Controls Engineer

Closes: April 5, 2026 Job Description In this role, you will join the Generation Controls Engineering team and contribute to the safe, reliable operation of Avista's hydroelectric and thermal generating facilities. You will design PLC‑based control system solutions that monitor, control, and protect generating equipment and associated auxiliary and support systems. As a Controls Engineer, you will support capital projects that include control system scope, which may range from stand‑alone control system replacements to control system upgrades delivered as part of broader plant improvement initiatives. You will support work across the full project lifecycle, including concept development, detailed design, implementation planning, and commissioning support. You will work closely with other engineering disciplines, project managers, plant operators, maintenance personnel, technicians, consultants, and vendors to deliver control system solutions. You will translate functional requirements and operational needs into control system designs, PLC logic, electrical design packages, and technical documentation. Field installation, configuration, and physical modifications are performed by technicians, with Controls Engineers providing technical direction, review, and engineering support. In addition to project work, Controls Engineers provide ongoing engineering support for the operation and maintenance of generating facilities. This includes troubleshooting control system issues, evaluating system performance, supporting plant operations, and developing engineering changes or improvements to existing control systems as needed. Responsibilities * Own the technical design of generation control systems, including control philosophies and functional requirements supporting safe and reliable operation of generating assets and associated auxiliary and support systems. * Develop and maintain PLC‑based control solutions using the Rockwell Automation Studio 5000 platform, translating functional control requirements into implemented logic and system behavior. Designs may be validated through testing and simulation, including use of lab environments when appropriate, prior to field deployment. * Develop and maintain electrical and controls design packages that define the physical installation and logical integration of control system equipment, including general arrangements, panel layouts and elevations, PLC I/O lists (hard‑wired and communicated), I/O schematics, wiring diagrams, cable schedules, bills of material, and related installation details. * Define and implement control functions that support mechanical equipment protection, including monitoring, permissives, interlocks, and protective actions associated with generators, auxiliaries, and balance‑of‑plant systems. * Define and document the exchange of data between PLCs and other systems such as HMI, SCADA, and PI Historian. * Specify and evaluate automation and monitoring equipment by developing technical requirements, reviewing manufacturer and vendor submittals, and ensuring selected equipment meets functional, environmental, regulatory, reliability, and lifecycle expectations. Equipment may include PLC hardware, field instrumentation, motor controls, communication interfaces, and other components integral to generation control systems. * Develop, maintain, and use technical engineering documentation as a core part of control system design and delivery, capturing control system intent, design decisions, and operational behavior. Documentation may include Basis of Design documents, Controls Narratives, Design Standards, Process Flow Diagrams, and Standard Operating Procedures. * Provide field engineering support during construction, commissioning, startup, troubleshooting, and operational events, ensuring installed systems perform as intended. Requirements * Bachelor of Science in an ABET-accredited Engineering Program (Electrical, Mechanical, or related discipline) * Effective and flexible communication skills * Ability to travel overnight and work at remote locations when needed 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 (2) years of engineering work experience required Hiring Range: $88,336 to $114,838 Engineer: * Minimum of four (4) years engineering work experience required Hiring Range: $100,378 to $131,496 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 Preferred Requirements * Demonstrated experience with PLC‑based control systems, including development, modification, testing, or support of PLC logic for industrial or power generation applications. * Experience translating functional control requirements and engineering intent into implemented control logic and system behavior. * Ability to read, interpret, and develop electrical drawings and schematics related to PLC-based control systems, instrumentation, network architecture, and motor control equipment. * Experience developing or supporting control systems using the Rockwell Automation Studio 5000 environment is strongly preferred. * Ability to develop clear, well‑organized technical documentation to support control system design, implementation, and operation. * Effective written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to collaborate across engineering, project management, operations, maintenance, and construction organizations. * Experience supporting field activities such as commissioning, startup, troubleshooting, or operational support. 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 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 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 humanresources@. 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@ if you would like assistance.

Created: 2026-04-02