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Substation Operator Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Electrical Studies Engineer - Senior Level

Lake Oswego, OR ยท On-site

$110K - $144K/yr

... substation layout and bus arrangement, grounding grid design and lightning protection, and power plants to determine conformance with applicable rules, standards, and construction or operating ...

Field Technician

Hillsboro, OR ยท On-site

$21.50 - $29.50/hr

... substation electrical equipment. Some of the reasons to work for us: * Solid growth prospects and ... The logging and maintenance of operating records as required. * Maintenance of solid-state devices ...

Senior P6 Scheduler

Portland, OR ยท On-site

$100K - $150K/yr

Develop and maintain detailed schedules for transmission and substation projects using Primavera P6 ... service providers, pipeline operators, and industrial companies. We are a forward-thinking ...

Senior P6 Scheduler

Portland, OR ยท On-site

$100K - $150K/yr

Develop and maintain detailed schedules for transmission and substation projects using Primavera P6 ... service providers, pipeline operators, and industrial companies. We are a forward-thinking ...

Develop and maintain detailed schedules for transmission and substation projects using Primavera P6 ... service providers, pipeline operators, and industrial companies. We are a forward-thinking ...

Field Mechanic

Portland, OR ยท On-site

$26.50 - $36/hr

... substation, commercial and industrial, storm restoration, and renewable (solar and wind farms ... Must be capable of operating company vehicles and equipment on a daily basis. Clean Motor Vehicle ...

... substation, commercial and industrial, storm restoration, and renewable (solar and wind farms ... Must be capable of operating company vehicles and equipment on a daily basis. Clean Motor Vehicle ...

Field Mechanic

Portland, OR ยท On-site

$26.50 - $36.25/hr

... substation, commercial and industrial, storm restoration, and renewable (solar and wind farms ... Must be capable of operating company vehicles and equipment on a daily basis. Clean Motor Vehicle ...

Field Mechanic

Portland, OR ยท On-site

$26.50 - $36.25/hr

... substation, commercial and industrial, storm restoration, and renewable (solar and wind farms ... Must be capable of operating company vehicles and equipment on a daily basis. Clean Motor Vehicle ...

Field Mechanic

Portland, OR

$26.50 - $36.25/hr

... substation, commercial and industrial, storm restoration, and renewable (solar and wind farms ... Must be capable of operating company vehicles and equipment on a daily basis. Clean Motor Vehicle ...

Field Mechanic

Portland, OR ยท On-site

$66K/yr

... substation, commercial and industrial, storm restoration, and renewable (solar and wind farms ... Must be capable of operating company vehicles and equipment on a daily basis. Clean Motor Vehicle ...

WIND TECHNICIAN II

OR ยท On-site

With a sound development pipeline, first-class assets, and market-leading operating capacity, EDPR ... equipment, including substation and tower switchgear * Proactively look for improvement ...

Field Mechanic

Portland, OR ยท On-site

$26.50 - $36.25/hr

... substation, commercial and industrial, storm restoration, and renewable (solar and wind farms ... Must be capable of operating company vehicles and equipment on a daily basis. Clean Motor Vehicle ...

... operating companies providing solutions for the utility, renewable energy, electric power ... substation projects. * Project Ownership & Leadership: Own execution of assigned projects from ...

... systems operating from 4kV through 138kV mostly associated with programmatic work such as ... Project work may include grid hardening and reliability, substation optimization, joint use make ...

... operating companies providing solutions for the utility, renewable energy, electric power ... Background in transmission, substation, or power infrastructure construction. * Experience with ...

Showing results 41-60

Substation Operator information

See Portland, OR salary details

$5

$51

$61

How much do substation operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for substation operator in Portland, OR is $51.24, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47.93 and $54.42 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 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 is a substation operator?

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.

What job categories do people searching Substation Operator jobs in Portland, OR look for? The top searched job categories for Substation Operator jobs in Portland, OR are:
What cities near Portland, OR are hiring for Substation Operator jobs? Cities near Portland, OR with the most Substation Operator job openings:
Infographic showing various Substation Operator job openings in Portland, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, 48% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $106,573 per year, or $51.2 per hour.

Field Service Engineer - High Voltage (Hillsboro, OR)

Hitachi, Ltd.

Hillsboro, OR โ€ข On-site, Remote

$68K - $90K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 26 days ago


Job description

Location:
Hillsboro, Oregon, United States
Job ID:
R0126376
Date Posted:
2026-05-14
Company Name:
HITACHI ENERGY USA INC
Profession (Job Category):
Engineering & Science
Job Schedule:
Full time
Remote:
Yes
Job Description:
The Opportunity
You will support installation, commissioning, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair activities for High Voltage equipment used in substations, utilities, and industrial power facilities across the Western United States. This is a hands-on, field-based role working directly at customer sites in live operating environments, with a primary focus on High Voltage equipment within transmission and substation applications. You will perform technical field assignments involving installation, modification, testing, commissioning, and repair of High Voltage equipment, applying sound technical judgment to address routine and complex service challenges. Your work contributes directly to safe operation, system reliability, and effective execution of field service activities supporting customer infrastructure throughout the Western United States.
This role is based in Hillsboro, Oregon.
How You'll Make an Impact
  • Perform technical field service operations involving installation, modification, testing, commissioning, and repair of High Voltage equipment
  • Execute or supervise installation and commissioning of High Voltage substation equipment
  • Perform preventive and corrective maintenance on High Voltage equipment
  • Troubleshoot equipment and resolve operating problems using field investigation and testing
  • Perform and document electrical field tests including gas analysis and diagnostic testing
  • Conduct inspections to determine maintenance and repair requirements
  • Develop recommendations and prepare written service reports and documentation
  • Maintain detailed service records, logs, and test results
  • Responsible to ensure compliance with applicable external and internal regulations, procedures, and guidelines

Your Background
  • Candidate must already have work authorization that would permit them to work for Hitachi Energy in the United States.
  • Technical certificate in an electrical or mechanical related field, with a bachelor's degree in electrical or mechanical engineering preferable
  • Experience in High Voltage substations and equipment field assignments supervising erection and testing, or comparable experience with similar equipment
  • Background working with High Voltage equipment, field testing, commissioning activities, and electrical drawings and schematics
  • Knowledge of operating electrical test equipment and use of standard computer applications
  • Able to communicate effectively and coordinate field activities with crews and customers

More About Us
Working in Hitachi Energy's High Voltage Service organization provides hands-on exposure to critical power infrastructure projects across the Western United States.
  • Opportunities to work on innovative technologies shaping the future of energy
  • A collaborative environment with experienced professionals across the US power industry
  • Access to learning platforms and career development programs
  • Attractive health and retirement benefits
  • Paid leave and flexible work arrangements

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO)-Females/Minorities/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
Equal Employment Opportunity
Hitachi is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals, including females, minorities, protected veterans, and individuals
with disabilities.
Accessibility and reasonable accommodation
Protected veterans and qualified individuals with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access the Hitachi Energy career site as a result of your disability. You may request reasonable accommodations by completing a general inquiry form on our website. Please include your contact information and specific details about your required accommodation to support you during the job application process.
This accommodation channel is solely for job seekers with disabilities requiring accessibility assistance or an accommodation in the job application process. Messages left for other purposes will not receive a response.
Use of Al and automated tools in recruitment
As part of our recruitment process, Hitachi Energy uses digital and automated tools, including Al-supported solutions, to assist with activities such as application screening, job matching, and interview scheduling. These tools are designed to support our recruiters and do not replace human decision-making. Candidate data is processed in accordance with applicable data protection and employment laws as well as Hitachi's Global Data Privacy Notice.

Hitachi Vantara logo

About Hitachi Vantara

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Hitachi Rail is a fully integrated, global provider of rail solutions across rolling stock, signaling, service & maintenance, digital technology and turnkey. With a presence in 38 countries across three continents and over 13,000 employees, our mission is to contribute to society through the continuous development of superior rail transport solutions.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Santa Clara, CA, US

Year founded

2017