If you are considering relocating to Portland, then obviously work is a huge priority. Securing the right job at the right time is crucial. Just like any other city, Portland offers a variety of different career paths. However, its main sectors are tech, healthcare, and manufacturing. If you work in any of these areas, you could easily work for a very large company in Portland and have some great opportunities to climb the ladder.

Tech

– Intel:

As a predominant force in the global technology arena, Intel significantly elevates Portland’s tech industry stature. Its largest operational base, positioned in the vicinity of the city, not only stands as one of the principal employers but also acts as a magnet, attracting ancillary businesses and skilled professionals to the region. Intel’s contribution extends beyond employment, infusing the local ecosystem with technological advancements, research opportunities, and a global network that intertwines with the local scene.

– Nike:

While globally recognized for its dominance in sportswear, Nike also ventures deeply into the technological sphere, especially within its robust tech department in Portland. The company navigates through realms such as e-commerce, digital platforms, and application development, converging technology and apparel in a harmonious dance. Its digital initiatives not only streamline consumer experiences but also create a myriad of opportunities for tech professionals, enveloping them in an environment where technology and lifestyle apparel merge.

– Xerox:

Xerox, through its research center in the Portland area, dives deep into multiple tech territories, forging paths in technological innovations that transcend beyond its initial forte of print and copy technologies. The company delves into arenas like automation, digitization, and artificial intelligence, establishing itself as a diverse player in the tech scene. Xerox, by embedding itself in the local tech fabric, bolsters Portland’s image as a city where even traditional companies intertwine with innovative tech applications.

– HP:

Hewlett-Packard (HP) subtly intertwines its operations within Portland’s tech scene, influencing both hardware and software segments. With its innovative solutions in computing, data storage, and networking hardware, HP emanates an influence that permeates various sub-sectors of the technology industry. The presence of such a multinational tech company enhances the local ecosystem, contributing towards the development of a balanced environment where software and hardware coalesce.

Startups and Mid-Size Companies:

– Vacasa:

Headquartered in the heart of Portland, Vacasa stands out as a beacon in the realm of vacation rental management platforms. It’s not merely a company; it’s an embodiment of Portland’s innovative spirit. Utilizing technology to smoothen and enhance rental management and customer experiences, Vacasa showcases how a localized operation can extend its roots globally, impacting the international vacation rental market while still holding firm to its Portland roots.

– Puppet:

In the space of automation software for IT professionals, Puppet has crafted its unique niche. The company is not merely a business entity but a part of the vibrant tech tapestry of the city. Puppet enhances IT automation by developing software that enables professionals to manage infrastructures with increased efficiency. The firm, while operating on a global scale, imparts a character where Portland’s innovative and community-oriented spirit is reflected.

– Jama Software:

Proffering solutions in product development and management, Jama Software navigates the complex world of product lifecycles with its innovative software solutions. Rooted in Portland, the company imbibes the city’s ethos of sustainable and community-driven tech development, providing a platform that harmoniously aligns technology and product management. Jama Software illuminates how a mid-size company in Portland can effectively influence product development narratives globally.

– Zapproved:

Zapproved, with its cloud-based software solutions designed for corporate legal departments, emerges as a tech entity that intersects law and technology. Zapproved not only contributes to the tech industry but also showcases the diversity and multifaceted nature of Portland’s tech scene.

Manufacturing

Food and Beverage Production: The abundant natural resources of the Pacific Northwest augment Portland’s thriving food and beverage manufacturing sector. It encompasses a wide variety of enterprises, ranging from craft breweries and distilleries to specialty food producers.

Apparel Manufacturing: Portland harbors a flourishing apparel manufacturing industry, with firms that range from small, boutique manufacturers to larger, globally recognized entities like Nike and Columbia Sportswear, that significantly influence global markets.

Heavy Industry: In certain pockets of the region, heavy industries like steel manufacturing and shipbuilding continue to persist, contributing to both the local economy and the national industrial infrastructure.

Healthcare

Medical Facilities and Hospitals:

• OHSU: The Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) is a pivotal component of Portland’s healthcare sector, providing not only medical services but also engaging in research and education. It is renowned for its specialized care and advancements in various medical disciplines.
• Providence Health & Services: A critical healthcare provider, offering a broad spectrum of services across various facilities, ensuring accessible and quality healthcare for Portland’s residents.
• Legacy Health: With multiple hospitals and medical facilities, Legacy Health provides comprehensive healthcare services, ranging from primary care to specialized medical treatments.

Research and Development:

• Innovation and Research: Portland’s healthcare industry is buoyed by robust research and development activities, with institutions like OHSU pioneering numerous medical advancements and facilitating continuous innovation in healthcare.
• Biotechnology: A number of biotech firms call Portland home, engaging in research that ranges from developing new medical treatments to innovative healthcare solutions.