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Power Distribution Engineering Jobs in Portland, OR

Staff Electrical Engineer

Portland, OR ยท Hybrid

$105K - $150K/yr

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering. * Experience : 4+ years of relevant experience designing power and power distribution systems, preferably for water, wastewater, industrial ...

Who We Are Atwell, LLC is a bold leader in the consulting, engineering, and construction services ... Power and distribution transformers * Instrument transformers * Automatic Transfer Switches (ATS)

Showing results 41-60

Power Distribution Engineering information

See Portland, OR salary details

$84.8K

$119.9K

$151.1K

How much do power distribution engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for power distribution engineering in Portland, OR is $119,874.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $103,400.00 and $135,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Power Distribution Engineering vs Power System Engineering?

AspectPower Distribution EngineeringPower System Engineering
FocusDesign and maintenance of electrical distribution systems from substations to end-usersOverall planning, analysis, and operation of entire electrical power systems including generation, transmission, and distribution
CertificationsPE license, relevant electrical engineering credentialsPE license, power system analysis certifications
Work EnvironmentFieldwork, substation design, utility companiesSystem modeling, simulations, grid planning
Industry UsageUtilities, renewable energy projects, infrastructureUtilities, grid operators, consulting firms

Power Distribution Engineering primarily focuses on designing and maintaining electrical distribution systems, ensuring reliable delivery of electricity to consumers. Power System Engineering encompasses a broader scope, including the entire electrical grid's planning and operation. Both roles require similar credentials and often work within utility companies, but their specific responsibilities differ significantly.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a power distribution engineer?

To thrive as a Power Distribution Engineer, you need a solid understanding of electrical engineering principles, experience with power systems, and typically a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with technical tools such as AutoCAD, GIS software, distribution management systems (DMS), and relevant certifications like a Professional Engineer (PE) license are highly valued. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for excelling in this role. These skills ensure safe, reliable, and efficient design and operation of power distribution networks, supporting critical infrastructure and customer needs.

What are some common challenges faced by power distribution engineers, and how can they be addressed on the job?

Power distribution engineers often encounter challenges such as aging infrastructure, integrating renewable energy sources, and ensuring system reliability during peak demand. To address these, engineers must stay updated on the latest grid technologies, collaborate closely with field technicians and planners, and proactively participate in system upgrades and preventive maintenance. Effective communication with other departments and continuous professional development are key to navigating these challenges successfully.

What do power distribution engineers do?

Power distribution engineers design, analyze, and oversee the installation and maintenance of electrical systems that deliver electricity from substations to consumers. They work with power grids, ensure system reliability, and often use tools like CAD software and testing equipment. Certification and knowledge of safety standards are important in this field.

What is power distribution engineering?

Power distribution engineering is a specialized field of electrical engineering focused on the design, operation, and maintenance of systems that deliver electricity from substations to end users, such as homes and businesses. Power distribution engineers work on creating efficient and reliable networks, ensuring the safe delivery of electricity, and integrating new technologies like smart grids and renewable energy sources. Their responsibilities may include system planning, equipment specification, outage management, and compliance with safety standards. This role is crucial for ensuring that electrical power is delivered safely, efficiently, and reliably to meet societal needs.
Infographic showing various Power Distribution Engineering job openings in Portland, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, and 13% Contract. Highlights an 81% In-person, 6% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $119,874 per year, or $57.6 per hour.

Project Manager- Electrical Engineering

AKS Engineering & Forestry, LLC

Tualatin, OR โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 18 days ago


Job description

At AKS, we are growing and building for the future. We bring together multidisciplined experts across the land development, energy, and infrastructure markets to take on bigger challenges and deliver solutions that make a real difference. Our teams combine creativity, technical excellence, and a collaborative, hands-on approach to solve complex problems and deliver results our clients and communities can count on. We take pride in our work and our ability to provide opportunities for our teams, support each other's growth, and look ahead to what's next. When you join AKS, you will find opportunities to take ownership of meaningful projects, learn, lead, and make an impact from day one.
We're hiring an experienced Project Manager- Electrical Engineer to serve as the engineer of record on complex retail, commercial, industrial, mission critical, and data center projects. You will work directly with clients, contractors, architects, and internal teams to deliver safe, efficient, and high-performing LV/MV electrical systems. This role offers strong visibility, technical leadership opportunities, and a growth trajectory leading to overseeing our electrical engineering discipline.
What You'll Do
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with clients that lead to repeat business and new opportunities
  • Serve as lead engineer and engineer of record for electrical design projects across commercial, industrial, mission critical, retail, and data center markets.
  • Develop project scopes, design criteria, system concepts, construction documents, budgets, schedules, and technical deliverables.
  • Design medium voltage and low voltage power distribution systems with a focus on reliability, safety, and performance.
  • Coordinate with owners, architects, contractors, estimating teams, and internal stakeholders throughout the full project lifecycle.
  • Provide QA/QC review of deliverables
  • Support construction, commissioning, and startup activities while resolving field issues and maintaining design intent.
  • Perform engineering analyses including short circuit studies, capacity planning, demand forecasting, power quality, and system reliability reviews.
  • Train, develop, and mentor a high performing team of engineers and technical staff
Who You Are
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering (BSEE).
  • Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred, but not required.
  • 7+ years of relevant electrical engineering and project delivery experience.
  • Strong experience designing medium voltage and low voltage electrical distribution systems.
  • Deep working knowledge of the NEC and applicable codes and standards.
  • Strong communication, coordination, and problem-solving skills with the ability to lead projects and work across multiple stakeholder groups.
Nice to Have
  • Experience with mission critical or data center facility design.
  • Background supporting construction estimating and cost planning.
  • Experience preparing specifications, RFP packages, and startup procedures.
  • Familiarity with electrical controls philosophies and automation systems.
  • Experience managing multidisciplinary teams or mentoring junior engineers.

Why AKS?
At AKS, we believe your work should support your life, not the other way around. Here's what you can count on when you join our team:
  • Meaningful Growth: Whether you're just starting out or looking to advance, we offer hands-on training, mentorship, and clear paths for professional development so you can grow with purpose.
  • Real Collaboration: Join a team that brings diverse perspectives together to solve complex challenges with creativity, curiosity, and a shared commitment to quality.
  • Respect for Your Time: We value work-life balance and offer generous PTO and a supportive environment that helps you manage both personal and professional responsibilities.
  • Benefits That Care: You'll have access to health coverage that supports your total well-being, plus a 401(k) match, paid holidays, and more resources to help you thrive.
  • Weekly Team Lunches: Take a break and recharge with your teammates, we believe food brings people together.
  • Culture That Connects: We invest in experiences that build strong teams and strong communities.
  • A Place People Love to Work: We've been named one of the Top Workplaces year after year.

Join us and be part of a team that values your contributions, celebrates initiative, and is committed to doing things the right way for our employees, clients, and communities.