1

Senior Substation Engineer Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

WSP is currently initiating a search for a Mid-Level Structural Engineer for our Power Delivery Substation Structural Group to perform engineering design for electrical substations. The candidate ...

Lead other engineers, designers, and drafters, and self-perform all aspects of electrical substation structural design, including foundations, structural supports, and control building design.

Lead other engineers, designers, and drafters, and self-perform all aspects of electrical substation structural design, including foundations, structural supports, and control building design.

Substation Project Engineer

Lake Oswego, OR · Hybrid

$101K - $129K/yr

Support senior engineers with research and recommendations of components identified in design ... substation switchyard layouts. * Develop plans, specifications, and cost estimates; preparing ...

Substation Project Engineer

Lake Oswego, OR · On-site

$101K - $129K/yr

Support senior engineers with research and recommendations of components identified in design ... substation switchyard layouts. * Develop plans, specifications, and cost estimates; preparing ...

Support senior engineers with research and recommendations of components identified in design ... substation switchyard layouts. * Develop plans, specifications, and cost estimates; preparing ...

Lead Substation Engineer 2 - Grid

Portland, OR · Hybrid

$108K - $143K/yr

As a Lead Substation Engineer, you will: * Work on a wide range of substation modifications and ... Guide junior and senior-level engineers and designers in protection and controls engineering design ...

Lead Substation Engineer 2 - Grid

Portland, OR · Hybrid

$108K - $143K/yr

As a Lead Substation Engineer, you will: * Work on a wide range of substation modifications and ... Guide junior and senior-level engineers and designers in protection and controls engineering design ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Senior Substation Engineer information

See Portland, OR salary details

$60.3K

$128.3K

$186.1K

How much do senior substation engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior substation engineer in Portland, OR is $128,317.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $106,000.00 and $145,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a senior substation engineer?

Senior Substation Engineers are experienced electrical engineers who specialize in the design, maintenance, and operation of electrical substations. They oversee projects involving the installation and upgrading of substation equipment, ensure systems meet safety and regulatory standards, and often lead teams of engineers and technicians. Their expertise helps ensure the reliable transmission and distribution of electricity in power grids. Senior Substation Engineers also troubleshoot complex issues and play a key role in planning for future energy needs.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a senior substation engineer?

To thrive as a Senior Substation Engineer, you need a deep understanding of electrical engineering principles, strong experience in substation design, and a relevant engineering degree—often complemented by a Professional Engineer (PE) license. Proficiency with design software such as AutoCAD, MicroStation, and power system analysis tools like ETAP or SKM is typically required. Excellent project management, leadership, and communication skills help you coordinate complex projects and mentor junior engineers. These skills ensure the safe, reliable, and efficient design and operation of substations that are critical to power distribution networks.

What are some common challenges faced by senior substation engineers during large infrastructure projects?

Senior Substation Engineers often encounter challenges such as coordinating with multidisciplinary teams, managing tight project timelines, and ensuring compliance with evolving safety and regulatory standards. They must also address unexpected site conditions, integrate new technologies with legacy systems, and maintain clear communication across stakeholders. Proactive problem-solving and strong organizational skills are essential to navigate these complexities and deliver successful projects.

What is the difference between Senior Substation Engineer vs Substation Engineer?

AspectSenior Substation EngineerSubstation Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in electrical engineering, PE license often preferred, relevant certificationsBachelor's degree in electrical engineering, some roles may require or prefer PE license
Work EnvironmentDesign, project management, oversight of substation projects, leadership rolesDesign, construction, testing, and maintenance of substations, more hands-on work
Employer & Industry UsageUtilities, power generation, transmission companies, often in senior or lead rolesUtilities, construction firms, engineering consultancies, entry to mid-level positions

The main difference between a Senior Substation Engineer and a Substation Engineer lies in experience, responsibilities, and leadership. Senior Substation Engineers typically have more experience, hold leadership roles, and oversee complex projects, while Substation Engineers focus on technical design and implementation tasks. Both roles require similar technical credentials, but the senior position involves greater project management and decision-making responsibilities.

What are the most commonly searched types of Substation Engineer jobs in Portland, OR?

The most popular types of Substation Engineer jobs in Portland, OR are:

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

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

Infographic showing various Senior Substation Engineer job openings in Portland, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $134,648 per year, or $64.7 per hour.

Senior Substation Engineer 2 - Grid

Sargent & Lundy

Portland, OR • Hybrid

$100K - $152K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 21 days ago


Sargent & Lundy rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

121st of 453 rated engineering


Job description

Description

This position offers you the opportunity to work in a project team environment with other engineers and designers involved in the detailed electrical design and project management of high voltage substation projects. As a Senior Substation Engineer, you will:

  • Take an active role in project conceptualization, work planning, and project execution.
  • Work on challenging assignments that include investigating, trouble-shooting, and solving a wide variety of electrical engineering issues.
  • Prepare reports that present technical and project information in a clear and concise manner and meet client requirements and S&L formats.
  • Develop your career via peer-learning through sharing of knowledge with other experienced engineers by way of S&L's systems of process and associated "Communities of Practice." 
  • In addition, you may have the opportunity to travel to client sites as needed.

This role offers a hybrid work arrangement, with the expectation of spending three days a week in the office, giving you the flexibility to work remotely for two days.

Dependent upon your location, this opportunity offers a generous relocation package.

Qualifications

We do not sponsor employees for work authorization in the U.S. for this position.

Essential skills and experience:

  • This position requires a Bachelor of Science Engineering degree.
  • 7 or more years experience in the design of Medium Voltage Power Systems.
  • Ability to prioritize work and manage multiple projects under budget and time constraints.
  • Experience tracking project information such as: schedules and expenditures against budgets, preparing status reports and client interface.
  • Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills.
  • Experience in reviewing design drawings created by others.
  • Proficiency with MS Office applications. 

Valued but not required skills and experience:

  • A BSEE degree is preferable.
  • A degree from an ABET accredited engineering program.
  • 3 or more years experience in the design of substations 138kV and above.
  • Ability to prepare substation grounding calculations, direct stroke shielding calculations, battery & charger sizing calculations, etc.
  • Physical layout and protection & controls experience.
  • Ability to work with Designer to develop substation single line diagrams, relaying & metering diagrams, DC schematic diagrams, substation plan & sections, grounding plans, etc.
  • Familiarity with ANSI/IEEE/NEMA standards as they relate to substation design. This includes the National Electrical Safety Code (ANSI - C2).
  • PE license.
  • AutoCAD experience.
AI & Automation at Sargent & Lundy

In this role, we expect people to be willing or able to lead others who use modern tools:

  • You are expected to lead others in taking engineering problems from issue to solution by setting expectations for using data and modern tools such as automation and AI to improve workflows, reduce rework, and deliver cost-effective designs.
  • Leaders in these roles often direct automation and process-improvement work, for example, how teams automate calculations, summarize technical documents, or generate design documentation and guiding when and how AI or agentic AI tools are used while ensuring results are checked.
  • Overseeing engineers who program or script (e.g., Python, MATLAB, advanced Excel) to automate engineering tasks, with review of automated outputs, is valued but not required.
  • We also value additional learning, such as a minor, certificate, or other experience in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Software Engineering, or related fields that enables effective oversight of automation and agentic AI-enabled engineering workflows.
Award-Winning Benefits

At Sargent & Lundy, we care about the health and well-being of our employees. Our commitment extends beyond the workplace, offering comprehensive healthcare plans and generous paid time off to support our team members in every aspect of their lives. We understand the importance of work-life balance, which is why we are proud to provide competitive, award-winning benefits. Our dedication to employee satisfaction has earned us the prestigious Top Workplaces Culture Excellence Award for compensation and benefits in 2022, 2023, and 2024.

Health & WellnessFinancial BenefitsWork-Life Balance
  • Health Plans: Medical, Dental, Vision
  • Life & Accident Insurance
  • Disability Coverage
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Back-Up Daycare
  • FSA & HSA
  • 401(k)
  • Pre-Tax Commuter Account
  • Merit Scholarship Program
  • Employee Discount Program
  • Corporate Charitable Giving Program
  • Tuition Assistance
  • First Professional Licensure Bonus
  • Employee Referral Bonus
  • Paid Annual Personal/Sick Time (PST)
  • Paid Vacation
  • Paid Holidays
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Paid Bereavement Leave
  • Flexible Work Arrangements
Compensation Range$100,019 - $152,807Transparency StatementSargent & Lundy discloses compensation ranges that comply with all local and state regulations. The total compensation package for eligible positions will include a base salary or an hourly rate and a comprehensive benefits package, reflecting our commitment to rewarding performance and supporting the overall well-being of our employees. Individuals may also be eligible to participate in our yearly discretionary bonus.Equal Opportunity

Sargent & Lundy is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any protected status as defined by applicable law.

Employment Type: FULL_TIME

What Sargent & Lundy employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Sargent & Lundy logo

About Sargent & Lundy

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Sargent & Lundy is one of the most experienced full-service architect-engineering firms in the world. Founded in 1891, the firm is a global leader in power and energy with expertise in grid modernization, renewable energy, energy storage, nuclear power, and fossil fuels. Sargent & Lundy delivers comprehensive project services--from consulting, design and implementation to construction management, commissioning and operations/maintenance--with an emphasis on quality and safety. The firm serves public and private sector clients in the power and energy, gas distribution, industrial, and government sectors.

Industry

Civil engineering construction

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Chicago, IL, US

Year founded

1891

Social media