Quality Assurance Lead

Overview

The Quality Assurance (QA) Lead is responsible for ensuring the quality, reliability, and compliance of software applications that support utility operations. This role is critical to maintaining the integrity of systems that enable energy delivery, customer service, and regulatory compliance. The QA Lead ensures the quality and functionality of software applications and systems through rigorous testing and validation. This role involves working closely with developers, engineers, Site Reliability Engineers (SRE), project managers, vendor quality assurance personnel, internal UAT testers, and stakeholders to identify issues, recommend solutions, and ensure that products meet business and technical requirements.

Initial focus of this position will be as the Avista Test Lead for the ERP project.

• Develop and manage a comprehensive quality management program for enterprise technology systems at Avista.
• Define and monitor quality standards, KPIs, and metrics aligned with utility operations, cybersecurity, and regulatory requirements.
• Provide quality oversight for major technology initiatives, such as ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) and ETRM (Energy Trading and Risk Management) implementations.
• Ensure vendor deliverables meet internal quality standards and regulatory requirements.
• Coordinate system integration testing, user acceptance testing (UAT), and go-live readiness assessments.
• Collaborate with Agile/Scrum teams to integrate quality assurance into sprint planning, development, and release cycles.
• Promote test automation, CI/CD pipelines, and secure development practices to ensure high-quality software delivery.
• Advocate for shift-left testing by incorporating test planning and automation early in the development lifecycle.
• Ensure quality and consistency in the deployment of infrastructure components including servers, networks, storage, and cloud environments.
• Oversee and coordinate deployments into production and non-production environments (e.g., development, test, staging).
• Ensure deployment governance processes including change control, release validation, rollback planning, and post-deployment reviews.
• Ensure deployment quality for both infrastructure and software components, including in-house applications and vendor-delivered solutions.
• Partner with infrastructure, security, application, and business stakeholders to embed quality and deployment best practices into project life cycles.
• Identify and mitigate risks related to infrastructure reliability, software quality, and deployment failures.
• Promote the adoption and use of best practices, tools, and methodologies (e.g., Agile, Scrum, Dev Ops).
• Develop training and awareness programs to build quality and deployment discipline across teams.
• Champion a culture of continuous improvement, quality ownership, and operational excellence.

• Bachelor’s degree from a regionally or nationally accredited college or university in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering or related field
• 8+ years of related experience
• Demonstrated experience with quality assurance oversight of large implementations
• Demonstrated ability to analyze data using statistical methods and interpret complex information
• Ability to effectively collaborate and communicate across departments
• Expert knowledge of system testing best practices and methodologies
• Advanced knowledge of Scrum development and tools
• Ability to develop and manage relationships at all levels of the organization and influence stakeholders
• Independent decision-making skills
• Advanced technical leadership, initiative, accountability, and the ability to direct work of others

Other combinations of education and experience may be considered.

Hiring range: $109,815 to $144,406. Hybrid work options are available. The successful candidate will be required to work at a Spokane, Washington office at least 3 days per week including Mondays and Tuesdays with additional day(s) determined by the employee and manager.

We encourage you to apply; complete an online application and attach your resume and cover letter to your profile. All documents must be attached at the time of submission.

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)

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