Controls Engineer

Closes:

September 17, 2025

Job Description

In this role, you will join the Generation Controls Engineering team. You will be responsible for carrying out controls engineering assignments that contribute to safely operating and maintaining Avista’s hydroelectric and thermal generating stations.

As a Controls Engineer, you will collaborate with other engineers, project managers, and stakeholders such as operators to develop designs and write PLC programs to automate and monitor Avista’s generation assets. The Control Design/Test Lab is a resource that you will use as you prepare your designs and programs for installation.

Responsibilities

- Design modifications and improvements to automation and monitoring systems within Avista’s generating facilities.

- Collaborate with other engineers, technicians, electricians, operators, project managers and consultants to design/support control and monitoring systems.

- Create designs that include integration from instrumentation sources to HMI displays and PI as well as network and communications designs.

- Develop schematic diagrams for PLCs and other control and monitoring systems, PLC programs using Rockwell RSLogix5000 Suite and test PLC programs and equipment configurations in test environment.

- Specify, evaluate, and approve automation and monitoring equipment such as PLCs, RTDs, Meters, Governors, etc.

- Provide field engineering support during construction, commissioning and troubleshooting.

Requirements

- Bachelor of Science in ABET accredited Engineering Program

- Effective and flexible communication skills

- Experience with Hydro and Generation assets is preferred but not required

- Ability to travel overnight and work at remote locations when needed

Entry Engineer

- 0-1 years engineering work experience preferred

Hiring Range: $65,410 - $84,379

Assistant Engineer

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

Hiring Range: $74,611 - $96,621

Associate Engineer

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

Hiring Range: $84,939 - $110,421

Engineer

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

Hiring Range: $96,517 - $126,439

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

Hiring Range: $109,815 - $144,406

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. This position may require work at remote locations and overnight travel when designing and commissioning engineering work. 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 and bonus programs rewarding performance and contributions

- Generous 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

- Many other elective benefits from Legal insurance, Pet insurance, and more

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 $65,410 to $178,999. Questions regarding compliance with this requirement can be directed to humanresources@avistacorp.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.