Gas System Planning Engineer

Closes: July 6, 2025

Starting Range: $65,410 to $144,406, ML 7-11

Full Range: $65,410 to $178,999 (Full position breakdown below)

Posting Type: Internal/External

Contacts: Hiring Manager, Johnathon Gross X4591 & Recruiter, Alexia Saad X7664

Job Description

Avista's System Planning team is seeking qualified candidates to fill an engineer position. The position will focus on planning tasks related to the natural gas 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

• Determine the most economical natural gas pipeline distribution additions that are technically feasible and consistent with long-range plans, state and federal regulations, and corporate guidelines
• Construct and manage computer models for planning and design of gas facilities to ensure the integrity of all natural gas distribution systems, and maximize service reliability to existing and future customers
• Manage Cold Weather Action Plan and prepare contingency plans for Gas Operations to mitigate cold weather impacts to service areas
• Member Participant and accountable for Distribution Planning section of the Company's Natural Gas Integrated Resource Plan (IRP), filed with each state's Public Utility Commission
• Develop and present the health of the Company's natural gas distribution system to internal and external stakeholders
• Evaluate existing natural gas distribution systems and interstate supply locations for all service areas and make recommendations for strategic reinforcements and expansions
• Present capital project updates and business case justifications to internal committees and applicable regulatory entities
• Collaborate with Finance Department to identify value-added growth projects and determine conditions for feasibility
• Forecast regional gas requirements to assist Gas Supply Department for making long-term supply purchases and risk portfolio considerations
• Conduct and review large load and injection natural gas interconnection studies
• Consider asset management principles and plans, non-pipe alternatives, operational impacts, and system reliability in project analyses
• Support facility permitting processes and any other processes required to determine the best natural gas pipe route-plan alternative
• Interface and coordinate with both internal and external customers of Avista
• Fulfill requirements of applicable standards
• Utilize technology including automated tools and software applications, including natural gas 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
• Effective and flexible communication skills

Entry Engineer:

• 0-1 years engineering work experience required

Assistant Engineer:

• Minimum of one year of engineering work experience required

Associate Engineer:

• Minimum of two years of engineering work experience required

Engineer:

• Minimum of four years engineering work experience required

Senior Engineer:

• Minimum of six 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

Desired Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in civil engineering with specialization in fluid dynamics
• Four years of experience in the area of utility natural gas planning
• Experience in gas engineering and/or compliance
• Experience performing hydraulic studies and using hydraulic software such as DNV Synergi Gas or similar program
• Experience using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, and process information
• 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
• Familiarity with rules and regulations set forth by the WA, ID, and OR Utility Commissions
• Professional Engineer License
• Knowledge of Avista's natural gas system

Other combinations of experience, training, and education may be considered.

Entry Engineer: Hiring Range: $65,410 - $84,379, Full Range: $65,410 - $103,347

Assistant Engineer: Hiring Range: $74,611 - $96,621, Full Range: $74,611 - $118,631

Associate Engineer: Hiring Range: $84,939 - $110,421, Full Range: $84,939 - $135,903

Engineer: Hiring Range: $96,517 - $126,439, Full Range: $96,517 - $156,359

Senior Engineer: Hiring Range: $109,815 - $144,406, Full Range: $109,815 - $178,999

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".

Benefits

At 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 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.