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Electrical Power Engineer Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Engineering studies of power and low-voltage systems to survey existing conditions, evaluate capacities, and make recommendations for corrections and upgrades. Design of electrical systems ranging ...

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Electrical Power Engineer information

See Portland, OR salary details

$75.3K

$140.8K

$204.7K

How much do electrical power engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for electrical power engineer in Portland, OR is $140,787.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $89,100.00 and $185,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an electrical power engineer?

An electrical power engineer is responsible for power system management. As an electrical power engineer, your job is to ensure the efficient functionality of the electrical power grid. Your duties include designing components for the grid, such as generators, transformers, circuit breakers, and transmission lines. You ensure that power stations distribute power to customers efficiently, and manage different types of power systems, such as alternating and direct current. A career as an electrical power engineer requires formal qualifications and education: at least a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, state licensure, and experience with power systems.

What does an electrical power engineer do?

An Electrical Power Engineer designs, develops, tests, and supervises the installation of electrical systems, particularly those involved in generating, transmitting, and distributing electricity. They work on power plants, substations, and the electrical grid to ensure reliable and efficient delivery of electricity. Their responsibilities may include improving energy efficiency, integrating renewable energy sources, and troubleshooting system failures. Electrical Power Engineers also ensure compliance with safety and environmental regulations. They often collaborate with other engineers and professionals to complete large-scale infrastructure projects.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an electrical power engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Electrical Power Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering principles, power systems analysis, and a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with industry-standard tools such as AutoCAD, ETAP, MATLAB, and relevant certifications like Professional Engineer (PE) licensure are often required. Strong problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and effective communication skills set outstanding professionals apart in this field. These skills and qualifications are crucial to ensuring safe, efficient, and reliable design, operation, and maintenance of electrical power systems.

What are some common challenges electrical power engineers face when working on large-scale infrastructure projects?

Electrical Power Engineers often encounter challenges related to coordinating with multidisciplinary teams, managing project timelines, and ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory standards. Large-scale projects frequently require balancing technical requirements with budget constraints and adapting to evolving technologies or unforeseen site conditions. Effective communication skills and flexibility are essential for resolving issues that may arise during design, installation, or commissioning phases.

What is the difference between Electrical Power Engineer vs Electrical Engineer?

AspectElectrical Power EngineerElectrical Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's degree in electrical engineering, often with specialization in power systemsBachelor's degree in electrical engineering, general focus
Work EnvironmentPower plants, utility companies, renewable energy sitesConstruction sites, manufacturing, electronics design
Industry UsagePrimarily in power generation, transmission, and distributionBroad industry including electronics, automation, and communications

Electrical Power Engineers focus on power systems, generation, and distribution, working mainly in energy-related sectors. Electrical Engineers have a broader scope, working across various electrical systems and industries. Both roles require similar foundational credentials but differ in specialization and work environment.

What are the most commonly searched types of Electrical Power Engineer jobs in Portland, OR?

The most popular types of Electrical Power Engineer jobs in Portland, OR are:

What cities near Portland, OR are hiring for Electrical Power Engineer jobs?

Cities near Portland, OR with the most Electrical Power Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Electrical Power Engineer job openings in Portland, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 89% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $140,787 per year, or $67.7 per hour.

Electrical Engineer - Substation (Vancouver, WA)

Burns & McDonnell

Vancouver, WA • On-site

$115 - $170/hr

Other

Retirement

Re-posted 9 days ago


Burns & McDonnell rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 51 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6th of 80 rated construction


Job description

Description

The Substation Engineer will work under the supervision of a licensed professional engineer to develop design deliverables for new and modified high-voltage (13kV to 765kV) electrical power substation projects. The Staff Substation Engineer will work with the project team through the design and construction process, adapting engineering plans according to budget constraints, design factors, or client needs.

  • Supports substation projects from the conceptual phase through completion.

  • Prepares and develops substation design packages, including, but not limited to, physical arrangement above and below grade, protective relaying and control, electrical studies such as grounding and lightning analysis, and lighting and security.

  • Develops substation calculations, including, but not limited to, insulation, AC station service, DC systems and battery sizing, voltage drop, cable sizing, and conduit fill.

  • Prepares design sketches, cost estimates, equipment specifications, bill of materials, and other required deliverables.

  • Applies intermediate knowledge of IEEE, NESC, and other industry and utility standards, guides, specifications and procedures.

  • Supports field inspections for substation facilities on public and private utility systems.

  • Researches and compiles project-related data as required by the project managers.

  • Supports client presentations, reports, and visualizations to demonstrate technical results and project status.

  • Identifies, communicates and supports the resolution of issues on projects as needed.

  • Works with the project manager to support the project schedule and meet deadlines.

  • Works closely with the project team to ensure deliverables and services are being provided to the client’s satisfaction and that projects are following internal QA/QC guidelines.

  • Performs design quality reviews.

  • Meets and corresponds with clients or outside personnel to develop relationships with key client points of contact.

  • Supports the preparation of proposals and client presentations during the proposal process.

  • Performs other duties as assigned.

  • Complies with all policies and standards.

Qualifications
  • Bachelor Degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or related degree from an ABET accredited program and 3 years of substation engineering experience, consulting preferred.

  • Bachelor Degree in Electrical Engineering Technology, Mechanical Engineering Technology or related degree from an ABET accredited program and successful completion of the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam 3 years of substation engineering experience, consulting preferred.

  • 5 years of substation engineering experience strongly preferred.

  • Must have excellent written and verbal communication skills and strong analytical and problem- solving skills.

  • Proficient computer skills (e.g. Microsoft Office Suite).

  • Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.

  • Demonstrated critical thinking skills.

  • Desire to work in a collaborative team environment.

  • Demonstrated leadership skills.

  • Must be capable of applying diversified knowledge of engineering principles and practices to broad areas of assignments.

  • Must be capable of devising new approaches to problems encountered.

  • Engineers in Training-EIT Certification preferred

Compensation

$115,000.00-170,000.00 Yearly

The expected compensation range for this position is displayed in compliance with all local/state regulations. The expected compensation range for this position is based on a number of factors, including but not limited to: individual education, qualifications, prior work experience and work location. The total annual compensation package will consist of a base salary and eligibility to participate in our discretionary year-end incentive bonus program.

Benefits

Our extensive benefits package takes care of you so that you can focus on doing great work. From insurance and disability to time off and wellness programs, we provide the tools to meet your needs. As part of being 100% employee-owned, eligible employees participate in our Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) in addition to our 401(k) retirement program. For more information, please visit the Benefits & Wellness page.

This job posting will remain open a minimum of 72 hours and on an ongoing basis until filled.

EEO/Disabled/Veterans

Job Electrical Engineering Primary Location US-WA-Vancouver Schedule: Full-time Travel: Yes, 10 % of the Time Req ID: 263303 Job Hire Type Experienced #LI-JNH #T&D N/A
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Benefits

Hours and flexibility

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About Burns & McDonnell

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Burns & McDonnell assists clients of all sizes and industries by providing extensive physical services ranging from assessments, integrated security solutions, and large security architecture designs. Services we typically provide include security and safety system design, threat, risk, and vulnerability assessments, security surveys, security master planning, compliance to federal security programs, independent validation and verification of integrated security system operations, management of installation and maintenance, and staff augmentation to develop and implement facility management and protection processes.

Industry

Civil engineering construction

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Kansas City, MO, US

Year founded

1898

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