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Contract Electrical Engineering Jobs in California

K2 Staffing

Electrical Engineer

Carlsbad, CA

They are seeking a mid-level Contract Electrical Engineer to serve as a technical floater between the Electrical Engineering and PCB (PC) departments. This role is highly hands-on and manufacturing ...

K2 Staffing, LLC

Electrical Engineer

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

$95K - $110K/yr

They are seeking a mid-level Contract Electrical Engineer to serve as a technical floater between the Electrical Engineering and PCB (PC) departments. This role is highly hands-on and manufacturing ...

Protingent

Electrical Test Engineer

Northridge, CA · On-site

$60 - $90/hr

Protingent Staffing has an exciting contract Electrical Test Engineer opportunity located in Northridge, Los Angeles, CA. Job Responsibilities: * Develop, execute, and document test procedures for ...

HDR, Inc.

Electrical Engineering Team Lead

Walnut Creek, CA · On-site

$182K - $190K/yr

In the role of Electrical Engineering Team Lead, we'll count on you to: * Supervise and be ... Conduct schematic, design development and contract document work sessions in conjunction with other ...

New

HDR

Electrical Engineering Team Lead

Walnut Creek, CA · On-site

$177K - $184K/yr

In the role of Electrical Engineering Team Lead, we'll count on you to: * Supervise and be ... Conduct schematic, design development and contract document work sessions in conjunction with other ...

New

HDR

Electrical Engineering Team Lead

Walnut Creek, CA

$177K - $184K/yr

In the role of Electrical Engineering Team Lead, we'll count on you to: * Supervise and be ... Conduct schematic, design development and contract document work sessions in conjunction with other ...

New

Basic Solutions

Be Seen First

Senior Electrical Engineer (Long Term Contract)

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$125K - $150K/yr

Senior Electrical Engineer (Long Term Contract) Full-Time Opportunity with Basic Solutions Corp. ... engineering disciplines. ● Transforming ambiguous requests and vendor reference designs into ...

Kodiak

Electrical Engineering Technician

Mountain View, CA · On-site

$45 - $55/hr

Be a core member on the Electrical Engineering team responsible for building high quality harness ... Perform incoming quality inspection for contract manufacturing harness builds * Organize and manage ...

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All JobsContract Electrical Engineering JobsContract Electrical Engineering Jobs in California

Contract Electrical Engineering information

What are some common challenges contract electrical engineers face when working with multiple clients simultaneously?

Contract electrical engineers often juggle several projects at once, which can make time management and prioritization challenging. Each client may have different expectations, communication styles, and project requirements, so adapting quickly and maintaining clear documentation is essential. Additionally, contract engineers need to stay up-to-date with various industry standards and ensure that their work complies with differing regulations for each client. Successful contract electrical engineers are proactive communicators and skilled at managing shifting deadlines to deliver high-quality results.

What is the difference between Contract Electrical Engineering vs Electrical Engineering?

AspectContract Electrical EngineeringElectrical Engineering
CredentialsTypically requires a relevant degree and professional licensing; often involves freelance or temporary certificationsRequires a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering; licensure (PE) is common for advanced roles
Work EnvironmentProject-based, flexible locations, often remote or on-site at client sitesOffice-based, research labs, or manufacturing facilities; more permanent employment
Employer & Industry UsageConsulting firms, contractors, freelance projects in construction, power, and automationManufacturers, tech companies, utilities, and government agencies

Contract Electrical Engineering involves temporary, project-specific work often with flexible locations, while Electrical Engineering typically refers to full-time roles within organizations. Both roles require relevant credentials, but contract roles emphasize adaptability and freelance work, whereas full-time electrical engineers focus on ongoing development and design within companies.

What is a contract electrical engineer?

Contract electrical engineers are professionals who work on a temporary or project-specific basis to design, develop, test, and supervise the manufacturing and installation of electrical systems and equipment. Unlike full-time employees, they are usually hired for a set duration or to complete specific projects, offering flexibility to both employers and engineers. Their work can span industries such as construction, manufacturing, energy, and telecommunications. Contract electrical engineers often bring specialized expertise and can help organizations meet tight deadlines or fill skill gaps without committing to long-term employment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a contract electrical engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Contract Electrical Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering principles, circuit design, and relevant industry experience, typically supported by a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering. Proficiency in CAD software (such as AutoCAD or Altium), simulation tools, and knowledge of electrical codes and standards is crucial, along with certifications like Professional Engineer (PE) being advantageous. Strong problem-solving, time management, and effective communication skills help you excel in client-facing and project-based environments. These competencies are vital for delivering quality results on time, ensuring compliance, and maintaining strong professional relationships while working independently or with diverse teams.

What are the most commonly searched types of Electrical Engineering jobs in California?

The most popular types of Electrical Engineering jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Contract Electrical Engineering jobs in California?

For Contract Electrical Engineering jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Contract Electrical Engineering jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Contract Electrical Engineering jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Contract Electrical Engineering jobs?

Cities in California with the most Contract Electrical Engineering job openings:

Contract Electrical Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Electrical Engineering job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution.

Electrical Engineer

K2 Staffing

Carlsbad, CA

Contractor

Re-posted 22 days ago

Job description

Summary

Our client is a highly recognized manufacturer located in North County San Diego (Carlsbad, CA) that has been in existence for over 50 years. They are seeking a mid-level Contract Electrical Engineer to serve as a technical floater between the Electrical Engineering and PCB (PC) departments. This role is highly hands-on and manufacturing-focused, supporting production troubleshooting, PCB yield improvement, test development, and cross-functional engineering initiatives. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced production environment, enjoys working directly on the manufacturing floor, and brings strong PCB troubleshooting expertise along with practical electrical engineering experience. This position requires onsite presence due to direct involvement in production, testing, equipment support, and real-time troubleshooting.

Duties & Responsibilities
  • Production Troubleshooting & Issue Resolution
    • Diagnose and resolve production-related electrical and PCB assembly issues.
    • Troubleshoot analog, digital, and mixed-signal circuits at board and system levels.
    • Perform root cause analysis on recurring failures and implement corrective actions.
    • Support repair department with failure analysis and engineering feedback.
    • Partner with the PC department to improve first-pass yield and reduce rework.
  • PCB & SMT Manufacturing Support
    • Support SMT processes including programming, solder paste printing, reflow, and through-hole assembly.
    • Assist in troubleshooting SMT/Paste Machine/Solderwave equipment and PCB assembly issues.
    • Conduct first article inspections and support quality control investigations.
    • Develop and improve test protocols, fixtures, and jigs for PCB production.
    • Interpret PCB layouts, BOMs, and assembly drawings accurately.
  • Test Engineering & Continuous Improvement
    • Develop and document board-level and system-level test procedures.
    • Perform prototype validation testing and production test support.
    • Identify Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and Design for Reliability (DFR) improvements.
    • Assist with Altium database updates (footprints, part validation, obsolescence review).
    • Generate KPI reports and maintain troubleshooting documentation.
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration
    • Work closely with Engineering, PC Manufacturing, Repair, Quality, and Procurement.
    • Support vendor part qualification and evaluation of new components.
    • Provide training and troubleshooting guidance to production staff.
    • Maintain strong communication with leadership regarding trends and improvement opportunities.
Qualifications & Requirements
  • Education & Experience
    • Bachelors degree in Electrical Engineering or related field.
    • 4-8 years of hands-on experience in a manufacturing environment.
    • Strong background in PCB assembly, SMT processes, and production troubleshooting.
    • Experience supporting high-mix, low-to-mid volume manufacturing preferred.
    • Experience in audio, wireless systems, or A/V manufacturing is a plus.
  • Technical Competencies
    • Strong circuit troubleshooting skills (analog and digital).
    • Experience with SMT equipment and PCB assembly processes.
    • Experience with solder paste printers, reflow ovens, and wave soldering.
    • Through-hole and SMT rework experience.
    • Proficiency reading schematics, PCB layouts, BOMs, and assembly drawings.
    • Experience using Altium and CC+ (database management preferred).
    • Familiarity with ERP systems (Sage 100 preferred).
    • Working knowledge of IPC and ESD standards.
    • Experience with oscilloscopes, RMS meters, power supplies, and signal generators.
    • Ability to develop production test fixtures and documentation.
    • EMC and EMI Troubleshoot/Testing.
    • Routine Tests: Ground Bound Test Dielectric Tests.
  • Soft Skills & Attributes
    • High Emotional Intelligence; collaborative and solution-oriented.
    • Comfortable working on the production floor daily.
    • Strong documentation and organizational skills.
    • Ability to manage multiple priorities in a small, agile company.
    • Positive attitude and hands-on approach.
    • Self-starter who takes initiative without heavy oversight.
    • Clear and effective communicator across departments.
  • Physical & Work Requirements
    • Primarily onsite presence required.
    • Ability to lift up to 5060 lbs.
    • Ability to stand, kneel, twist, and move between departments.
    • Legally authorized to work in the United States.
Employment Type: Contract Location: Carlsbad, CA