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Power Plant Operator Trainee Jobs in Portland, OR

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Plant Mechanic

Clackamas, OR · On-site

$28/hr

The Plant Mechanic is responsible for keeping plant and recycling equipment operating safely and ... Safely and efficiently use hand and power tools * Complete work orders and assigned maintenance ...

Clarios

Machine Operator

Canby, OR · On-site

$24/hr

As a Fully Integrated Plant (FIP), it manufactures high-quality batteries for automotive and ... Discover your potential at Clarios-where your power meets endless possibilities. Veterans/Military ...

CPS Technology Holdings LLC

Machine Operator

Canby, OR · On-site

$24/hr

As a Fully Integrated Plant (FIP), it manufactures high-quality batteries for automotive and ... Discover your potential at Clarios-where your power meets endless possibilities. Veterans/Military ...

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All JobsPower Plant Operator JobsPower Plant Operator Trainee JobsPower Plant Operator Trainee Jobs in Portland, OR

Power Plant Operator Trainee information

See Portland, OR salary details

$21

$47

$67

How much do power plant operator trainee jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for power plant operator trainee in Portland, OR is $47.42, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $31.88 and $62.21 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a power plant operator trainee?

A Power Plant Operator Trainee is an entry-level position where individuals learn how to monitor and control power-generating equipment under the supervision of experienced operators. Trainees receive hands-on training in operating turbines, boilers, generators, and other systems to ensure safe and efficient power production. Responsibilities typically include reading gauges, recording data, and responding to system alerts. Over time, trainees gain the knowledge and skills needed to become fully qualified power plant operators.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a power plant operator trainee?

As a Power Plant Operator Trainee, your daily tasks typically involve shadowing experienced operators, monitoring equipment gauges and control panels, recording operational data, and assisting with routine maintenance. You may also learn to adjust controls to regulate output, respond to alarms or abnormal indicators, and participate in safety drills. Over time, you'll gain experience analyzing system performance and troubleshooting issues under supervision. The role offers hands-on training in a highly structured team setting, preparing you for increased responsibility and possible advancement to full operator roles.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the power plant operator trainee position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Power Plant Operator Trainee, you need a basic understanding of mechanical and electrical systems, attention to detail, and at least a high school diploma or equivalent, with some employers preferring technical training or coursework. Familiarity with control systems, monitoring equipment, and safety protocols is crucial, and completion of relevant safety training or industry certifications can be beneficial. Strong problem-solving skills, effective communication, and the ability to follow instructions make a candidate stand out in this position. These competencies ensure safe and efficient plant operations while supporting learning and advancement in a highly regulated environment.

What are the most commonly searched types of Power Plant Operator jobs in Portland, OR?

The most popular types of Power Plant Operator jobs in Portland, OR are:

What cities near Portland, OR are hiring for Power Plant Operator Trainee jobs?

Cities near Portland, OR with the most Power Plant Operator Trainee job openings:

Power Plant Operator Trainee jobs near you
Infographic showing various Power Plant Operator Trainee job openings in Portland, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $98,631 per year, or $47.4 per hour.

Instrumentation & Controls Engineer - Nuclear Power

Black & Veatch

Tualatin, OR • On-site

Full-time

Life, Retirement

Re-posted 18 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Generate engineering design documents and deliverables for power plant systems, including logics, network architecture diagrams, instrument lists, I/O lists, instrument installation details, schematics, wiring drawings, calculations, studies, and technical specifications.

  • Lead, supervise, and mentor a team of I&C engineers, review their work, and provide oversight of assignments.

  • Assist in the technical design, procurement, planning, and coordination activities related to instrumentation and controls for nuclear power plants.

Black & Veatch rating

9.0

Company rating: 9.0 out of 10

Based on 20 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

52nd of 453 rated engineering

Job description

We believe real value is powered by the unique skills and experiences of our professionals. The interchange of ideas from a diverse group of people gives our teams an expanded perspective and the ability to find better solutions for our clients.

Company : Black & Veatch Corporation

Req Id : 113554

Job Title : Staff Registered Instrumentation & Controls Engineer - Nuclear Power

Location : KCP, RGRALH, RGANAR, RGATLANTA2, RGORLA, RGTUALAT, RGJCKSNVL, RGHOUSTON3, RGCHCG, RGCHATTAN

Business Unit Sector : COR-BVOPS-ENGR & DEV SVCS

Department: BVCOR BV OPS EDS INSTR & CONTR

Opportunity Type : Staff

Relocation eligible : No

Full time/Part time : Full-Time

Project Only Hire: No

Visa Sponsorship Available:No

Recruiter : LaDon JoAnne Perales

Why Black and Veatch

Black & Veatch allows you to lend your talent and perspective to humanity's biggest challenges in a flexible environment where you are empowered to grow and explore new possibilities. We offer competitive compensation; 401K match and benefits that start day 1. 
Our hybrid environment allows you to balance your work and personal life. At Black & Veatch, you own your career with purpose and meaning. You are empowered to grow and explore new possibilities at every step of your career journey. Bring your big ideas knowing you are safe to be who you are and speak up with concerns or questions and put your diverse talents and perspectives to use.

The Opportunity

Black & Veatch is seeking a Lead Instrumentation & Controls professional to lead a team of I&C engineers and assist in the technical design, procurement, planning and coordination for Nuclear / Power Generation Plants. 

Black & Veatch (B&V) is engaged in a variety of engineering and design activities in support of building new power plants around the world using advanced nuclear technologies that include but are not limited to Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). This work entails driving the development of I&C design deliverables pertaining to safety-related, non-safety related, and balance of plant (BOP) systems for a new nuclear power plant. Professionals stepping into this role will be integrated into established project teams, applying your expertise while taking on increasing responsibility as project needs evolve.

In this role, you would have the opportunity to:

  • Working directly with the project team to generate engineering design documents and deliverables for systems related to the power plant (logics, network architecture diagrams, instrument lists, I/O Lists, instrument installation details, schematics and wiring drawings, calculations, studies, technical specifications, etc.).
  • Lead teams, supervise and mentor lower-level engineers, review and provide oversight of their work or assignments. 
The Team

Black & Veatch is engaged with securing nuclear energy's future through our commitment to the current operating fleet and to the new build market, including the latest advanced reactor designs.  We are fully committed to assisting our clients meet the needs of a global nuclear power industry with quality engineering and turnkey Engineer-Procure-Construct (EPC) solutions.  We find innovative solutions that add value to our client's complex projects and their bottom line.  Black & Veatch delivers both cost and schedule certainty for our clients in a competitive market environment, so they can focus on operating the plants safely.  In the domestic market, we utilize the Standard Design Process to deliver complete design modification packages to support plant betterment projects.  Safety, both industrial safety and nuclear safety, is of the highest priority in every stage of project execution.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Previous I&C design experience for large scale power plants. 
  • Experience in developing control system network architecture diagrams, I/O list, instrument data sheets, control narratives, control logic diagrams, Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs) for control and instrumentation, and procurement specifications for I&C equipment.
  • Experience in instrumentation and process automation systems applications and selection.  
  • Excellent writing, presentation, and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to be both an individual contributor and work effectively in teams.
  • Ability to accept both internal and external (client) feedback.
  • Willingness to learn processes and procedures specific to the power industry.
  • Maintain some flexibility in work hours, if required by the client or project. 
Minimum Qualifications

Requires a bachelor's degree in engineering from either a recognized accredited program in their home country or the country in which the professional is practicing or equivalent experience in Engineering work. Minimum of 5 years related work experience. All applicants must be able to complete pre-employment onboarding requirements (if selected) which may include any/all of the following: criminal/civil background check, drug screen, and motor vehicle records search, in compliance with any applicable laws and regulations.

Holds an active engineering registration or licensure to support engineer of record (EOR) requirements for BV projects in applicable countries, and supports where necessary.

This position supports Black & Veatch project work with the U.S. Federal Government. As a result, U.S. citizenship is a requirement.

Certifications

Holds an active engineering registration or licensure to support engineer of record (EOR) requirements for BV projects in applicable countries, and supports where necessary.

Work Environment and Schedule
  • This position would require working in a typical office environment. The position may entail prolonged periods of sitting and computer use, and the professional would ideally be able to maintain focus and attention to detail throughout the workday. The position may also be require physical tasks during site visits, including crouching, grasping, and standing/walking for extended periods of time.
  • Hybrid or flexible work options may be offered after the first 90 days of employment based upon manager discretion, job performance and work assignments.

#LI-KT1

 
Compensation Transparency

In accordance with local requirements, the annual compensation ranges for this role are listed below by state or jurisdiction and reflect the applicable office location(s) within each. Final compensation is determined based on factors such as skills, experience, qualifications, internal alignment, geographic location, and other factors permitted by law.

  • State of Illinois: $126,423.00 - $211,134.00
Salary Plan
REG: Registered Engineering
Job Grade
016

Black & Veatch endeavors to make www.bv.com/careers accessible to any and all users. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process because of a disability, please contact the Employee Relations Department at +1-913-359-1622 or via our accommodations request form. This contact information is for disability accommodation requests only; you may not use this contact information to inquire about the status of applications. General inquiries about the status of applications will not be returned.

A variety of additional benefits are available to our professionals, including a company matched 401k plan, adoption reimbursement, vendor discounts, an employment referral program, AD&D insurance, pre-taxed accounts, voluntary legal plan and the B&V Credit Union. Professionals may also be eligible for a performance-based bonus program.

By valuing diverse voices and perspectives, we cultivate an authentically inclusive environment for professionals and are able to provide innovative and effective solutions for clients.

BVH, Inc., its subsidiaries and its affiliated companies, complies with all Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) laws and regulations. Black & Veatch does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, religion, color, sex, national origin, marital status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender Identity and expression, disability, veteran status, pregnancy status or other status protected by law.

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About Black & Veatch

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Company: Black & Veatch Family of Companies Together, we own our company, our future, and our shared success. As an employee-owned company, our people are Black & Veatch. We put them at the center of everything we do and empower them to grow, explore new possibilities and use their diverse talents and perspectives to solve humanity's biggest challenges in an ever-evolving world. With over 100 years of innovation in sustainable infrastructure and our expertise in engineering, procurement, consulting and construction, together we are building a world of difference.

Industry

Civil engineering construction

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Overland Park, KS, US

Year founded

1915

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