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Sound Design Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Filmmaking Tutor

Portland, OR · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Deep knowledge of cinematography, screenwriting, directing, editing, sound design, lighting techniques, camera operation, pre-production planning, and post-production workflows. Ability to explain ...

Graphic Designer

Tualatin, OR · Hybrid

$35 - $50/hr

Competencies • Visual communication and attention to detail • Creative problem-solving and sound design judgment • Planning, prioritization, and reliable project execution • Collaboration ...

They will exercise sound engineering judgement, present analysis summaries which support design decisions, and provide technical support on all team projects. This mid-level position intended for ...

They will exercise sound engineering judgement, present analysis summaries which support design decisions, and provide technical support on all team projects. This mid-level position intended for ...

Graphic Designer

Tualatin, OR · Hybrid

$35 - $50/hr

Competencies • Visual communication and attention to detail • Creative problem-solving and sound design judgment • Planning, prioritization, and reliable project execution • Collaboration ...

Software Engineer II

Portland, OR · On-site

$88K - $122K/yr

Makes sound design decisions within defined problem spaces. Contributes actively to understanding and documentation. * Execution & Impact - Completes moderately complex or ambiguous tasks within ...

Software Engineer II

Portland, OR · On-site

$88K - $122K/yr

Makes sound design decisions within defined problem spaces. Contributes actively to understanding and documentation. * Execution & Impact - Completes moderately complex or ambiguous tasks within ...

Makes sound design decisions within defined problem spaces. Contributes actively to understanding and documentation. * Execution & Impact - Completes moderately complex or ambiguous tasks within ...

HVAC Design Technician

Portland, OR · On-site

$83K - $104K/yr

Job Title: Senior HVAC Design Technician (Industrial & Mission-Critical) Role Overview We are ... Plan and conduct layout work for HVAC conveyance and equipment, applying sound engineering judgment ...

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Showing results 1-20

Sound Design information

See Portland, OR salary details

$44.5K

$121.4K

$213.7K

How much do sound design jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for sound design in Portland, OR is $121,418.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $88,600.00 and $152,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is sound design?

Sound design is the process of creating, recording, manipulating, and mixing audio elements for various media, such as film, television, video games, theater, and music production. Sound designers are responsible for crafting everything from ambient background noises to specific sound effects that enhance the audience's experience. Their work can involve recording real-world sounds, synthesizing new ones, and editing audio to fit a project's needs. Sound design is essential for building atmosphere, conveying moods, and supporting storytelling in audiovisual productions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a sound designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Sound Designer, you need a deep understanding of audio engineering, acoustics, and creative sound creation, often supported by a degree in audio production or a related field. Familiarity with digital audio workstations (DAWs) like Pro Tools or Ableton Live, as well as experience with sound libraries and audio editing software, is essential. Strong collaboration, creativity, and attention to detail set exceptional sound designers apart. These skills ensure the creation of immersive and high-quality audio experiences that enhance storytelling across various media.

How does a sound designer typically collaborate with directors and other production team members during a project?

Sound designers work closely with directors, producers, and editors to achieve the desired audio experience for a project. Early in the process, they participate in creative discussions to understand the director’s vision and story requirements. Throughout production, sound designers often attend meetings, provide sample soundscapes, and adjust their work based on feedback from the team. Effective communication and flexibility are crucial, as sound designers must adapt their creations to fit evolving project needs and technical constraints.

What is the difference between Sound Design vs Audio Editing?

AspectSound DesignAudio Editing
Primary FocusCreating and manipulating sounds for mediaEditing and assembling audio recordings
Skills & ToolsSound synthesis, Foley, DAWs, creative sound manipulationCutting, splicing, leveling, noise reduction
Work EnvironmentFilm, TV, video games, advertisingPost-production, broadcasting, film editing
CredentialsAudio production, sound design courses, experience with DAWsAudio engineering, editing software proficiency

Sound Design involves creating and shaping sounds to enhance media, while Audio Editing focuses on refining and assembling existing recordings. Both roles require familiarity with digital audio workstations and audio production skills, but they serve different creative and technical purposes within the media industry.

How much can sound designers make?

Sound designers' salaries vary based on experience, location, and industry, but entry-level positions typically start around $40,000 to $60,000 annually. Experienced sound designers working in film, video games, or advertising can earn $70,000 to over $100,000 per year, especially with specialized skills in audio editing, mixing, and the use of tools like Pro Tools or Logic Pro.

How to get a career in sound design?

To pursue a career in sound design, develop strong skills in audio editing, mixing, and recording using software like Pro Tools or Ableton Live. Obtain a relevant degree or certification, build a portfolio of projects, and gain experience through internships or freelance work to establish a professional network.

Is sound design a good career?

Sound design is a viable career for those with strong audio editing, mixing, and technical skills, often requiring proficiency with digital audio workstations and sound editing software. It offers opportunities in film, television, video games, and theater, with job stability depending on industry demand and experience level.

What does a sound design do?

A sound designer creates and manipulates audio elements for various media such as film, television, video games, and theater. They use tools like digital audio workstations and sound libraries to develop sound effects, atmospheres, and audio cues that enhance the overall experience. The role often requires technical skills, creativity, and knowledge of acoustics and audio editing software.

What are the most commonly searched types of Sound Design jobs in Portland, OR?

The most popular types of Sound Design jobs in Portland, OR are:

What are popular job titles related to Sound Design jobs in Portland, OR?

For Sound Design jobs in Portland, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Portland, OR are hiring for Sound Design jobs?

Cities near Portland, OR with the most Sound Design job openings:

Infographic showing various Sound Design 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 $121,418 per year, or $58.4 per hour.

Electrical Designer, Power Plants

Portland General Electric

Portland, OR • On-site

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago


Portland General Electric rating

9.0

Company rating: 9.0 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

At PGE, our work involves dreaming about, planning for, and realizing a smarter, cleaner, more enduring Oregon neighborhood. Its core to our DNA and we haven't stopped since we started in 1888. We energize lives, strengthen communities and drive advancements in energy that promote social, economic and environmental progress. We're always on the lookout for people passionate about leading and being a part of teams that are advancing innovative clean energy solutions that are also affordable and accessible to all.
Department Summary
Power Supply Engineering Services (PSES) provides quality engineering solutions and analyses to maintain safe, reliable and cost-effective operations of PGE generation assets. The Engineering Design Support group provides electrical, mechanical, and civil design expertise and support service to Engineering and Plant Personnel. The group develops and maintains engineering drawings and models to support operations, maintenance, physical security, environmental, licensing, and regulatory functions.
Position Summary
Electrical Plant Designers provide professional-level electrical design knowledge and on-site support at thermal, hydro, and wind power plants and switchyards. They apply sound design practices and guidelines, using current design technology resources, to assist engineers with engineering designs by ensuring design concepts and details are accurately and clearly conveyed. They also provide drafting for design and as-built projects using AutoCAD and other software, as well as manage drawing modifications using a drawing management system.
The Electrical Design staff supports Electrical Engineering Capital and O&M Projects. Additionally, they are the primary point of contact to respond to As-Built Requests (ABRs) from Plant Engineers, Operators, and Technicians. Specifically, they are responsible for updating One Lines which are critical documents used in the safe and reliable operation of the plants and their systems. Additionally, they are responsible for updating Operating One Lines which are used by the System Control Center.
2 Position available. Can be filled at either an Associate/p1 or Electrical Designer/p2 level. See determining required qualifications below.
Responsibilities
• Design Work
Provides professional-level electrical design knowledge and on-site support at thermal, hydro and wind power plants and switchyards; assists engineers in moderately complex engineering designs; designs and lays out simple systems to meet basic engineering criteria; determines materials to be used for design.
• Design Practices and Technology
Applies sound design practices and guidelines and uses current design technology resources for moderately complex projects; provides drafting for design and as-built projects using AutoCAD and other software; controls drawing modifications using a drawing management system and procedures.
• Design Drawings
Converts moderately complex engineering designs, criteria and data into drawings and sketches; ensures design concepts and details are accurately and clearly conveyed.
• As-Built Packages
Creates, processes and checks as-built packages for moderately complex projects; researches and resolves technical documentation inaccuracies and discrepancies; conducts as-built walk-down for final documentation; tracks and monitors annual as-built activities; provides status reports.
• Engineering Principles, Codes and Standards
Ensures design solutions meet engineering principles; technical, regulatory and contractual requirements; industry codes; and company standards.
• On-Site Support and Field Investigations
Provides on-site construction support for moderately complex projects; prepares field reports; develops/updates drawings to guide construction personnel; assists engineers with drawing red-lines; assists with plant system troubleshooting and turnover.
• General Project Support
Procures materials and basic equipment that meet project requirements; maintains a work management system to monitor design progress; contributes to project schedule development and updates; informs engineer of project status and concerns.
Qualifications
P2 Required:
• Education: Requires a bachelor's degree in engineering technology or other related field or equivalent experience.
• Experience: Typically two or more years in electrical design, drafting or related field. Preferred working knowledge of Schematics & Wiring Diagrams for various systems including Station Service, High Voltage Protective Relaying and Control Systems.
• Valid Driver's License required, This role will require travel to various generation facilities.
P1 required:
• Education: Requires a bachelor's degree in engineering technology or other related field or equivalent experience.
• Experience: Typically two or fewer years in electrical, mechanical or civil design, drafting or related field. Preferred working knowledge of Schematics & Wiring Diagrams for various systems including Station Service, High Voltage Protective Relaying and Control Systems.
• Valid Driver's License required, This role will require travel to various generation facilities.
Preferred:
• Working knowledge of engineering concepts/proposals and plant requirements and skills in translating those into sound detailed design solutions
• Working knowledge of industrial practices, electrical theory and subsystems
• Working skills in resolving complex design problems and integrating new design technology into outdated plant systems
• Working skills in using PGE drawing control system
• Working knowledge of material selection, application and procurement for design projects
• Working computer skills using drafting applications (e.g., Autodesk products)
• Working analytical thinking skills
• Working decision-making skills
• Working interpersonal skills
• Working organization and prioritization skills
• Working problem-solving skills
• Working written and oral communication skills
Physical Capabilities
• Driving/travel/commute: Daily within service territory - Occasionally
• Driving/travel/commute: Overnight inside/outside the service territory - Occasionally (one to two times a month or less)
• Computer use (use computer regularly for entire work shift)
• Lifting/pushing/pulling: Up to 10 lbs.
• Carrying: Up to 10 lbs.
• Unstable surfaces requiring balance (i.e., moving equipment, boats) (check all that apply):
o Elevated areas (i.e., catwalks, roofs and high buildings)
o Walking distances and surfaces (long distances and over rough, uneven or rocky surfaces)
o Stairs (over 10 steps)
o Ladders (over 10 rungs)
Environment - Indoor/Outdoor (check all that apply):
• Office
• Plant
• Field
#LI-SB1 #LI-Hybrid
Actual total compensation, including a performance based incentive bonus, is commensurate with experience, skills, qualifications, education, training, and internal equity.
PGE believes in rewarding dedicated performance. We provide a total rewards package that is designed to reward your contributions to the company, and, at the same time, support your well-being and professional development, both now and into the future. To find out more, click here.
Join us today and power your potential!
Assisting with storms or other Company emergencies is a part of all positions at Portland General Electric.
PGE is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to fostering a workplace where employees feel connected, valued, and empowered to thrive. PGE will not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, religion, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.
PGE does not discriminate on the basis of disability. We recognize individuals have a variety of abilities to offer and we believe there is much to value and celebrate by incorporating different abilities into the work we do. One very important way we live this out is in our application and interview process. We work hard to support individuals who may need an accommodation to fully participate in these processes. If you feel you may need an accommodation, or would like to request one, please notify the Recruiter associated with the job posting. You may also make this request by contacting talentacquisition@pgn.com or by calling 503-464-7250. The Recruiter will provide information and next steps for the accommodation process.
To be considered for this position, please complete the following employment application by the posting close date. Posting closes at midnight (Pacific Time) on the closing date below. If no date is listed, job is open until filled.

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