Student Engineer (Paid Summer Internship for Electrical, Mechanical, Civil Engineering Students)

Closes: November 29, 2026

Job Description

Avista's Student Development Program (SDP) is a paid summer internship program which offers a variety of opportunities for electrical, civil, mechanical or other engineering students to enhance their field of study in the utility industry and to gain valuable work experience critical to their future success in the job market. The SDP gives engineering students the opportunity to work on projects in several different departments within Avista and the program is geared around student development. Students will be assigned a formal mentor, participate in learning sessions about various parts of Avista, and join our SDP tours to Avista facilities including some of our hydroelectric dams.

Avista is an energy company involved in the production, transmission, and distribution of energy as well as other energy-related businesses located in Spokane Washington. Its service territory covers 30,000 square miles in eastern Washington, northern Idaho, and parts of southern and eastern Oregon. Examples of departments included in the SEDP are Controls, Generation-Electrical, Generation Civil/Mechanical, SCADA, System Protection, System Planning, Substation, Distribution Design, Energy Efficiency, Construction Services, Distribution Operations, Transmission Line Design, Gas, and Innovation Lab.

Requirements

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Undergraduate or graduate student enrolled full-time for the 2027-2028 academic year at a college or university earning an ABET accredited bachelors degree or post graduate degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Civil, or other National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) recognized engineering discipline.
• For Electrical Engineering majors, an emphasis in power-related courses is preferred.
• Demonstrated effective and flexible communication, teamwork and project management skills preferred.

Applications for the Student Development Program will be accepted until the close date.  Selected candidates may be invited for interviews held by January.

This internship will require an on-site presence at our Spokane, Washington headquarters.

Student Engineer Tech-1 (Freshman), Starting Salary: $22.82 per hour

Student Engineer Tech-2 (Sophomore), Starting Salary: $25.10 per hour

Student Engineer Tech-3 (Junior), Starting Salary: $27.61 per hour

Student Engineer Tech-4 (Senior), Starting Salary: $30.38 per hour

Student Engineer Tech (Graduate), Starting Salary: $34.34 per hour

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, cover letter, and unofficial transcript to your profile. In your cover letter, share what interests you about the utility industry and/or Avista. We encourage you to discuss the experiences, interest, goals, and personal qualities that make you a strong candidate for the Student Development Program.

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 $22.82 to $34.34 per hour. 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.