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Substation Operator Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

WSP

Substation Project Engineer

Lake Oswego, OR · On-site

$101K - $129K/yr

Incorporate future-ready techniques, concept development, operating strategies, and various design ... substation switchyard layouts. * Develop plans, specifications, and cost estimates; preparing ...

WSP

Substation Project Engineer

Lake Oswego, OR · Hybrid

$101K - $129K/yr

Incorporate future-ready techniques, concept development, operating strategies, and various design ... substation switchyard layouts. * Develop plans, specifications, and cost estimates; preparing ...

Quanta Services

Design Engineer - Substation

Portland, OR · On-site

$104K - $133K/yr

... operating companies providing solutions for the utility, renewable energy, electric power ... The Design Engineer - Substation will perform substation design assignments including physical ...

Quanta Services

Design Engineer - Substation

Portland, OR · On-site

$104K - $133K/yr

... operating companies providing solutions for the utility, renewable energy, electric power ... The Design Engineer - Substation will perform substation design assignments including physical ...

Leidos

Senior Substation Physical Engineer

Portland, OR · On-site

$110K - $152K/yr

As an Career Substation Physical Engineer, candidates will have the opportunity to work on projects ... Utilities and mobile operators rely on our Power Delivery Services Team for reliable power and ...

Leidos

Senior Substation Physical Engineer

Portland, OR

$110K - $152K/yr

As an Career Substation Physical Engineer, candidates will have the opportunity to work on projects ... Utilities and mobile operators rely on our Power Delivery Services Team for reliable power and ...

WSP

Senior Structural Substation Engineer

Lake Oswego, OR · On-site

$90K - $120K/yr

Support of substation physical design with bus analysis calculations and coordinating with multiple ... S. operating company of WSP, one of the world's leading engineering and professional services firms.

WSP

Senior Structural Substation Engineer

Lake Oswego, OR · On-site +1

$90K - $120K/yr

Support of substation physical design with bus analysis calculations and coordinating with multiple ... S. operating company of WSP, one of the world's leading engineering and professional services firms.

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All JobsSubstation Operator JobsSubstation Operator Jobs in Oregon

Substation Operator information

See Oregon salary details

$5

$51

$60

How much do substation operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for substation operator in Oregon is $51.08, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47.79 and $54.28 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Substation Operator vs Power Plant Operator?

AspectSubstation OperatorPower Plant Operator
CertificationsTypically requires a high school diploma and technical training; may need certifications in electrical safetyRequires a high school diploma; technical training or certifications in power plant operations are common
Work EnvironmentWorks in electrical substations, outdoors or in control roomsWorks inside power plants, control rooms, or outdoor facilities
Industry UsageUsed in electrical utility companies managing transmission infrastructureEmployed in power generation facilities producing electricity

While both roles involve electrical systems and safety protocols, Substation Operators focus on managing electrical substations and transmission equipment, whereas Power Plant Operators oversee the generation process within power plants. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

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

To thrive as a Substation Operator, you need a solid understanding of electrical systems, safety protocols, and typically a high school diploma or technical certification in electrical technology. Familiarity with SCADA systems, circuit breakers, transformers, and compliance with OSHA safety standards is essential. Attention to detail, strong problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are crucial soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities ensure the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of substations, minimizing risks and maintaining uninterrupted power supply.

What jobs will boom in 2026?

Substation operators are expected to see steady demand due to ongoing infrastructure upgrades and the transition to renewable energy sources. Skills in electrical systems, safety protocols, and certifications like OSHA are valuable, and the job often requires working in outdoor environments with shift schedules. Overall, utility and energy sector jobs related to power distribution are projected to grow in the coming years.

What are some common challenges a Substation Operator faces during shift work and how can they be managed?

Substation Operators often work in rotating shifts, including nights and weekends, which can disrupt sleep patterns and personal routines. Managing these challenges involves developing strong time-management skills, maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, and practicing effective communication with team members to ensure seamless handovers. Additionally, operators must stay vigilant during extended shifts to monitor equipment and respond to emergencies promptly. Many employers offer training and support resources to help staff adapt to shift work and maintain safety standards.

What jobs pay $500,000 a year in the US?

Substation operators typically do not earn $500,000 annually; such high salaries are usually associated with executive roles, specialized medical professionals, or successful entrepreneurs. High-paying jobs often require advanced skills, extensive experience, or ownership of a business. Most substation operators earn a median salary well below this threshold, generally between $60,000 and $80,000 per year.

What job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

Substation operators typically do not earn $10,000 a month without specialized training and experience; their salaries usually range lower. High-paying jobs that can reach this level without a degree often include roles like commercial pilots, real estate brokers, or sales managers, which require skills, certifications, or licenses rather than formal degrees. These positions often involve significant responsibility, experience, or sales performance to achieve such income levels.

What is a substation operator?

A substation operator is responsible for monitoring and controlling electrical substations to ensure the safe and reliable distribution of electricity. They operate control systems, perform inspections, and respond to equipment issues, often working in shifts and requiring technical training or certifications. Their role is critical for maintaining power system stability and safety.

What are substation operators?

Substation operators are skilled professionals responsible for monitoring, controlling, and maintaining electrical substations, which are key points in the power distribution network. They ensure the safe and efficient operation of equipment that regulates voltage and directs electricity flow from power plants to homes and businesses. Their duties include inspecting equipment, monitoring systems for faults, responding to emergencies, and coordinating with other utility workers to maintain uninterrupted power supply. Substation operators play a crucial role in ensuring the reliability and safety of the electrical grid.

What Does a Substation Operator Do?

As a substation operator, it is your job to run and manage an electrical substation so that customers can safely use electricity. Your job duties are to inspect, maintain, and monitor all equipment, including power converters, circuit breakers, and voltage transformers. This career requires at least some work experience in an electrical substation. Most employers offer on-the-job training. Another option is to earn an associate degree in a related field, such as power plant technology, from a community or technical college. Additional qualifications are strong analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills.

More about Substation Operator jobs
What are popular job titles related to Substation Operator jobs in Oregon? For Substation Operator jobs in Oregon, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Substation Operator jobs in Oregon look for? The top searched job categories for Substation Operator jobs in Oregon are:
What cities in Oregon are hiring for Substation Operator jobs? Cities in Oregon with the most Substation Operator job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Substation Operator jobs in OR? For Substation Operator jobs in OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Substation Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Substation Operator job openings in Oregon as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 10% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $106,250 per year, or $51.1 per hour.

Design Engineer - Substation

Quanta Infrastructure Solutions Group, LLC

Portland, OR • On-site

$104K - $133K/yr

Other

Medical, Retirement

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

About Us
QISG leverages Quanta's comprehensive resources to deliver collaborative solutions for our partners' energy infrastructure needs. We use in-house talent, expertise and resources to plan, design, engineer, manage, conduct maintenance on and construct projects.
Our turnkey service capabilities provide our customers with efficiency, consistency, attention to detail and safe execution. The QISG team brings together Engineering, Safety, Quality, Material Procurement, QA/QC, Right-of-Way Acquisition, Scheduling, Environmental Planning, Permitting, Title and Land Management expertise that ensure outstanding results for our clients.
About this Role
Every moment of every day, people all over the world rely on electricity provided by Quanta Services and its customers. With its highly skilled and innovative workforce, Quanta is the largest specialty contractor in North America that powers modern life. Find your future with us by being a part of something bigger - leading the energy transition in building a better world for generations to come.
We encourage and inspire our people to embrace opportunities within our corporate office and 200 operating companies providing solutions for the utility, renewable energy, electric power, industrial, and communications industries worldwide.
Quanta's culture is about creating an environment where all employees can be themselves, are valued, and have an equal opportunity to succeed. When you join our team, you join a dynamic culture in which career development is encouraged, excellence is rewarded, and diversity is valued.
What You'll Do
The Design Engineer - Substation will perform substation design assignments including physical layout and protection & control systems while ensuring compliance with safety and construction standards. This role involves designing substation components, selecting materials, preparing design documents, and collaborating with engineers and field personnel to ensure project accuracy and efficiency. This position will report to a Supervising Engineer and be part of a substation design team with other engineers, designers, and drafters supporting substation projects across the QISG platform. There are four bands to this title; an employee moves up in band as they gain experience and demonstrate mastery of new skills.
  • Design physical substation components, including yard layouts, grounding, lightning protection, control building arrangements, raceways, and auxiliary AC/DC power systems.
  • Develop protection and control schematics, wiring diagrams, cable lists and panel layouts.
  • Develop design drawings, calculations, and bills of material from engineering documents for planning, construction, operation, and maintenance.
  • Conduct engineering calculations, including voltage drop, cable pulling, flicker analysis, and grounding analysis.
  • Ensure project team applies engineering standards including NEC, NESC, NEMA, IEEE and ANSI
  • Perform quality reviews to check for inaccuracies, omissions, or compliance issues, and provide recommendations.
  • Work collaboratively with engineers and project teams to develop solutions and modifications as needed.
  • Maintain detailed project documentation and support engineering calculations.
  • Bring potential project-related problems and possible solutions to the attention of the stakeholders.
  • Travel out of town for short periods of time as required by projects and assignments.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

What You'll Bring
  • Bachelor's degree in electrical, mechanical, or civil engineering from an ABET-accredited program.
  • Passing the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam is highly desirable; this is required for the Design Engineer 4 band.
  • Curiosity for and willingness to learn about the major components of a substation is required. Basic knowledge of these components is a plus. Previous design or construction experience is highly desirable.
  • No experience required in the electric utility industry for entry level positions. More experience performing detailed design for high voltage substation projects could result in a higher-level position.
  • Word processing, spread sheet, and e-mail software.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills
  • Working in a team environment
  • Communicating effectively with co-workers
  • Able to deal with ambiguity and ability to work independently, manage multiple tasks and determine priorities in a complex environment.

Travel Requirements:
  • Role will require travel as necessary to achieve job responsibilities, up to 10-25% of the time.

What You'll Get
  • Competitive salary - overtime is available.
  • Comprehensive health and retirement benefits.
  • Professional development opportunities.

Equal Opportunity Employer
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex (including gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, and/or gender identity), age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, and/or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state or local law.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status.
We prohibit all types of discrimination and are committed to providing access and equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities. For additional information or if reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application, interview, or hiring processes or to perform the essential functions of a position, please contact us the Company's Human Resources department.

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