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Utility Engineer Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Design Project Engineer

Tigard, OR · On-site

$40 - $48/hr

The Design Project Engineer is responsible for utility engineering in distribution and transmission teams. This role incorporates the utilization of various drafting and design programs (PLS-CADD ...

Design Project Engineer

Tigard, OR · On-site

$40 - $48/hr

The Design Project Engineer is responsible for utility engineering in distribution and transmission teams. This role incorporates the utilization of various drafting and design programs (PLS-CADD ...

The Design Project Engineer is responsible for utility engineering in distribution and transmission teams. This role incorporates the utilization of various drafting and design programs (PLS-CADD ...

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Utility Engineer information

See Oregon salary details

$37K

$102.3K

$176.6K

How much do utility engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for utility engineer in Oregon is $102,323.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $75,600.00 and $125,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Does a Utility Engineer Do?

A utility engineer is a civil engineer who works for a utility company, such as a water, gas, or electric company. Their job duties are to design, implement, and maintain utility infrastructures, such as water or gas mains, electrical grids, and other types of delivery systems. Qualifications for a utility engineer include a bachelor’s or master’s degree in civil engineering or a related field of engineering and experience. Professional certification is available. Problem-solving and leadership skills are important in this career.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can earn $500,000 or more annually, often through a combination of base salary, bonuses, and stock options. High-level roles typically require extensive experience, advanced skills, and sometimes professional certifications or advanced degrees.

What are Utility Engineers?

Utility Engineers are professionals responsible for designing, maintaining, and overseeing the infrastructure systems that deliver essential services such as water, electricity, gas, and telecommunications. They ensure these utility systems operate efficiently, safely, and in compliance with regulations. Utility Engineers may work for utility companies, government agencies, or private consulting firms, and their roles often involve project management, system upgrades, troubleshooting, and field inspections. Their expertise is critical for supporting the infrastructure that communities and businesses rely on daily.

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

To thrive as a Utility Engineer, you need a solid background in civil, mechanical, or electrical engineering, often supported by a bachelor's degree and a Professional Engineer (PE) license. Familiarity with CAD software, GIS systems, and utility-specific modeling tools is typically required. Strong problem-solving, project management, and teamwork skills help you excel in coordinating with stakeholders and addressing complex infrastructure challenges. These competencies are crucial for ensuring safe, efficient, and reliable utility systems that meet regulatory and community needs.

Is 40 too late to be an engineer?

Utility engineering is a field open to individuals of various ages, and starting a career at 40 is possible with relevant skills, certifications, and experience. Many engineers successfully transition into the profession later in life, often bringing valuable perspectives and expertise. Continuous learning and gaining industry-specific knowledge can help establish a successful career regardless of age.

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

Utility engineers and electrical engineers typically earn salaries below $500,000 annually, with top executives or specialized consultants sometimes reaching higher income levels. Achieving such a salary usually requires advanced roles, extensive experience, or working in high-paying industries or locations, often supplemented by bonuses or profit sharing.

What do utility engineers do?

Utility engineers design, maintain, and optimize systems that provide essential services such as water, electricity, and gas. They analyze infrastructure, troubleshoot issues, and ensure compliance with safety and environmental standards, often using tools like CAD software and requiring technical certifications. Their work environment typically involves field inspections and office planning, with schedules that may include shifts or on-call duties.

What is the difference between Utility Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectUtility EngineerMechanical Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree in engineering, often with certifications in facilities or utility managementBachelor's degree in mechanical engineering; licensure may be preferred
Work EnvironmentFacilities, power plants, utility systems within industrial or commercial sitesDesign, manufacturing, or maintenance settings involving mechanical systems
Industry UsageCommon in utility companies, industrial plants, and large facilitiesWidespread across manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, and HVAC industries

Utility Engineers focus on maintaining and optimizing utility systems like power, water, and HVAC within facilities, while Mechanical Engineers design and analyze mechanical systems across various industries. Both roles require engineering degrees, but their work environments and specific responsibilities differ significantly.

What are some common challenges Utility Engineers face when coordinating projects across multiple departments?

Utility Engineers often work on projects that require input and collaboration from various departments such as operations, maintenance, environmental compliance, and construction. One common challenge is ensuring clear communication and alignment of project goals, schedules, and regulatory requirements among these diverse teams. Utility Engineers must be proactive in facilitating meetings, managing documentation, and addressing any conflicts or misunderstandings that arise. Developing strong organizational and interpersonal skills is essential to successfully navigate these challenges and keep projects on track.
What are popular job titles related to Utility Engineer jobs in Oregon? For Utility Engineer jobs in Oregon, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Oregon are hiring for Utility Engineer jobs? Cities in Oregon with the most Utility Engineer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Utility Engineer jobs in OR? For Utility Engineer jobs in OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Senior Utility Engineer - Wastewater

Senior Utility Engineer - Wastewater

AKS Engineering & Forestry, LLC

Keizer, OR • On-site

$104K - $142K/yr

Other

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

If you're ready to make a big impact on your community and grow a high-performing wastewater team, we want to talk to you. As a Senior Utility Engineer at AKS, you'll lead vital infrastructure projects that serve cities, counties, and districts, while mentoring junior engineers and helping to expand our Public Works practice. This is more than just a design role; it's an opportunity to shape how wastewater work gets done at a firm known for its collaboration and technical excellence.

What You'll Do
  • Lead the planning, design, and delivery of wastewater collection systems, pump stations, and treatment facilities.
  • Develop project scopes, budgets, and schedules, ensuring quality and efficiency at every stage.
  • Mentor junior staff and provide technical leadership to project teams.
  • Work directly with public agencies and utility districts to understand needs, build trust, and deliver successful outcomes.
  • Manage and review work prepared in AutoCAD Civil 3D, SewerCAD, and related software.
  • Support business development through client relationships and proposals (as your experience allows).
Who You Are
  • Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) in Oregon or Washington (or able to obtain within 6 months).
  • 10+ years of experience designing wastewater infrastructure for public or private clients.
  • Strong working knowledge of AutoCAD Civil 3D and wastewater modeling software (e.g., SewerCAD).
  • Excellent communicator and collaborator who enjoys working with multidisciplinary teams.
  • Self-motivated with strong organizational and time-management skills.
  • Committed to mentoring others and developing talent from within.
  • You have a "Do what needs to be done" mindset, taking ownership beyond assigned tasks and stepping in wherever needed to keep projects, teams, and customers supported and running smoothly.
Nice to Have
  • Experience managing full lifecycle projects for Oregon or Washington public agencies.
  • Background in trenchless design and construction techniques.
  • Master planning or hydraulic modeling experience.
  • Field engineering or construction inspection experience.
  • Ability to confidently present to clients, councils, and community groups.