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Founding Engineer Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Rosendin

Engineer II

Hillsboro, OR

Since our founding over 100+ years ago, Rosendin has been driven to positively impact the ... YOUR NEXT OPPORTUNITY: The Engineer II is a mid-level engineering position responsible for ...

Rosendin Electric, Inc.

Engineer II

Hillsboro, OR · On-site

Since our founding over 100+ years ago, Rosendin has been driven to positively impact the ... YOUR NEXT OPPORTUNITY: The Engineer II is a mid-level engineering position responsible for ...

TOTH AND ASSOCIATES INC

Substation Engineer - V

Portland, OR · On-site

$104K - $132K/yr

Since our founding in 2003, we have grown to serve public and private utilities, municipalities, architects, developers, educational institutions, and other clients across the country. At TOTH, we ...

West Yost

Principal Engineer - Treatment

Lake Oswego, OR · Hybrid

$140K - $180K/yr

Since our founding in 1990, we have partnered with public agencies including cities, counties ... Principal Engineer - Treatment The Principal Engineer in Treatment Group is responsible for ...

West Yost

Principal Engineer - Treatment

Lake Oswego, OR · Hybrid

$140K - $180K/yr

Since our founding in 1990, we have partnered with public agencies including cities, counties ... Principal Engineer - Treatment The Principal Engineer in Treatment Group is responsible for ...

Haley & Aldrich

Staff Geotechnical Engineer 2

Portland, OR · On-site

$85K - $95K/yr

We are currently seeking a Staff Geotechnical Engineer 2 to work in a technical support role with ... Since our founding in 1957, organizations across the public and private sectors have relied on us ...

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All JobsFounding Engineer JobsFounding Engineer Jobs in Portland, OR

Founding Engineer information

See Portland, OR salary details

$31.8K

$73.6K

$125.1K

How much do founding engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for founding engineer in Portland, OR is $73,559.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,600.00 and $83,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a founding engineer?

A Founding Engineer is one of the first technical hires at a startup, responsible for building the company's core products and setting the foundation for its technology stack. They work closely with the founders, making key architectural decisions, writing production-ready code, and often wearing multiple hats across engineering, product, and strategy. This role requires a mix of deep technical expertise, problem-solving skills, and adaptability to thrive in a fast-paced, early-stage environment.

What are the biggest challenges a founding engineer typically faces at an early-stage startup?

As a Founding Engineer, you’ll often be tasked with building a product from the ground up while balancing rapid development with long-term technical vision. Resource constraints and evolving product requirements can require creative problem-solving and the ability to prioritize effectively. You’ll work closely with the founding team, making pivotal decisions that shape both technology and culture, so adaptability and a hands-on approach are important. While the environment can be demanding and ambiguous, it also offers unique opportunities to learn, take ownership, and have a major impact on the success of the company.

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

To thrive as a Founding Engineer, you need deep expertise in software development, system architecture, and product design, typically backed by experience with startups or building products from scratch. Familiarity with modern programming languages, cloud platforms, and agile tools such as Git, AWS, and Jira is often essential. Exceptional problem-solving, strong ownership mentality, and the ability to communicate clearly in fast-paced, unstructured environments set standout candidates apart. These skills are crucial because Founding Engineers must quickly turn vision into reality, adapt to changing needs, and help establish the technical foundation of a new company.

What are popular job titles related to Founding Engineer jobs in Portland, OR?

For Founding Engineer jobs in Portland, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Founding Engineer jobs in Portland, OR look for?

The top searched job categories for Founding Engineer jobs in Portland, OR are:

Founding Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Founding Engineer job openings in Portland, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 88% In-person, 2% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $73,559 per year, or $35.4 per hour.

Civil Engineer - I/II

Portland, OR • On-site

TOTH AND ASSOCIATES INC
Utilities • 51 - 200 employees
Learn more about TOTH AND ASSOCIATES INCexternal

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago

Job description

TOTH is seeking a Civil Engineer I/II to join our Civil Engineering Department. This position supports the planning, design, and execution of a variety of civil engineering projects, including but not limited to site development, stormwater management, wastewater systems, potable water systems, and transportation improvements.

The level of responsibilities, project complexity, and degree of independence will be based on the candidate's education, experience, certifications, and demonstrated competencies.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Assist with and/or prepare site plans, grading plans, utility plans, drainage plans, and roadway plans.
  • Participate in engineering analysis, design development, and preparation of construction documents.
  • Prepare technical reports, cost estimates, bid schedules, permit applications, and project specifications.
  • Coordinate with project managers, engineers, clients, contractors, and regulatory agencies.
  • Support project delivery by helping maintain project schedules, budgets, and quality standards.
  • Perform engineering calculations and evaluations under appropriate supervision.
  • Identify construction or engineering issues and recommend solutions consistent with project requirements.
  • Participate in site visits, field investigations, and construction observation activities.
  • Assist with permitting efforts and coordination with local, state, and federal agencies.
  • Collaborate with internal teams to achieve project objectives and client expectations.
  • Represent the firm professionally in interactions with clients, consultants, contractors, and public agencies.
  • Travel to project locations as required.
  • Bachelor's degree in civil engineering from an accredited university.
  • 0-4 years of related engineering experience.
  • EIT certification or ability to obtain within six months of hire.
  • Familiarity with AutoCAD Civil 3D and common civil engineering design software.
  • Strong organizational, communication, and computer skills.
  • Ability to work under the guidance of senior engineering staff.
  • Demonstrated ability to manage multiple project assignments and work independently.
  • Strong technical, written, and verbal communication skills.

Benefits:

  • Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • Eight paid holidays
  • Company-paid medical and dental coverage with buy-up options
  • 401(k) w/company matching and profit sharing
  • Discretionary bonuses
  • Paid Bonding Leave
  • Vision
  • Company-paid life insurance and long-term disability insurance
  • Supplemental life insurance available
  • Short-term disability available
  • FSA and HSA options
  • Education assistance

Company Overview:
Toth and Associates, Inc. (TOTH) is a full-service consulting engineering firm offering a broad range of services, including electric utility engineering, structural engineering, civil engineering, land services, GIS/mapping, utility rate services, and joint-use/make-ready support. Since our founding in 2003, we have grown to serve public and private utilities, municipalities, architects, developers, educational institutions, and other clients across the country.

At TOTH, we believe strong relationships are the foundation of successful work. Our team is built on professional expertise, collaboration, and a commitment to serving both our clients and one another well. We value people, encourage continued growth, and strive to provide a workplace where employees can build meaningful, rewarding careers.

TOTH offers competitive compensation, a comprehensive benefits package, professional development opportunities, and a supportive work environment. Visitwww.tothassociates.comto learn more about our company.

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