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Contract Electrical Engineering Jobs in Riverside, CA

Neon Aerospace

Sr. Electrical Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$115K - $150K/yr

Partner with suppliers and contract manufacturers to support prototype builds, first-article ... Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field preferred; relevant ...

CMD Electric

Senior Project Manager - Electrical

Ontario, CA · On-site

$140K - $180K/yr

... contract values exceeding $5 million and portfolios exceeding $20 million. Multi-family experience a plus! * Preferably holds a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, Construction Management ...

AECOM

Electrical Resident Engineer

Orange, CA · On-site

AECOM is actively seeking a highly talented Electrical Resident Engineer for immediate employment ... Issue all Engineering or Client-initiated changes or clarifications of the contract documents to ...

AECOM

Electrical Resident Engineer

Orange, CA

AECOM is actively seeking a highly talented Electrical Resident Engineer for immediate employment ... Issue all Engineering or Client-initiated changes or clarifications of the contract documents to ...

AECOM

Electrical Resident Engineer

Orange, CA

AECOM is actively seeking a highly talented Electrical Resident Engineer for immediate employment ... Issue all Engineering or Client-initiated changes or clarifications of the contract documents to ...

AECOM

Electrical Resident Engineer

Orange, CA

AECOM is actively seeking a highly talented Electrical Resident Engineer for immediate employment ... Issue all Engineering or Client-initiated changes or clarifications of the contract documents to ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsContract Electrical Engineering JobsContract Electrical Engineering Jobs in Riverside, CA

Contract Electrical Engineering information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$52.7K

$115.9K

$175.3K

How much do contract electrical engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract electrical engineering in Riverside, CA is $115,898.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $86,600.00 and $137,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

Can you make $500,000 as an Electrical Engineer?

Earning $500,000 as an electrical engineer is possible but typically requires advanced experience, specialized skills, management roles, or working in high-paying industries such as aerospace or energy. Most electrical engineers earn between $70,000 and $120,000 annually, with higher salaries often associated with senior positions or consulting work. Achieving such a high income may also involve overtime, bonuses, or owning a consulting firm.

What engineering jobs pay $500,000?

Senior electrical engineers, especially those in leadership roles or with specialized expertise in areas like power systems, control systems, or high-voltage engineering, can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000 annually. These positions often require advanced degrees, extensive experience, and certifications, and may include bonuses or profit-sharing components.

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.

How much does an Electrical Engineer contractor make?

Electrical Engineer contractors typically earn between $50 and $100 per hour, depending on experience, location, and project complexity. Salaries can vary widely based on certifications, specialized skills, and the duration of the contract work.

What are contract electrical engineers?

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 engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior electrical engineers with extensive experience, specialized skills, and advanced certifications can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially in high-demand industries like aerospace, defense, or energy. Leadership roles such as engineering managers or principal engineers also have the potential to reach this salary level, often requiring strong project management and technical expertise.

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 Riverside, CA? The most popular types of Electrical Engineering jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What are popular job titles related to Contract Electrical Engineering jobs in Riverside, CA? For Contract Electrical Engineering jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Contract Electrical Engineering jobs in Riverside, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Contract Electrical Engineering jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Contract Electrical Engineering jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Contract Electrical Engineering job openings:
Contract Electrical Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Electrical Engineering job openings in Riverside, CA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 79% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $115,898 per year, or $55.7 per hour.

Sr. Electrical Engineer

Neon Aerospace

Irvine, CA • On-site

$115K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

Aerospace is at a turning point - costs are rising, supply chains are strained, and old ways of building can't keep up. At Neon Aero, we're breaking that mold. We move fast, think big, and combine start-up agility with aerospace expertise to design, build, and scale aircraft in ways the industry has never seen. Our team leverages automation, AI-driven tools, and a fully connected digital backbone to accelerate innovation and reduce barriers to production.
Here, you won't just take a job - you'll help reinvent how the world flies. If you're ready to solve complex problems, push technology further, and work alongside some of the brightest minds in aerospace, this is your chance to make a real impact.
You'll lead the design and integration of complex electrical and electromechanical systems that power next-generation products-spanning actuator drives, power electronics, avionics communication, energy management, and other high-performance technologies.
This is a hands-on, highly collaborative role for an engineer who thrives at the intersection of architecture and execution-someone who can translate requirements into robust, manufacturable, certifiable hardware and drive it from concept to production release and shipment. Your work will support demanding systems across aerospace, transportation, robotics, and advanced mobility.
Why This Role Matters:
You'll be a technical anchor for production-intent electrical hardware-helping teams move faster without sacrificing reliability, safety, or manufacturability.
Key contributions include:
  • Lead system architecture and integration across complex, multi-domain programs.
  • Own electrical subsystems end-to-end-from concept, through validation, to production release.
  • Design and develop power electronics, embedded digital, and mixed-signal hardware using industry-standard ECAD tools (Altium, Cadence, or equivalent).
  • Drive DFM/DFT/DFC/DFA/Cost decisions early, ensuring designs scale cleanly into manufacturing.
  • Create robust schematics and guide PCB layout, with strong signal integrity and EMI/EMC discipline, and produce production-ready documentation.
  • Architect and implement communication bus physical layers (CAN and other aviation buses) for fault-tolerant, certifiable avionics data communication.
  • Partner with suppliers and contract manufacturers to support prototype builds, first-article inspections, and production ramp.
  • Define validation and test strategy, including ICT, boundary scan, functional test coverage, ESS, and production yield metrics.
  • Support lab bring-up and integration, troubleshooting issues, running root-cause investigations, and iterating designs quickly.
  • Perform electrical analysis (SPICE simulation, power-stage evaluation, signal integrity, thermal interaction with mechanical systems, EMI mitigation).
  • Participate in design reviews to ensure system-level performance, safety, reliability, manufacturability, and cost targets are met.
  • Get hands-on during board bring-up, system integration, and hardware testing.

What you'll Bring:
  • Minimum of 8 years of experience in developing and shipping complex electronic hardware.
  • Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field preferred; relevant professional experience may be accepted in lieu of a degree
  • Strong proficiency with Altium (or comparable ECAD tools).
  • Deep understanding of schematic capture, PCB layout practices, stack-up definition, grounding strategy, EMI/EMC mitigation, and production-level release documentation.
  • Demonstrated experience taking electronic assemblies into production and shipping hardware.
  • Experience across multiple hardware domains, such as:
    • Power electronics and motor drives
    • Embedded digital and microcontroller-based systems
    • Sensor interfacing and mixed-signal design
    • Communication bus physical layers (CAN, RS-485, ARINC, or similar)
  • Experience working directly with suppliers/CMs to industrialize boards and resolve yield, test coverage, tolerance, and quality issues.
  • Solid understanding of manufacturing test strategies (ICT, functional test development, fixture design, environmental qualification, SPC).
  • Strong cross-functional communication and collaboration skills.
  • Engineers who ship-not just design.
  • Strong first-principles thinking paired with practical execution.
  • Comfortable hands-on in lab and production environments.
  • Bias toward action in fast-moving, hardware-focused teams.
  • Ability to balance performance, reliability, manufacturability, and cost.
  • Collaborative, systems-level mindset.

Preferred Skills:
  • Aerospace or aviation systems experience.
  • Background in fast-iteration, high-performance industries (automotive, consumer hardware, racing, robotics, etc.).
  • Familiarity with DO-254, DO-160, ARP4754B, ARP4761, or similar regulated development environments.
  • MATLAB, Python, or scripting for analysis, automation, or test development.
  • Electric propulsion, actuator drive systems, or high-reliability embedded hardware.

Why Join Us:
  • Work alongside elite engineering talent and innovators from across aerospace and tech.
  • Be part of a team moving faster than the industry standard.
  • Shape solutions that are lower-cost, autonomous, and scalable - the future of aviation.
  • Competitive compensation, including equity participation, growth opportunities, and full heath benefits (health, vision, dental, 401K) designed to support you in and out of work.

This is the expected compensation range for this role. Final compensation will be based on role scope, experience, skills, internal equity and location. This role may also be eligible for bonus/equity/benefits, if applicable.
$150,000-$250,000 USD
Neon Aero, Inc is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable law.
We believe that diverse perspectives drive innovation, and we welcome candidates from all backgrounds to apply.
All final candidates must successfully complete a background check and drug screening as a condition of employment.
At this time, Neon Aero and its divisions are not accepting unsolicited resumes from third-party recruiters or staffing agencies.

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