Job Information
Avista Utilities Electric System Planning Engineer in Spokane, Washington
Description
Closes: October 27, 2024 Starting Range: $62,895 to $138,852 (Full position breakdown below) Full Range: $62,895 to $155,483
Job DescriptionAvista’s System Planning team is seeking qualified candidates to fill an engineer position. The position will primarily focus on planning tasks related to the distribution system. The System Planning group performs multi-year assessments, interconnection studies, participates in regional and national forums, and provides support to engineering, project management, resource planning, operations, law, contract, and other internal departments.
The job requires the ability to communicate clearly and apply interpersonal skills with cross-functional teams. Technical writing skills and presentations will be used to communicate project requirements, alternatives, and recommendations. System Planning Engineers are expected to perform at a high level of technical engineering which requires advanced engineering and company knowledge. Ability to apply originality and judgment in the technical analysis and independent evaluation, selection and modification of standard techniques, procedures and criteria is necessary.
Responsibilities
Forecast and analyze transmission and distribution system electric loads
Develop and maintain computer simulation models representing the electrical system used for analysis
Perform and analyze electric transmission and distribution system power flow and stability studies
Conduct and review load and generation interconnection studies
Develop alternative plans and timetables for electric transmission and distribution facility additions or improvement necessary for system capacity and reliability
Consider asset management principles and plans, non-wires alternatives, operational impacts, and system reliability in project analyses
Support facility permitting processes and any other processes required to determine the best transmission or distribution route-plan alternative
Interface and coordinate with both internal and external customers of Avista
Fulfill requirements of applicable standards
Utilize personal computers including automated tools and software applications, including electric system modeling programs
Actively foster a safe working environment for self and for fellow employees. Look for and act to resolve any unsafe situations
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor of Science from ABET accredited Engineering Program in Electrical Engineering
Effective and flexible communication skills
Entry Engineer:
- 0-1 years engineering work experience preferred
Assistant Engineer:
- Minimum of one (1) year of engineering work experience required
Associate Engineer:
- Minimum of two (2) years of engineering work experience required
Engineer:
- Minimum of four (4) years engineering work experience required
Senior Engineer:
Minimum of eight (8) years engineering work experience required
Washington and/or Idaho Professional Engineering License or ability to obtain through reciprocity
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
Desired Qualifications
Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering with specialization in Power Systems
Four years of experience in the areas of utility distribution, transmission, or resource planning
Experience in system operations, engineering, asset strategy, and/or system protection
Experience performing generation interconnection studies
Experience using PSCAD and performing weak system analysis
Experience using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, and process information
Experience with load flow software such as PowerWorld Simulator, DNV Synergi Electric or similar program
Three years of technical writing experience related to system planning (example work may be requested)
Experience evaluating system performance and developing solutions using traditional and new non-traditional technologies
Knowledge of North American Reliability Corporation (NERC) and/or Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) standards
Knowledge of Washington Administrative Code
Professional Engineer License
Knowledge of Avista’s electric system
Other combinations of experience, training, and education may be considered.
Entry Engineer: Hiring Range: $62,895 - $81,133, Full Range: $62,895 - $90,253Assistant Engineer: Hiring Range: $71,741 - $92,905, Full Range: $71,741 - $103,486Associate Engineer: Hiring Range: $81,672 - $106,174, Full Range: $81,672 - $118,425Engineer: Hiring Range: $92,805 - $121,576, Full Range: $92,805 - $135,961Senior Engineer: Hiring Range: $105,591 - $138,852, Full Range: $105,591 - $155,483
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".
BenefitsAt 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 requirementsEmployment is contingent upon the successful completion of a drug test, background check and motor vehicle records review.
Avista’s Commitment to Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Avista is a safe, inclusive workplace for people of all backgrounds, and we are committed to Equal Opportunity Employment, Affirmative Action efforts, and Equity, Inclusion and Diversity. We strongly encourage applications from women, people of color, people with disabilities, protected veterans, and all others. 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.
Equity and diversity in our workplace is important to us. Please view Equal Employment Opportunity Posters provided by OFCCP here (https://www.dol.gov/agencies/ofccp/posters) . 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.
Qualifications
Licenses & Certifications
Preferred
- NERC Background Check
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)