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Nerc System Operator Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Substation Project Engineer

Lake Oswego, OR · On-site

$101K - $129K/yr

... control systems in a wide variety of contexts (utilities, transportation, building, and Federal ... Incorporate future-ready techniques, concept development, operating strategies, and various design ...

Substation Project Engineer

Lake Oswego, OR · Hybrid

$101K - $129K/yr

... control systems in a wide variety of contexts (utilities, transportation, building, and Federal ... Incorporate future-ready techniques, concept development, operating strategies, and various design ...

The Director of the Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) Operations & Maintenance Business Line ... Work with the Compliance Team to ensure BESSspecific NERC, NFPA, and environmental compliance.

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Nerc System Operator information

See Oregon salary details

$11

$34

$88

How much do nerc system operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for nerc system operator in Oregon is $34.56, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.58 and $40.43 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Nerc System Operator position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a NERC System Operator, you need a solid understanding of electric power systems, grid operations, and regulatory compliance, often supported by a degree in electrical engineering or a related field and the NERC certification. Familiarity with energy management systems (EMS), SCADA systems, and outage coordination tools is critical. Strong decision-making abilities, communication skills, and the capacity to perform under pressure help operators excel. These competencies ensure the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of the power grid in compliance with federal standards.

What is a typical workday like for a NERC System Operator?

A typical day for a NERC System Operator involves monitoring real-time grid conditions, responding to alarms, coordinating planned and unplanned outages, and communicating with field personnel and neighboring utilities to maintain system reliability. Operators often work in a control room setting, using advanced software and monitoring equipment to oversee power flows and facilitate rapid responses to disturbances. The role requires vigilance, as operators must be ready to take swift, decisive action during emergency events or system anomalies. Shifts may cover nights, weekends, and holidays due to the 24/7 nature of grid operations, but this dynamic environment also offers opportunities to develop specialized expertise and advance into senior roles within grid management or operations planning.

What is a NERC System Operator job?

A NERC System Operator is responsible for monitoring and controlling the electrical power grid to ensure a reliable and balanced flow of electricity. They follow North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) standards to prevent outages and respond to system disturbances. Operators communicate with power plants, substations, and other entities to manage grid stability and emergency situations. They typically work in real-time control centers and must be NERC-certified to perform their duties.

What are the most commonly searched types of Nerc System Operator jobs in Oregon? The most popular types of Nerc System Operator jobs in Oregon are:
What are popular job titles related to Nerc System Operator jobs in Oregon? For Nerc System Operator jobs in Oregon, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Oregon are hiring for Nerc System Operator jobs? Cities in Oregon with the most Nerc System Operator job openings:
Electrical Studies Engineer - Senior Level

Electrical Studies Engineer - Senior Level

WSP

Lake Oswego, OR • On-site

$110K - $144K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago


WSP rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 67 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

15th of 57 rated business consultants


Job description

This Opportunity

WSP is currently initiating a search for an Electrical Studies Engineer - Senior Level, for our Lake Oswego office.  Be involved in projects with our Electrical Studies, SCADA, and Protection team and be a part of a growing organization that meets our clients' objectives and solves their challenges. 

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.

Provides subject matter technical support and leadership for multi-site/phase due diligence, investigation, remediation, impact assessment, permitting, improvement, design, development, and construction of utility, industrial, and commercial scale projects in the public and private sector.  Tasks include the research, design, concept development, planning, and construction of transmission and distribution substations, power distribution, power regulation, renewable energy, as well as protection and control systems in a wide variety of contexts (utilities, transportation, building, and Federal, State, and local government projects).  Provides situational guidance to PMs and managers that address current and future challenges, and that documentation and recommendations accurately account for and address risk, innovation, and future-ready opportunities.  Provides leadership with ensuring that responsibilities are delivered and adhered to with a level of quality that meets or exceeds acceptable industry standards for design, safety, and functionality.

Your Impact

  • successful completion of assigned projects and for maintaining and improving client relationships.
  • technical competence in primary production roles as well as competence in working with clients and mentoring team members assigned to project
  • Assigned projects will include electrical studies for utility and industrial/commercial clients.
  • Self-manage, with a strong conceptualization ability and strong interpersonal communication and organizational skills - including the capability to explain complex technical issues at a variety of levels to decision-makers and project teams
  • Provide oversight with collecting, compiling, and analyzing data from the physical work site, surveys, blueprints, GIS data, , substation components, equipment specifications for procurement package development and pricing, IFR/IRC detailed design and review processes, and IEEE, NESC, ANSI, NCEC, and NERC standards and regulations for design work.    
  • Coordinate, review and approve electrical infrastructure design plans for mid-level and complex projects, ensuring data integrity and work is compliant with all applicable codes, ordinances, and regulations.
  • Apply high-level electrical engineering techniques and processes to identify improvements for various infrastructure project phases involving more complex infrastructure engineering work including concept development, preliminary design, final design, procurement, construction, and operation.
  • Perform professional electrical engineering work and conduct more complex/comprehensive investigations and inspections of proposed and existing site conditions, resources, facilities, substation layout and bus arrangement, grounding grid design and lightning protection, and power plants to determine conformance with applicable rules, standards, and construction or operating permits.
  • Develop construction plans, specifications, and cost estimates; preparing construction safety and phasing plans, and updating infrastructure layout plans that require coordination with owners, other disciplines, sub-consultants, and clients.
  • Involved from project inception to completion in the management of design and construction of infrastructure projects, including rehabilitation and reconstruction, grading, drainage, pavement design, specifications, building materials, phasing, and construction safety plans.
  • Oversees the development and implementation of future-ready technologies, monitoring devices, building materials, cabling, conduit and trenching design strategies, electrical design requirements, and operating strategies to account for the safety and functionality or end-users, systems, and infrastructure.
  • Actively oversee from project inception to completion, the management of design and construction of electrical infrastructure projects, including rehabilitation and reconstruction, site development, grading, drainage, equipment layout, elevations, specifications, building materials, phasing, and construction safety plans.
  • Lead larger-scale electrical engineering projects ensuring contributors know what they are required to do and by when, preparing and overseeing relevant project budgets, monitoring external events, tracking hours and expenses, ensuring satisfactory performance, and supervising subcontractors, contract work, and employees.
  • Assist with engineering review of permit applications, engineering design plans and specifications, standby plans and engineering contracts, and periodic construction inspections, to ensure that they comply with applicable state and/or federal regulations and sound engineering practice and standards.
  • Meet with various public or private entities or individuals to discuss issues relating to a variety of electrical/engineering/construction challenges and programs. 
  • Ensure technical reports and presentations explain research, findings, and recommendations to prevent, control, restore, or address electrical, design, and/or construction issues or opportunities. 
  • Maintain a high level of quality and responsiveness to client requirements in alignment with Pickett's standards.
  • Develop a client base for providing high level electrical engineering services including identifying additional business development opportunities.
  • Mentor staff to support their growth and professional development.
  • Remain current in latest electrical engineering techniques and practices.
  • Collaborates with professionals from a variety of disciplines, other engineers, planners, and infrastructure authorities on Federal, State, regional, and locally funded improvement and development projects, as well as proposal and business development opportunities.
  • 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.
  • 10+ years of relevant post education experience as an electrical engineer providing design deliverables for capital projects in power generation, transmission, and distribution at a utility, industrial, or commercial scale.
  • Engineer license required (multi-state preferred).
  • Highly proficient with electrical engineering principles, practices, process, design/build, and the application to permitting and project work-related issues.
  • Highly proficient with infrastructure design.
  • Experience with infrastructure planning, design, and program/construction management; including comprehensive experience in working with adjacent disciplines such as electrical engineering, P&C, SCADA, and telecom.
  • Strong knowledge of relevant engineering and electrical construction laws, codes, regulations, compliance practices, and record-keeping requirements.
  • Highly proficient with making technical computations and calculations involving the application of engineering principles, understanding plans and specifications, and making factual comparisons to the appropriate regulations. 
  • Experience with planning and conducting inspections and investigations on various aspects of the construction and design of facilities or structures, applying applicable regulations and policies
  • Highly effective interpersonal and communication skills when interacting with others, expressing intricate ideas effectively and professionally to an engineering and non-engineering audience.
  • Strong self-leadership and interpersonal communication skills with the ability to effectively, persuasively, and tactfully interact with clients, regulators, project managers, and employees at all levels of the organization.
  • Works independently to provide guidance and leadership to mid-level to senior level team or project members, with strict adherence to QA/QC.
  • Proficiency with technical writing, office automation, discipline-specific design software (i.e., CADD, Aspen, CAPE, ETAP, WIN IGS, Inventor, AutoCADD electrical), technology, math principles, predictive models, spreadsheets, and tools.
  • Experienced with providing critical review for documents and preparing technical deliverables and plans with a high degree of complexity.
  • 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.
  • Demonstrated effectiveness at coordinating and assertively directing subcontractors and others to consistently complete tasks safely and efficiently.
  • Proven track record of upholding workplace safety and ability to abide by WSP's health, safety and 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 may be required depending on project-specific requirements.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Master's Degree in Engineering.
  • 40-Hour OSHA Health & Safety Training (HAZWOPER) (29 CFR 1910.120) preferred.
  • Basic First Aid and Adult CPR training desired.

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): $121,100yr - $205,900yr 

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. 

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