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Entry Level Substation Design Jobs in Portland, OR

... design, and support of substation physical design and equipment layout. * Perform routine engineering functions and provide entry-level technical assistance on various design requirements.

... design, and support of substation physical design and equipment layout. * Perform routine engineering functions and provide entry-level technical assistance on various design requirements.

WSP is currently initiating a search for a Substation Structural Drafter for our Lake Oswego, OR ... Provide guidance and training to entry-level drafting and design support staff. * Remain current in ...

WSP is currently initiating a search for a Substation Structural Drafter for our Lake Oswego, OR ... Provide guidance and training to entry-level drafting and design support staff. * Remain current in ...

HDR is looking for a Structural PE (entry-level) to support our growing Building Engineering ... specialty design services for a wide variety of building and non-building (e.g. substation ...

HDR is looking for a Structural PE (entry-level) to support our growing Building Engineering ... specialty design services for a wide variety of building and non-building (e.g. substation ...

Entry Level Substation Design information

See Portland, OR salary details

$16

$23

$30

How much do entry level substation design jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level substation design in Portland, OR is $23.84, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.67 and $26.25 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level professionals in substation design, and how can they be addressed?

Entry-level substation design professionals often face challenges such as learning complex industry standards, adapting to specialized design software, and understanding safety compliance requirements. Collaborating frequently with experienced engineers and multidisciplinary teams can help build practical knowledge and confidence. Proactively seeking mentorship, attending training sessions, and staying updated on the latest technologies are effective ways to overcome initial hurdles and grow in the role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level substation design engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Substation Design Engineer, you need a strong background in electrical engineering principles, familiarity with power systems, and typically a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or a related field. Proficiency in industry-standard design software such as AutoCAD, MicroStation, and knowledge of relevant codes and standards (e.g., IEEE, NEC) are commonly required. Strong attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication skills help you collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and clearly document your work. These skills and qualifications are critical for ensuring safe, reliable, and compliant substation designs that meet both technical and regulatory requirements.

What is entry level substation design?

Entry level substation design refers to the work performed by new engineers or technical professionals who assist in designing electrical substations. These roles typically involve preparing drawings, layouts, and supporting documentation under supervision, as well as learning industry standards and safety practices. Entry level designers help ensure substations are safe, reliable, and meet client specifications while gaining hands-on experience with electrical systems and design software.

What is the difference between Entry Level Substation Design vs Entry Level Power Systems Engineering?

AspectEntry Level Substation DesignEntry Level Power Systems Engineering
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical Engineering, basic knowledge of substation componentsBachelor's in Electrical Engineering, foundational power systems knowledge
Work EnvironmentDesign offices, field visits to substationsDesign offices, system analysis labs, field sites
Industry UsagePrimarily in utility companies, substation construction firmsUtilities, consulting firms, power generation companies
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

Entry Level Substation Design focuses on creating detailed plans for electrical substations, including equipment layout and specifications. Entry Level Power Systems Engineering involves analyzing and designing broader power systems, including generation, transmission, and distribution. While both roles require electrical engineering fundamentals, substation design is more specialized in physical infrastructure, whereas power systems engineering covers a wider scope of electrical network analysis and planning.

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Substation Design jobs in Portland, OR look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Substation Design jobs in Portland, OR are:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Substation Design job openings in Portland, OR as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 12% Full Time, 47% Part Time, and 41% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,582 per year, or $23.8 per hour.

Intermediate Professional Substation Electrical Engineer

WSP

Lake Oswego, OR • On-site

$71K - $106K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted yesterday


WSP rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 69 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

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Job description

WSP is currently initiating a search for a Full-Time Intermediate Professional Substation Electrical Engineer for our Portland, Oregon office.  Be involved in projects with our Power Delivery Portland Substation Department and be a part of a growing organization that meets our clients' objectives and solves their challenges. Flexibility is available for a hybrid work environment (employee will need to live within driving distance of the office).     

This Opportunity

The Intermediate Professional Substation Electrical Engineer will share responsibility with the rest of the department to produce a product consistent with WSP's mission statement and our culture. They are expected to support the department in achieving its department goals, maintain WSP's high-quality standards, promote internal teamwork, and meet the needs of our clients.

WSP brings global expertise in power delivery, power generation, and program management-anchored by the acquisition of POWER Engineers, Inc. TRC Companies have now joined WSP, deepening our power practice and expanding our energy advisory and intelligent grid services. We're partnering with clients to shape how energy systems evolve around the world-and we need your help.
 

Your Impact
  • Perform the detailed design of low to extra-high voltage substations including, but not limited to:
    • One-line diagrams
    • Schematics
    • Wiring diagrams
    • SCADA
    • Communications
    • Station physical layouts
    • Sections/Elevations
    • Cable and conduit plans and details
    • Ground grid design and details
    • Foundation plans and details
    • Structural plans and details
    • Control enclosure design and details
    • Lightning protection plans
    • Yard lighting plans
    • Bills of Materials
    • Site visits 
  • Support QA/QC for deliverables to clients
  • Shall learn, understand, and adhere to client standards and processes while working individually or within a team to complete complex and technically challenging designs
  • Exercise responsible and ethical decision-making regarding company funds, resources, and conduct, and adhere to WSP's Code of Conduct and related policies and procedures.
  • Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs.
  • The successful candidate will be involved in all aspects of transmission line design for new lines, relocations, upgrades, and fiber optic additions. 
  • Proven track record of upholding workplace safety and ability to abide by WSP's health, safety and drug/alcohol and harassment policies. 
  • Occasional travel may be required depending on project-specific requirements. 
Who You Are

Required Qualifications                                                                      

  • BSEE (BS Electrical Engineering), BSREE (BS Renewable Energy Engineering), or BSEET (BS Electrical Engineering Technology) degree, from an accredited university preferably with a power option.
  • 2-3 years of experience
  • Strong knowledge and understanding of electrical engineering to build on
  • Strong command of the English language with good written and oral communication skills in order to work effectively with internal team members and external client personnel
  • Legally authorized to work permanently in the U.S. without the need for work sponsorship

Preferred Qualifications

  • Knowledge of electrical utility substations and familiarity with substation design
  • EIT certificate or passed the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam

Disclaimer:

  • Relocation assistance is not available for this position. 

WSP Benefits:  

WSP provides a comprehensive suite of benefits focused on providing health and financial stability throughout the employee's career. These benefits include coverage related to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life; retirement savings; paid sick leave; paid vacation (or other personal time); paid parental leave; and paid time off for purposes of bereavement, voting, and/or attendance at naturalization proceedings.  

Compensation:

Expected Salary (all locations): $71,200-$106,800

WSP USA is providing the compensation range that the company in good faith believes it might pay and offer for this position, based on the successful applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills, abilities in addition to internal equity and specific geographic location. WSP USA reserves the right to ultimately pay more or less than the posted range and offer additional benefits and other compensation, depending on circumstances not related to an applicant's sex or other status protected by local, state, and/or federal law. 

#LI-AN2
 

About WSP

WSP USA is the U.S. operating company of WSP, one of the world's leading engineering and professional services firms. Dedicated to serving local communities, we are engineers, planners, technical experts, strategic advisors and construction management professionals. WSP USA designs lasting solutions in the buildings, transportation, energy, water and environment markets. With more than 15,000 employees in over 300 offices across the U.S., we partner with our clients to help communities prosper.

www.wsp.com

WSP provides a flexible and agile workplace model while meeting client needs. Employees are also afforded a comprehensive suite of benefits including medical, dental, vision, disability, life, and retirement savings focused on providing health and financial stability throughout the employee's career.

At WSP, we want to give our employees the challenges they seek to grow their careers and knowledge base. Your daily contributions to your team will be essential in meeting client objectives, goals and challenges. Are you ready to get started?

WSP USA (and all of its U.S. companies) is an Equal Opportunity Employer Race/Age/Color/Religion/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/National Origin/Disability or Protected Veteran Status.

The selected candidate must be authorized to work in the United States.

NOTICE TO THIRD PARTY AGENCIES:

WSP does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters, employment agencies, or other staffing services. Unsolicited resumes include any resume or hiring document sent to WSP in the absence of a signed Service Agreement where WSP has expressly requested recruitment/staffing services specific to the position at hand.  Any unsolicited resumes, including those submitted to hiring managers or other business leaders, will become the property of WSP and WSP will have the right to hire that candidate without reservation - no fee or other compensation will be owed or paid to the recruiter, employment agency, or other staffing service. 


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