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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.

Substation Engineer 1 - Grid

Portland, OR · On-site +1

$62K - $90K/yr

Description As a Substation Engineer, this position will offer you the opportunity to utilize and expand your academic background in engineering. * You will work on project teams with other engineers ...

Description As a Substation Engineer, this position will offer you the opportunity to utilize and expand your academic background in engineering. * You will work on project teams with other engineers ...

Substation Engineer 1 - Grid

Portland, OR · On-site +1

$62K - $90K/yr

As a Substation Engineer, this position will offer you the opportunity to utilize and expand your academic background in engineering. * You will work on project teams with other engineers involved in ...

Substation Project Engineer (PE)

Portland, OR · On-site

$104K - $133K/yr

In the role of Substation Project Engineer, we'll count on you to: * Support preparing scopes, schedules, and budgets, and ensure that schedules and budgets are met * Understands physical substation ...

Showing results 21-40

Substation Engineer information

See Portland, OR salary details

$66.3K

$120.5K

$158.5K

How much do substation engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for substation engineer in Portland, OR is $120,502.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $104,500.00 and $133,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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.

How much does a substation engineer make?

A substation engineer's salary typically ranges from $70,000 to $120,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced engineers with specialized skills can earn higher wages, often with opportunities for overtime and project bonuses.

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 can earn higher salaries, especially in regions with high demand for electrical infrastructure expertise.

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:

Infographic showing various Substation Engineer job openings in Portland, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $120,502 per year, or $57.9 per hour.

Senior Structural Substation Engineer

WSP

Lake Oswego, OR • On-site

$80 - $100/hr

Other

Re-posted 3 days ago


WSP rating

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Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

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Job description

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 will work on projects with our Civil/Structural Team and be part of a growing organization that meets our clients' objectives and solves their challenges.

This Opportunity

Under minimal supervision, leads other engineers, designers, and drafters and performs all aspects of electrical substation structural design, including foundation, structure, rigid bus, and control building design. Tasks may include developing structural construction specifications, cost estimates, engineering proposals, and project schedules.

Your Impact
  • Lead other engineers, designers, and drafters, and self-perform all aspects of electrical substation structural design, including foundations, structural supports, and control building design.
  • Support of substation physical design with bus analysis calculations and coordinating with multiple disciplines on results.
  • Preparation of calculation packages to satisfy client, code, and WSP requirements.
  • Coordinate with all disciplines contributing to electrical substation design.
  • Evaluate constructability of electrical substations.
  • Assure plans adhere to client and WSP standards.
  • Ensure dimensions, materials, and quality for assigned projects meet the contract requirements.
  • Development of structural construction specifications, cost estimates, engineering proposals, and project schedules.
  • Review shop drawings, respond to RFIs, and provide construction phase support.
  • Occasional travel will be required.
  • Strong command of the English language with good written and oral communication skills to work effectively with other team members.
  • Ability to successfully participate in multiple projects concurrently and manage budgets and schedules.
  • We expect everyone on the team to assume ownership of the project’s goals and success.
  • Exercise responsible and ethical decision-making regarding company funds, resources, and conduct, and adhere to WSP’s Code of Conduct and related policies and procedures.
  • Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs.
Who You Are Required Qualifications
  • BSCE (Bachelor of Science in Civil or Structural Engineering) degree from an ABET accredited college.
  • 5 to 7 years of relevant post‑education experience in the field of structural design.
  • Expertise in structural analysis, including steel and concrete design, soil mechanics, and foundation design.
  • Mechanical reasoning skills and attention to detail.
  • Ability to work independently under general supervision, as well as part of a team to meet business objectives.
  • Basic proficiency with technical writing, office automation, software, technology, math principles, spreadsheets, and tools.
  • Strong command of the English language with good written and oral communication skills in order to work effectively with internal team members and external client personnel.
  • Advanced knowledge of building codes and standards (ASCE, ACI, AISC, IEEE, etc).
  • Successful completion of the NCEES Professional Engineering (PE) exam.
  • Proven track record of upholding workplace safety and ability to abide by WSP’s health, safety and drug/alcohol and harassment policies.
  • Ability to work schedules conducive to project‑specific requirements that may extend beyond the typical workweek.
  • Occasional travel may be required depending on project‑specific requirements.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience in electric utility substation design.
  • Experience with RISA, MathCAD, LPile, is beneficial.
  • Ability to successfully participate in multiple projects concurrently and manage budgets and schedules.
Disclaimer
  • Hybrid and remote work opportunities are available.
  • Relocation assistance is not available for this position.
Job Info
  • Job Identification 86212
  • Posting Date 05/01/2026, 10:38 PM

WSP USA (and all of its U.S. companies) is an Equal Opportunity Employer Race/Age/Color/Religion/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/National Origin/Disability or Protected Veteran Status.

The selected candidate must be authorized to work in the United States.

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