Layer One Network Engineer (Outside Plant)

Closes: July 8, 2026

Avista's Network Engineering department is looking for the right candidate to join our team as a Layer 1 Outside Plant (OSP) Engineer. As an OSP Engineer, you will play a critical role in designing and supervising fiber optic cabling installation and splicing to ensure successful and timely completion of our network infrastructure.

This position requires field visits to Avista sites that include substations, mountain tops, generation plants, offices, and other locations across our service territory for site surveys and information gathering necessary for design work. The successful candidate will be a person who thrives in a structured environment that encourages collaboration and coordination with our internal teams, and adherence to company design standards to deliver communications services to our gas and electric business partners.

• Research and engineer project estimates for Layer 1 outside plant network and communication solutions.
• Engages with engineering teams throughout Avista as well as Avista’s telecommunication shop, electrical shop, and contracted crews to carry out implementation and installation of communications projects. This may also involve working with external construction and engineering resources.
• Designing construction prints and providing construction support for aerial and underground fiber optic communications builds.
• Obtaining bids from outside contractors as required.
• Working with civil and governmental agencies to obtain permits.
• Creation of material requisitions for parts needed to complete communications builds.
• Review and documentation of construction changes to provide final construction drawings and ensure that all work matches Avista standards and engineering specifications.
• Reading and interpretation of ODTR test results to verify fiber installation and fiber integrity.

• BA/BS degree in Computer Science, Information Science, Engineering or related field and 2 years of relevant experience
• Technology management skills with success in a balanced value driven customer relationship and productivity model 
• Excellent oral and written communication skills and ability to communicate effectively with a variety of audiences
• Demonstrated technology leadership abilities and proven analytical problem-solving skills
• Strong process orientation and a clear understanding of the value delivered by developing and validating engineering models with customer requirements

Hiring Range: $42.46 to $55.21 per hour

• 6 years of relevant experience in an enterprise-size company (500 or more employees)
• Knowledge of operations and delivery concepts, principles, standards, tools, techniques, system testing best practices and methodologies 
• Ability to communicate effectively with teammates/in a team environment and across the organization
• Ability to provide guidance and pass on knowledge, experience, and lessons learned to team members

Hiring Range: $48.25 to $63.21 per hour

• 3+ years of OSP engineering/planning in telecom, broadband, or fiber optic communications experience
• Knowledge of NESC, NEC, and RUS codes and practices
• Experience with fiber optic-based data communications equipment and testing equipment
• Solid understanding of fiber optic principles including mechanical design criteria for aerial and underground fiber optic cabling
• Ability to read fiber traces and fiber characterization reports generated from OTDR testing
• Ability to understand fiber splicing designs and schematics
• Proficiency with Microsoft office products (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams)
• Proficiency with AutoCAD
• Experience with ESRI based GIS systems
• Willingness and ability to learn new skills as required

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. 

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".

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 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 $42.46 to $78.17 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.