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Substation Design Engineer Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

$84K - $129K/yr

As a Senior Substation Engineer, you will: * Take an active role in project conceptualization, work ... Experience in reviewing design drawings created by others. * Proficiency with MS Office ...

Lead other engineers, designers, and drafters, and self-perform all aspects of electrical ... Support of substation physical design with bus analysis calculations and coordinating with multiple ...

Lead other engineers, designers, and drafters, and self-perform all aspects of electrical ... Support of substation physical design with bus analysis calculations and coordinating with multiple ...

As our Structural Engineer, you will be a design engineer for new and ongoing substation projects. You will support multiple projects simultaneously given direction from a lead engineer or project ...

Substation Project Engineer (PE)

Portland, OR ยท On-site

$104K - $133K/yr

Understands physical substation design including yard layouts, plans, sections and details ... Master's degree in engineering * A minimum of 3 years' experience in project execution within the ...

Substation Project Engineer (PE)

Portland, OR ยท On-site

$104K - $133K/yr

Understands physical substation design including yard layouts, plans, sections and details ... Previous experience with an engineering consulting firm #LI-JM8 Qualifications Required ...

$77K - $118K/yr

Description As a Substation Physical Designer, you will be working in a project team environment with engineers and other designers involved in high and extra high voltage substation design.

Support of substation physical design with layout placement within the site, top of concrete ... Engineer license required (multi-state preferred). * Highly proficient with civil engineering ...

Support of substation physical design with layout placement within the site, top of concrete ... Engineer license required (multi-state preferred). * Highly proficient with civil engineering ...

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Showing results 1-20

Substation Design Engineer information

See Oregon salary details

$66.1K

$120.1K

$158.1K

How much do substation design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for substation design engineer in Oregon is $120,136.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $104,100.00 and $132,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Substation Design Engineer job?

A Substation Design Engineer is responsible for designing electrical substations that facilitate the transmission and distribution of electricity. They create detailed plans, specifications, and layouts for substation components, including switchgear, transformers, and protection systems. Their role involves ensuring compliance with industry standards, safety regulations, and reliability requirements. They work closely with utility companies, project managers, and other engineering disciplines to develop efficient and cost-effective designs. This position requires expertise in electrical engineering, CAD software, and power system analysis.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and leadership roles. Certain roles in high-demand industries or with executive responsibilities may also reach this compensation level.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially with experience, advanced skills, and leadership roles. Substation Design Engineers typically earn lower salaries, but those in executive or highly specialized positions may reach or exceed this level with bonuses and profit sharing.

What are the main challenges a Substation Design Engineer faces during a typical project?

Substation Design Engineers often encounter challenges such as coordinating with multidisciplinary teams, managing complex design requirements, and ensuring compliance with strict safety and regulatory standards. Balancing project schedules while addressing site-specific constraints and integrating new technologies can also pose difficulties. Effective communication with project managers, construction crews, and utility clients is essential to address issues quickly and keep the project on track. Successful engineers are proactive in problem-solving and adaptable to evolving project needs, which helps minimize delays and optimize design solutions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Substation Design Engineer position, and why are they important?

A Substation Design Engineer requires a strong background in electrical engineering, knowledge of power systems, and a relevant engineering degree, often with a Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred. Proficiency in CAD software (such as AutoCAD or MicroStation), protective relay coordination tools, and familiarity with utility standards are important technical competencies. Excellent problem-solving, communication, and project management skills help facilitate effective collaboration and ensure clarity during cross-disciplinary projects. These abilities are critical for delivering safe, efficient, and reliable substation designs that meet regulatory and operational standards.

What does a substation design engineer do?

A substation design engineer is responsible for planning and developing electrical substations, including creating detailed layouts, selecting equipment, and ensuring compliance with safety and industry standards. They use design software and collaborate with project teams to ensure efficient and reliable power distribution systems. The role often requires knowledge of electrical engineering principles and relevant certifications.

Can you make $500,000 as an electrical engineer?

Substation Design Engineers, a specialized role within electrical engineering, typically earn salaries below $200,000 annually, with top earners in senior positions or with extensive experience potentially reaching higher figures. Achieving a $500,000 salary usually requires advanced roles, management positions, or significant bonuses and incentives in the industry.
Infographic showing various Substation Design Engineer job openings in Oregon as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 72% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 12% Contract, and 4% Nights. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $120,136 per year, or $57.8 per hour.
Substation Engineer 3 - Grid

Substation Engineer 3 - Grid

Sargent & Lundy

Portland, OR โ€ข Hybrid

$74K - $113K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 26 days ago


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 Substation Engineer, you will:

  • Take an active role in project conceptualization, work planning, and project execution.
  • Support 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."ย 
  • You may have the opportunity to travel to client sites as needed.ย 

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.
  • 3ย 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.ย 

Valued but not required skills and experience:

  • A BSEE degree is preferrable.
  • A degree from an ABET accredited engineering program.
  • 1ย or more years experience designing substations at 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 solve problems using modern tools:

  • You are expected to take engineering problems from issue to solution using data and modern tools such as automation and AI to improve workflows, reduce rework, and deliver cost-effective designs.
  • Many engineers in these roles build or use automation to create calculations, summarize technical documents, or draft design documentation, including appropriate use of agentic AI tools, with strong engineering judgment and verification of results.
  • Programming or scripting (e.g., Python, MATLAB, advanced Excel) to automate calculations, design checks, reporting, or data transformation is valued but not required.
  • We also value additional learning, such as a minor, certificate, or other training in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Software Engineering, or related fields that helps you apply automation or agentic AI to real engineering problems.
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$74,353 - $113,595Transparency 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.Awards & RecognitionEqual 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

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

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