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Federal Engineering Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Architecture/Engineering (A/E) and Classified Design Services, Construction Designer of Record (DOR ... The Opportunity The Federal Project Manager will function in a project leadership capacity on ...

Leading, designing, and supporting capabilities within our federal enclave, including strict ... Promote engineering best practices, including code quality, system design, test coverage, DevOps, ...

Manager, Engineering

Portland, OR · On-site

$170K - $190K/yr

Leading, designing, and supporting capabilities within our federal enclave, including strict ... Promote engineering best practices, including code quality, system design, test coverage, DevOps, ...

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Federal Engineering information

See Portland, OR salary details

$49.3K

$155.8K

$184.5K

How much do federal engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for federal engineering in Portland, OR is $155,754.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $123,500.00 and $183,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Does the FBI hire civil engineers?

The FBI generally does not hire civil engineers for its core investigative roles, but civil engineers may be employed in specialized positions related to infrastructure security, building assessments, or technical support. These roles often require relevant engineering licenses, security clearances, and knowledge of federal building standards.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Federal Engineering position, and why are they important?

To excel in a Federal Engineering role, you need a strong background in engineering principles, a relevant degree (such as electrical, civil, or mechanical engineering), and experience with federally regulated standards and processes. Familiarity with government contracting systems, project management software, and security clearances (such as Secret or Top Secret) is often required. Outstanding problem-solving, collaboration, and communication skills help professionals work effectively across multidisciplinary teams and within structured governmental environments. These combined skills are critical for maintaining compliance, delivering technical excellence, and supporting mission-critical federal projects.

What is a Federal Engineering job?

A Federal Engineering job involves designing, developing, and maintaining technical systems and infrastructure for government agencies. Engineers in these roles work on projects related to national defense, transportation, telecommunications, and environmental protection. They must comply with federal regulations and security requirements while ensuring efficiency and innovation. These positions often require security clearances and specialized knowledge in engineering disciplines relevant to government operations.

What engineering jobs pay $500,000?

In federal engineering roles, high-level positions such as senior engineers, engineering managers, and specialized technical directors can reach or exceed $500,000 annually, especially with experience, security clearances, and leadership responsibilities. These roles often require advanced degrees, certifications, and expertise in areas like systems engineering, defense, or aerospace, and may include bonuses and benefits that contribute to total compensation.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior engineers in fields such as aerospace, petroleum, software, and systems engineering can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, specialized skills, and leadership roles. High compensation often involves working in high-demand industries, holding advanced certifications, or managing large projects and teams.

What types of projects or assignments can Federal Engineers expect to work on within government agencies?

Federal Engineers may work on a wide range of assignments, such as infrastructure upgrades, cybersecurity initiatives, defense system development, or environmental compliance projects, depending on the agency's mission. Daily responsibilities often involve coordinating with project managers, reviewing technical documentation, ensuring adherence to federal standards, and conducting site visits or system evaluations. Collaboration with stakeholders from various departments, contractors, and regulatory bodies is common and vital to project success. This variety of work offers opportunities to develop specialized expertise and gain exposure to high-impact national projects, supporting both professional growth and public service goals.

How much does a federal engineer make?

Federal engineers typically earn between $70,000 and $130,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and specific agency. Salaries are often determined by the General Schedule (GS) pay scale, with higher grades and specialized skills leading to increased compensation. Certifications and security clearances can also impact salary levels.
Infographic showing various Federal Engineering job openings in Portland, OR as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $155,754 per year, or $74.9 per hour.

Substation Principal Engineer - Remote

WSP

Lake Oswego, OR • On-site, Remote

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 14 days ago


WSP rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 69 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

17th of 73 rated business consultants


Job description

WSP is currently initiating a search for a Substation Principal Engineer with Power Transformer expertise for our Lake Oswego, OR office or Remote. 

Be involved in projects with our Transformer Services Team and be a part of a growing organization that meets our clients' objectives and solves their challenges.

This Opportunity

Provides leadership within a sector of the organization to ensure transformer engineering subject matter technical deliverables, infrastructure projects, and other programs include a level of quality that meets or exceeds acceptable industry and company standards for design, safety, and functionality. This position is responsible for SME innovation and administration, ensuring corporate compliance with all Local, State, and Federal engineering, construction, and safety regulations, and providing pragmatic directions to address current and future challenges in a rapidly changing and complex business climate.
 

Your Impact
  • Provide proactive and strategic leadership for power transformers and engineering disciplines/functions, offering direction, expertise, and support.
  • Provide technical leadership in business development.
  • Develop technical/functional specifications for power transformers and associated power transformer accessories.
  • Provide support and technical advice on OEM power transformer designs.
  • Serve as the primary liaison between the project team, OEMs, and client.
  • Coordinate with client project teams and internal team disciplines.
  • As a SME lead on power transformer design, provide guidance to other teams during engineering phase, including cross functional teams.
  • Provide power transformer related engineering design input to major electrical power infrastructural development projects through various lifecycle stages.
  • As Subject Matter Expert, review OEM submittals, test plans, commissioning plans, and test reports.
  • As Subject Matter Expert lead, direct others, and observe factory acceptance testing, Core/Coils, Pre-tanking.
  • As Subject Matter Expert lead, direct others, and provide technical support during oil filling and commissioning.
  • Mentor and provide guidance to other engineers.
  • Serve as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) in the company's Knowledge Management Program for power transformers.
  • Organize and oversee the implementation of WSP's quality process and management system.
  • Develop and lead internal/external technical training at corporate events.
  • Regularly prepare and present white papers and technical content marketing pieces.
  • Actively engage in leadership positions within nationally recognized technical societies.
  • Remain current in latest power transformer engineering techniques and practices.
  • Collaborate with professionals from a variety of disciplines to provide "trusted advisor" service and future ready solutions for clients.
  • 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.
     
Who You Are

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering (or equivalent experience).
  • 12+ years of relevant post bachelor education experience in electric power delivery and infrastructure design for capital projects in power generation, transmission, substation, or distribution at a utility, industrial, or commercial scale.
  • A minimum of 10 years of demonstrated experience in power transformer design, acquisition, purchasing, sourcing, maintenance, or operations at 15kV through at least 500kV AC.
  • Demonstrated experience with the IEEE/ANSI transformer standards.
  • Extensive knowledge base and skill set in the application requirements of power transformers for electric utilities, renewable generation developers, BESS sites, and data centers.
  • Strong experience in managing the review and approval of documents and discipline-specific deliverables, certifications, processes, and plans in a multi-project environment.
  • Demonstrated experience in power transformer observations for core/coils, pre-tanking, and FAT.
  • Advanced proficiency with electrical engineering principles, practices, processes, various project delivery methods, standard of care, and the application to permitting and project work-related issues.
  • The successful individual shall be self-directed and highly motivated.
  • The ability to work independently and provide guidance and leadership to mid-level through senior level teams or project members, with strict adherence to QA/QC.
  • Excellent leadership and interpersonal communication skills required to effectively, persuasively, and tactfully interact with clients, regulators, project managers, and employees at all levels of the organization.
  • The candidate must have strong command of the English language with good written and oral communication skills to ensure effective communications with internal team members and external client personnel.
  • Proficient with technical writing, Microsoft Office, technology, math principles, predictive models, and tools.
  • Well-developed critical thinking and problem-solving skills required to apply technical knowledge to reach conclusions from testing results, data collation, computations, statistical analysis and arriving at the most effective, economical, and logical solution.
  • Tactical lateral thinking and strong analytical skills with attention to detail and the ability to prioritize responsibilities in a pressure work environment.
  • Ability to elicit cooperation from a wide variety of sources, including senior management, clients, regulators, manufacturers, and company-wide staff, including those with whom no formal hierarchical relationship exists.
  • Proven history of upholding workplace safety and ability to abide by WSP's health, safety, drug/alcohol, and harassment policies.
  • Must be flexible to a variety of schedules to meet business needs and able to prioritize responsibilities and quickly adapt to change in a pressure work environment.
  • Occasional travel required depending on project-specific requirements.
     

Preferred Qualifications 

  • Master's degree (MS in Electrical Engineering strongly preferred).
  • Professional Engineering license (PE) preferred, but consideration is possible for candidates with equivalent combination of education and experience with the ability to obtain a PE license, within 12 months of hire.
  • Experience with oil filled shunt reactors, DC converter transformers, solid state transformers, and/or 765 kV transformers is a plus.
  • Knowledge of IEC and CSA transformer standards is a plus.

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): $145,000 - $220,000

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.

Expected Salary (Colorado only): $145,000 - $220,000

WSP USA is providing the compensation range that the company in good faith believes it might pay and/or offer for this position within the state of Colorado, based on the successful applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills, and 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. 
 

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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