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Substation Engineer Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

TOTH AND ASSOCIATES INC

Substation Engineer - V

Portland, OR · On-site

$104K - $132K/yr

The Project Engineer V is responsible for leading the technical execution of electrical substation projects from project kickoff through delivery. This role applies advanced engineering expertise and ...

TOTH AND ASSOCIATES INC

Substation Engineer - I/II

Portland, OR · On-site +1

$104K - $132K/yr

The Substation Engineer I / II supports the planning, design, and implementation of electrical substation projects for utility, industrial, and renewable energy clients. This role works under the ...

Sargent & Lundy

Substation Engineer 3 - Grid

Portland, OR · On-site

$74K - $113K/yr

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 ...

Sargent & Lundy

Substation Engineer 3 - Grid

Portland, OR · Hybrid

$74K - $113K/yr

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 ...

Sargent & Lundy

Substation Engineer 3 - Grid

Portland, OR · Hybrid

$74K - $113K/yr

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 ...

Leidos

Lead EPC Substation Project Engineer

Portland, OR · On-site

$107K - $195K/yr

Description Leidos Engineering has an opportunity for a Lead EPC Substation Project Engineer. This position will be part of our unique and fast-growing EPC Solutions group, which sits within our ...

Leidos

Lead EPC Substation Project Engineer

Portland, OR · On-site +1

$104K - $133K/yr

Leidos Engineering has an opportunity for a Lead EPC Substation Project Engineer. This position will be part of our unique and fast-growing EPC Solutions group, which sits within our Power Delivery ...

Quanta Services

Design Engineer - Substation

Portland, OR

$104K - $133K/yr

The Design Engineer - Substation will perform substation design assignments including physical layout and protection & control systems while ensuring compliance with safety and construction standards.

WSP

Substation Project Engineer

Lake Oswego, OR · On-site

$101K - $129K/yr

WSP is currently initiating a search for a Substation Project Engineer for our Lake Oswego , OR office. Be involved in projects with our Power & Energy Substation Team and be a part of a growing ...

WSP

Substation Project Engineer

Lake Oswego, OR · Hybrid

$101K - $129K/yr

WSP is currently initiating a search for a Substation Project Engineer for our Lake Oswego , OR office. Be involved in projects with our Power & Energy Substation Team and be a part of a growing ...

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All JobsSubstation Engineer JobsSubstation Engineer Jobs in Portland, OR

Substation Engineer information

See Portland, OR salary details

$66K

$120.1K

$158K

How much do substation engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for substation engineer in Portland, OR is $120,054.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $104,100.00 and $132,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Substation Engineer vs Power Systems Engineer?

AspectSubstation EngineerPower Systems Engineer
CertificationsPE license, IEEE certificationsPE license, IEEE certifications
Work EnvironmentDesign, construction, and maintenance of substationsPower system analysis, planning, and optimization
Industry UsageElectric utilities, transmission companiesUtilities, consulting firms, manufacturers
Common Search IntentDesign and operation of substationsPower system analysis and planning

Substation Engineers focus on the design, construction, and maintenance of electrical substations, ensuring reliable power delivery. Power Systems Engineers work on analyzing and optimizing entire electrical networks, often involving system-wide planning. While both roles require similar credentials and work within the electric utility industry, their specific responsibilities differ, with Substation Engineers concentrating on physical infrastructure and Power Systems Engineers on system performance and analysis.

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. High compensation often includes bonuses, stock options, or profit sharing, particularly in large corporations or high-demand industries.

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

Substation engineers, a specialized role within electrical engineering, typically earn salaries below $200,000 annually, with top earners in senior positions or with extensive experience possibly reaching higher figures. Achieving a $500,000 salary generally requires advanced roles, management positions, or working in high-paying industries or regions, often supplemented by bonuses or profit sharing.

What Does a Substation Engineer Do?

Substation engineers create design plans for power substations and collaborate with the project team and other stakeholders to finalize schematics. As a substation engineer, your job duties include generating design drawings and documents, determining the appropriate size and type of cables and conduits for each substation, facilitating tasks using engineering application software, and coordinating efforts with team members. The qualifications for a career as a substation engineer are a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, several years of experience in electrical engineering jobs, and excellent problem-solving skills.

What are some common challenges faced by Substation Engineers in coordinating with multiple project stakeholders?

Substation Engineers often collaborate with project managers, utility companies, contractors, and regulatory bodies. A frequent challenge is ensuring clear communication and alignment among all stakeholders, especially when project timelines or design specifications change. Managing documentation, adhering to safety standards, and addressing unforeseen technical issues require effective coordination. Building strong relationships and using project management tools can help Substation Engineers navigate these complexities and keep projects on track.

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

To thrive as a Substation Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering principles, power systems, and a relevant engineering degree, often with a Professional Engineer (PE) license. Familiarity with software like AutoCAD, ETAP, and SCADA systems, as well as knowledge of national electrical codes and safety standards, is typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help engineers manage complex projects and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams. These competencies ensure safe, reliable, and efficient design, operation, and maintenance of electrical substations critical to power delivery.

What does a substation engineer do?

A substation engineer designs, maintains, and oversees the operation of electrical substations that distribute power. They ensure equipment such as transformers, circuit breakers, and protective relays function correctly, often using specialized tools and adhering to safety standards. The role requires technical knowledge of electrical systems and may involve troubleshooting, inspections, and compliance with industry regulations.

How much money do substation engineers make?

Substation engineers typically earn a median annual salary ranging from $70,000 to $110,000, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Senior engineers or those with specialized skills in electrical systems and project management can earn higher salaries, especially in regions with high demand for power infrastructure expertise.
More about Substation Engineer jobs
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 Substation Engineer jobs in Portland, OR? For Substation Engineer jobs in Portland, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Substation Engineer jobs in Portland, OR look for? The top searched job categories for Substation Engineer jobs in Portland, OR are:
Substation Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Substation Engineer job openings in Portland, OR as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $120,054 per year, or $57.7 per hour.

Substation Engineer - III/IV

TOTH AND ASSOCIATES INC

Portland, OR • On-site, Remote

$104K - $132K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 25 days ago

Job description

Qualified candidates applying directly to Toth are eligible for a sign-on bonus equal to 10% of the annual base salary. This bonus is subject to the applicable policies.

The Substation Engineer III / IV is responsible for the independent planning, design, and execution of electrical substation projects for utility, industrial, and renewable energy clients. This role applies advanced engineering judgment to develop technically sound, constructible, and code-compliant substation designs, while providing technical leadership, mentoring junior engineers, and supporting Project Managers and Professional Engineers (PEs) in delivering high-quality projects.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

  1. Lead and independently perform the design of physical substation components, including yard layouts, grounding systems, lightning protection, control building layouts, raceways, and auxiliary AC/DC power systems.
  2. Develop and review protection and control schematics, wiring diagrams, cable schedules, panel layouts, and interconnection details.
  3. Prepare and review engineering drawings, calculations, and bills of material for planning, construction, operation, and maintenance.
  4. Perform and review engineering calculations, including grounding analysis, voltage drop, cable pulling, fault current, and related studies.
  5. Ensure project team applies engineering standards including NEC, NESC, NEMA, IEEE and ANSI
  6. Conduct technical quality reviews of design packages, identify discrepancies or constructability issues, and provide corrective guidance.
  7. Provide technical direction and mentoring to Engineer I / II staff and designers, including review of work products and guidance on best practices.
  8. Collaborate with Project Managers, clients, and internal disciplines to resolve technical challenges, evaluate alternatives, and implement solutions.
  9. Identify potential project risks, design conflicts, or scope impacts and proactively communicate recommended solutions to stakeholders.
  10. Support client meetings, design reviews, and coordinate efforts as a technical subject matter contributor.
  11. Maintain accurate and complete project documentation, calculations, and design records.
  12. Travel out of town for short periods as required for project coordination, site visits, or client meetings.
  13. Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications 

  1. Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from an ABET-accredited engineering program.
  2. 3-8 years of experience in electrical substation engineering or related power systems design.
  3. Demonstrated ability to independently execute substation design tasks with minimal supervision.
  4. Strong analytical, problem-solving, and technical judgment skills.
  5. Ability to manage priorities, schedules, and multiple concurrent assignments.
  6. Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
  7. Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.

Preferred Qualifications

  1. Engineer-in-Training (EIT) or Professional Engineer (PE) licensure, or ability to obtain licensure.
  2. Experience designing medium and high-voltage substation systems for utility or industrial clients.
  3. Working knowledge of ANSI, IEEE, NEMA, and NESC (ANSI C2) standards related to substation design.
  4. Experience in ground grid design using SES-CDEGS software.
  5. Experience reviewing and mentoring junior engineering staff.

Benefits:

  • Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • Eight paid holidays
  • Company-paid medical and dental coverage with buy-up options
  • 401(k) w/company matching and profit sharing
  • Discretionary bonuses
  • Paid Bonding Leave
  • Vision
  • Company-paid life insurance and long-term disability insurance
  • Supplemental life insurance available
  • Short-term disability available
  • FSA and HSA options
  • Education assistance

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