioning, testing and/or maintenance experience preferred.
• Professional Engineer License in Electrical Engineering preferred.
• Knowledge of Avista's electric system preferred.
• Effective and flexible communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain substation maintenance programs aligned with industry best practices, and IEEE and NERC standards.
• Support the commissioning of new and upgraded station equipment.
• Provide technical support to field crews for inspections, testing, troubleshooting, and repairs.
• Analyze equipment failures and specify replacement parts and materials.
• Maintain accurate maintenance, testing, and commissioning documentation.
• Collaborate with operations, field crews and engineering to improve asset performance.
• Support NERC compliance, audits, and evidence retention.
• Participate in an on-call rotation and provide off-hour support during outages, storm events, and system emergencies as needed.
• Other job duties as required.

Skills

Substation equipment

Maintenance practices

Field operations

Effective communication

Regulatory awareness

Education

Bachelor of Science in ABET-accredited Engineering Program

Tools

Professional Engineer License (Electrical)

Job description

The Substation Maintenance Engineer supports the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of substation equipment through maintenance program oversight, field support, technical troubleshooting, and regulatory compliance. This role works closely with maintenance personnel, field crews, operations, engineering, and vendors to ensure equipment is properly inspected, tested, repaired, documented, and maintained throughout its lifecycle.

The ideal candidate brings a strong foundation in substation equipment, maintenance practices, and field operations, along with the ability to develop technical documentation, analyze equipment condition, and specify replacement components for failed or aging assets.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain substation maintenance programs aligned with industry best practices, and IEEE and NERC standards
• Support the commissioning of new and upgraded station equipment
• Provide technical support to field crews for inspections, testing, troubleshooting, and repairs
• Analyze equipment failures and specify replacement parts and materials
• Maintain accurate maintenance, testing, and commissioning documentation
• Collaborate with operations, field crews and engineering to improve asset performance
• Support NERC compliance, audits, and evidence retention
• Participate in an on-call rotation and provide off-hour support during outages, storm events, and system emergencies as needed
• Other job duties as required

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science in an ABET-accredited Engineering Program
• Effective and flexible communication skills
• Substation equipment commissioning, testing and/or maintenance experience preferred
• Professional Engineer License in Electrical Engineering preferred
• Knowledge of Avista's electric system preferred

Entry Engineer

• 0-1 years engineering work experience preferred

Assistant Engineer

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

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

Associate Engineer

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

• Minimum of two (2) years of engineering work experience required

Engineer

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

• Minimum of four (4) years engineering work experience required

Senior Engineer

• Minimum of six (6) years engineering work experience required
• Demonstrated skills illustrating use of productivity, presentation, and analytical tools specific to area of expertise
• Demonstrated technical leadership within engineering
• Demonstrated positive and effective working relationships with internal and external parties
• Specialty technical proficiency, project leadership, and ability to be self-directed

Hiring Range: $114,207 to $150,183

Other combinations of education and experience 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.

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)

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 $186,159 . Questions regarding compliance with this requirement can be directed to [e-mail] .

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 [e-mail] if you would like assistance.

Qualifications

Licenses & Certifications

Preferred

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 notice from the Department of Labor.