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Contract Electronics Engineer Jobs in California

K2 Space

Power Electronics Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$105K - $200K/yr

... in signed contracts across commercial and US government customers - we're mass-producing the ... engineering * 3+ years of professional design experience with power electronics (research and ...

K2 Space

Power Electronics Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$105K - $200K/yr

... in signed contracts across commercial and US government customers - we're mass-producing the ... engineering * 3+ years of professional design experience with power electronics (research and ...

TAE

Sr. Power Electronics Engineer

Foothill Ranch, CA · On-site

$115K - $136K/yr

Management of contracts from concept to completion is a plus Software Knowledge and Skills Required ... Bachelors required, Electrical Engineering preferred with an emphasis on power electronics. At TAE ...

CesiumAstro

Power Electronics Engineer II

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$106K - $142K/yr

We are seeking a Power Electronics Engineer II (2025417) to join our growing spacecraft payload ... CesiumAstro does not accept unsolicited resumes from contract agencies or search firms. Any ...

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All JobsContract Electronics Engineer JobsContract Electronics Engineer Jobs in California

Contract Electronics Engineer information

What are Contract Electronics Engineers?

Contract Electronics Engineers are professionals who design, develop, and test electronic systems and components on a temporary or project-by-project basis, rather than as permanent employees. They are typically hired by companies to provide specialized expertise for specific projects, such as designing circuit boards, developing embedded systems, or troubleshooting hardware issues. Contract Electronics Engineers often work for engineering consultancies, staffing agencies, or as independent freelancers, and their contracts may range from a few weeks to several months or longer, depending on project needs.

What is the difference between Contract Electronics Engineer vs Contract Electrical Engineer?

AspectContract Electronics EngineerContract Electrical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Electronics or Electrical Engineering, certifications like IPC or EITBachelor's in Electrical Engineering, similar certifications
Work EnvironmentDesign, testing, and development of electronic systems in labs or client sitesPower systems, control systems, and electrical infrastructure in industrial or commercial settings
Employer & Industry UsageTech companies, manufacturing, aerospace, defenseUtilities, construction, manufacturing, automation
Common Search & Comparison IntentYesYes

Contract Electronics Engineers focus on designing and testing electronic components and systems, often working in tech and manufacturing sectors. Contract Electrical Engineers handle electrical infrastructure and power systems, typically in industrial or utility environments. While both roles require similar educational backgrounds and certifications, their work environments and industry applications differ significantly.

What are some common challenges faced by contract electronics engineers when working with new clients or project teams?

Contract electronics engineers often face the challenge of quickly adapting to new teams, project requirements, and company workflows. They must rapidly understand existing systems, documentation standards, and communication practices while building trust with colleagues. Balancing multiple projects or tight deadlines is common, so effective time management and clear communication are key. Additionally, staying updated on the latest tools and compliance standards helps ensure smooth integration and successful project outcomes.

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

To thrive as a Contract Electronics Engineer, you need a solid background in electronic circuit design, troubleshooting, and a degree in electrical or electronics engineering. Familiarity with industry-standard tools like Altium Designer, OrCAD, and simulation software, as well as certifications such as IPC or relevant safety standards, are typically required. Strong analytical thinking, adaptability, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for collaborating with diverse teams and handling project-based work. These skills ensure high-quality, timely delivery of electronic solutions that meet client specifications in a dynamic, contract-driven environment.
What are the most commonly searched types of Electronics Engineer jobs in California? The most popular types of Electronics Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Contract Electronics Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Contract Electronics Engineer job openings:
Contract Electronics Engineer jobs near you
Electronics Engineer / Freelance

Electronics Engineer / Freelance

RKS Design, Inc.

Westlake Village, CA • On-site

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement

Posted 13 days ago

Job description


About Us:
RKS has been at the forefront of Industrial Design in the United States for the last 40 years. We have built a reputation for delivering full-spectrum product design and development services-creating meaningful innovation across industries, from medical devices and consumer electronics to wearables and home goods. Our cross-functional approach integrates design, engineering, and human-centered thinking to produce award-winning products that drive emotional connection and market success.
Job Summary:
We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Electronics Engineer to consult on a freelance basis with our interdisciplinary team. This role requires a hands-on, systems-level thinker who can architect and implement electronic subsystems within a variety of product categories. The ideal candidate will collaborate closely with mechanical, software, and industrial design teams to develop elegant, functional, and manufacturable products from concept through prototyping.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Design and develop electronic systems for consumer, medical, and industrial products.
  • Create schematics, select components, and develop PCB layouts using tools such as Altium or Eagle.
  • Develop, debug, and test analog and digital circuits including micro-controllers, power supplies, sensors, and wireless modules.
  • Build and program proof-of-concept electronics prototypes (e.g., Arduino, Raspberry Pi, custom boards).
  • Work with mechanical engineers to ensure seamless integration of electronics into the physical product design.
  • Collaborate with firmware and software developers to ensure hardware compatibility and performance.
  • Perform troubleshooting, testing, and debugging of hardware systems throughout the development lifecycle.
  • Contribute to documentation for design intent, testing procedures, compliance, and production hand-off.
  • Provide insight into design-for-manufacturing (DFM), regulatory compliance, and BOM cost optimization.
  • Participate in brainstorming sessions, technical reviews, and product refinement workshops.
  • Stay abreast of emerging technologies and component innovations relevant to product development.

Requirements
Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, or a related discipline; Master's degree is a plus.
  • 5+ years of hands-on experience designing electronics for commercial or industrial products.
  • Proficiency with electronic design tools (Altium Designer, Eagle, KiCad, or similar).
  • Strong understanding of micro-controller systems, low-power design, sensor integration, and communication protocols (I2C, SPI, UART, BLE).
  • Experience with embedded systems and basic firmware development is preferred.
  • Ability to rapidly prototype and iterate on electronic subsystems.
  • Excellent problem-solving, communication, and collaboration skills.
  • Knowledge of safety, EMI/EMC, and regulatory standards (FCC, CE, IEC, ISO 60601, etc.) is a strong advantage.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience in client-facing or cross-disciplinary team environments.
  • Prior consulting or agency-based product development experience.
  • Familiarity with medical device development cycles and documentation practices is a plus.

Benefits
  • Medical Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • Paid Holidays
  • 401(k) as defined in the employee handbook
  • Sick Leave
  • Vacation

Let me know if you'd like this adapted for a full-time role, revised for a specific sector (e.g., wearables, medical), or turned into a formatted PDF or job board post.
You said:
10 years exp, no benefits
ChatGPT said:
Here is the revised Electronics Engineer job posting reflecting 5+ years of experience and no benefits, suitable for a freelance/contract role:
Job Description
About Us:
RKS has been a leader in Industrial Design for over 40 years, delivering innovation that transforms everyday life across industries-from medical devices and consumer electronics to mobility solutions and lifestyle products. Our multidisciplinary team combines creativity, engineering, and human-centered thinking to produce emotionally resonant, market-winning designs.
Job Summary:
We are looking for a highly experienced Freelance Electronics Engineer to consult with our product development team on a project-by-project basis. This role is ideal for a senior-level engineer with 10+ years of experience who can independently lead the design and integration of electronic systems across a range of complex product categories. You will collaborate with mechanical, firmware, and industrial designers to create fully integrated, production-ready solutions.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Lead the design, development, and testing of electronic hardware for consumer, medical, and industrial products.
  • Develop circuit schematics, select components, and design PCB layouts using tools like Altium, Eagle, or KiCad.
  • Build and program hardware prototypes using micro-controller platforms such as Arduino, STM32, or Raspberry Pi.
  • Collaborate with mechanical and firmware teams to ensure tight system integration and reliable operation.
  • Define electrical architecture, power budgets, and communication protocols (e.g., I2C, SPI, BLE, USB).
  • Troubleshoot and debug circuits across development stages-from bread-boarding to final PCBA.
  • Evaluate and specify off-the-shelf components, sensors, and modules to meet performance, cost, and compliance targets.
  • Prepare documentation including BOMs, test reports, and production handoff materials.
  • Advise on design for manufacturability (DFM), regulatory compliance, and lifecycle risk.
  • Contribute to design reviews and help drive technical decision-making across projects.

Requirements
Qualifications:
  • Bachelor'sdegree in Electromechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or arelated field; a Master's degree is a plus.
  • Provenexperience in designing and integrating electronics into mechanicalsystems.
  • Proficiencyin CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD) and electronic designautomation (EDA) tools (e.g., Altium SW, Eagle).
  • Strongunderstanding of circuit design, micro-controllers, sensors, and actuators.
  • Experiencewith embedded systems and firmware development is a plus.
  • Excellentproblem-solving skills and attention to detail.
  • Strongcommunication and teamwork abilities.
  • Abilityto manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
  • Familiaritywith regulatory standards and certification processes for consumer,medical, and industrial products.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Client-facing,project management experience is highly preferred
  • Consulting/ Agency experience is highly preferred
  • Experiencewith medical product development a plus

Benefits
Benefits
  • MedicalInsurance
  • DentalInsurance
  • Paidholidays
  • 401 Kas defined in the employee handbook
  • Sickleave
  • Vacation

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