What are the responsibilities and job description for the Innovation Lab Engineer position at Avista?
Closes: April 5, 2026
Job Description
The Energy Innovation Lab is engaged in an expanding portfolio of projects focused on enabling advanced grid solutions for Avista, including Energy Storage, Microgrids, and Distributed Energy Resource integration. The Lab Engineer collaborates with internal stakeholders and external partners to develop, define, and implement innovative projects with potential for large-scale adoption by the utility. This role requires a combination of advanced power systems and utility industry expertise, alongside creativity and strong collaborative abilities.
Lab Engineer responsibilities encompass developing business cases, defining project scope, specifying equipment requirements, and providing design oversight. Engineers have access to state-of-the-art tools such as a hardware-in-the-loop simulator and flexible prototyping environments, enabling them to develop, validate, and collaboratively test solutions prior to field deployment. Lab Engineers also work closely with subject matter experts across the utility to establish operational procedures and standards, ensuring the safe and reliable integration of new technologies on the grid.
Requirements
Assistant Engineer
Associate Engineer
Engineer
Senior Engineer
Preferred Requirements
Hybrid work options are available for this role. The successful candidate will be required to work at our Scott Morris Center location in Spokane, Washington 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".
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:
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 [Insert Full Range $min to $maximum]. 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.
Job Description
The Energy Innovation Lab is engaged in an expanding portfolio of projects focused on enabling advanced grid solutions for Avista, including Energy Storage, Microgrids, and Distributed Energy Resource integration. The Lab Engineer collaborates with internal stakeholders and external partners to develop, define, and implement innovative projects with potential for large-scale adoption by the utility. This role requires a combination of advanced power systems and utility industry expertise, alongside creativity and strong collaborative abilities.
Lab Engineer responsibilities encompass developing business cases, defining project scope, specifying equipment requirements, and providing design oversight. Engineers have access to state-of-the-art tools such as a hardware-in-the-loop simulator and flexible prototyping environments, enabling them to develop, validate, and collaboratively test solutions prior to field deployment. Lab Engineers also work closely with subject matter experts across the utility to establish operational procedures and standards, ensuring the safe and reliable integration of new technologies on the grid.
Requirements
- Bachelor of Science in an ABET-accredited Engineering Program (Electrical, Mechanical, or related discipline)
- 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 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
Preferred Requirements
- Electrical Engineer with emphasis in power systems or power electronics
- Experience with Battery Energy Storage Systems, including their specification, operation, and safety standards
- Expertise with power system modeling using software such as: Synergi, ASPEN, HYPERSIM and PSCAD
- Experience with automation applicable to utility systems including SCADA, PLC, protective relays, or communications
- Experience using Python or other code-based methods to create custom tools and integrate data between systems
- Knowledge of hardware-in-the-loop simulation platforms
- Concise writing and communications style, ability to express complex topics in simple terms
- Experience with the development of specification requirements for procurement
- Self-motivated, highly driven and ability to self-teach
- Strong desire to learn and create, and help others learn and create
- Emphasis on safety, customer experience and teamwork
Hybrid work options are available for this role. The successful candidate will be required to work at our Scott Morris Center location in Spokane, Washington 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".
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 [Insert Full Range $min to $maximum]. 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.
Salary : $68,027 - $87,754