System Protection & Integration Engineer

Avista Corporation; Spokane (WA); Hybrid; USD 68,000 - 163,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work options

Competitive total rewards

Job summary

Avista Corporation is seeking a System Protection & Integration Engineer to help safeguard and connect the electric grid. You will design protection schemes and substation integration solutions, support compliance programs, and collaborate on distribution, transmission, substation, and generation projects.

The role requires a BS in Electrical Engineering, strong communication, and knowledge of power systems. Hybrid work is available; Spokane, WA HQ required 3 days/week.

Qualifications

• BS in Electrical Engineering with emphasis on power systems is required.
• Strong communication and flexible collaboration across teams.
• Familiarity with protection schemes and substation integration is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Design protection schemes and integration systems for distribution, transmission, substation, and generation.
• Specify protection and related equipment for electric systems.
• Develop and evaluate network infrastructures to integrate protective devices.
• Design substation integration schemes and remote control/data collection equipment.
• Evaluate system studies for large generator interconnections and ensure CIP standards compliance.
• Act as SME for CIP and coordinate evidence of compliance activities.

Skills

Communication skills

Power systems knowledge

Education

Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering (ABET-accredited)

Job description

System Protection & Integration Engineer

• Posted on November 4, 2026

Locations

Showing 1 location

Mission WA
Spokane, WA 992203727, USA

• Full-Time
• Requisition #: SYSTE005907

Description

Closes: November 22, 2026

Job Description
Join 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: $77,595 to $100,486

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.

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 $162,614. 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

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.