System Protection Engineer

Closes: August 30, 2026

Performs advanced engineering assignments related to Protective Relaying, Protection Systems, and Substation Integration. Applies specialized technical expertise, company knowledge, and independent judgment to analyze problems, develop solutions, and adapt engineering practices and standards.

Designs and implements protection schemes and integration systems for transmission, distribution, generation, and substation facilities. Develops relay settings, coordination studies, fault analyses, and short-circuit studies to ensure reliable and secure system operation. Specifies protective relays, control systems, and substation equipment required for monitoring, control, and data acquisition. Evaluates protection system performance following system events and performs transient, stability, and coordination studies to support system planning and interconnections.

Serves as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) for NERC Protection and Control (PRC) standards by maintaining compliance processes, implementing regulatory requirements, coordinating compliance activities, and supporting audit readiness through documentation and evidence management. Performs other duties, special projects, and engineering assignments as requested or assigned.

• Bachelor of Science in an ABET-accredited Electrical Engineering Program


• Effective and flexible communication skills

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

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

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

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

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. 

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".

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 $88,336 to $186,159. 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. 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.