Contract Engineering Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

This contract Engineering Technician I position supports a Transmission Line Engineering organization by providing CAD drafting, documentation control, and technical support for overhead conductors, fiber-optic cables, ground wire, and associated hardware. The role focuses on creating, modifying, and maintaining engineering drawings and related records in systems such as MicroStation, SolidEdge, ProjectWise, and SharePoint, while collaborating closely with design engineers and technical leads to support transmission line, fiber optic, and wireless projects.

• Maintain and operate databases and electronic and paper systems, including ProjectWise and SharePoint, to store, index, track, and attribute engineering drawings and technical documents.
• Modify and update design drawings using CAD tools such as MicroStation and SolidEdge, referencing historical documents and using Excel where appropriate.
• Provide technical support related to transmission line design, components, assemblies, and systems to design engineers, other engineering groups, project managers, and technicians.
• Work with technical leads to develop, prepare, revise, and distribute design drawings, engineering technical documents, and databases that support transmission line, fiber optic, and wireless projects.
• Publish approved drawings and perform document control for transmission line design drawings to ensure accuracy, consistency, and accessibility.
• Update and maintain existing hard copy design drawings and files within transmission engineering records.
• Obtain drawing and design files requested by design engineers and other stakeholders to support completion of assigned work.
• Assist technical leads in developing organization-wide transmission line design drafting standards and best practices.
• Provide assistance to other design groups requesting drawings, documents, or reports, ensuring timely and accurate information sharing.
• Communicate clearly both orally and in writing through reports, correspondence, briefings, presentations, and other media to plan, coordinate, and advise on work efforts or resolve operating issues.
• Understand and adhere to all established agency and organizational policies, processes, procedures, and standards related to engineering, documentation, and information management.
• Schedule work effectively, meet timelines and milestones, and provide timely status updates on assigned tasks and projects.
• Create, organize, and maintain filing systems, files, emails, and records in accordance with compliance requirements, sharing documents only with appropriate personnel who have a legitimate need to know.
• Maintain all official records in alignment with Information Security and Information Governance & Lifecycle Management standards and procedures.
• Validate that official records are accurately maintained and readily available for auditing and compliance purposes.

• Bachelor’s or Associate’s degree in Engineering, Mathematics, Computer Aided Design (CAD), Drafting, Computer Science, or a closely related field is preferred.
• At least 1 year of directly related work experience in engineering, computer science, CAD, or a related technical field.
• Minimum of 6 months of engineering technician CAD experience creating and modifying technical drawings.
• Solid knowledge of engineering drafting practices and standards used in utility or infrastructure environments.
• Ability to read, understand, and analyze engineering drawings, schematics, and diagrams with attention to detail.
• Proficiency using computer technology to perform engineering technician tasks, including CAD and productivity software.
• Experience using CAD software to create engineering drawings, preferably MicroStation, Excel, and SolidEdge.
• Strong organizational skills for managing drawings, documents, and records across multiple systems.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills for reports, correspondence, briefings, and presentations.
• Ability to work independently, manage deadlines, and provide timely status updates on assigned work.
• Valid U.S. driver’s license.

• Knowledge of engineering concepts, principles, and practices applicable to components and facilities on a regional transmission system.
• Experience using 3D modeling software such as SolidWorks or Inventor to support design and visualization.
• Experience with database systems such as SQL, Microsoft Access, or Power BI for storing, tracking, and analyzing technical data.
• Experience working with document management systems such as ProjectWise, SharePoint, or similar platforms to maintain, store, index, and track documents.
• Familiarity with space planning, space management, and project management activities related to design and drafting.
• Experience with additional CAD software, including AutoCAD, in design and drafting contexts.
• Comfort working in a deadline-driven environment that may require coordinating approvals, signatures, and paperwork across multiple stakeholders.
• Ability to contribute to the development of drafting standards and continuous improvement of documentation processes.

This role is based in a slower-paced office environment in Vancouver, WA within a transmission line engineering group that values knowledge sharing, teamwork, and innovation in the evolving power market. The team culture is welcoming, collaborative, and focused on high-quality design and documentation. Work is largely independent with limited direct supervision, yet strongly deadline-driven and often dependent on receiving approvals and completed paperwork from others. Hours are somewhat flexible depending on department needs, with options such as a 7:00 a.m. start time. Business casual attire is standard. The work primarily involves office-based tasks using CAD and document management technologies, with no personal protective equipment, certifications, or medical monitoring required. Employees also have access to benefits such as federal holidays, vacation and sick time, health benefits with HSA contribution, and a potential signing bonus, contributing to a supportive and attractive work environment.

This is a Contract position based out of Vancouver, WA.

The pay range for this position is $25.00 - $30.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a hybrid position in Vancouver,WA.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 31, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

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