ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Electrical Engineering Side Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsElectrical Engineering Side JobsElectrical Engineering Side Jobs in California

Electrical Engineering Side information

What is the difference between Electrical Engineering Side vs Electrical Technician?

AspectElectrical Engineering SideElectrical Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in Electrical EngineeringAssociate's degree or technical certification
Work EnvironmentDesign, development, and analysis in offices or labsInstallation, maintenance, and troubleshooting on-site or in facilities
Employer & Industry UsageEngineering firms, manufacturing, power generationConstruction, maintenance, industrial plants, utilities
Common Search & ComparisonElectrical Engineering SideElectrical Technician

Electrical Engineering Side involves designing and analyzing electrical systems, requiring a bachelor's degree, primarily working in offices or labs. Electrical Technicians focus on installing, maintaining, and troubleshooting electrical equipment, often with technical certifications and on-site work. Both roles are essential in the electrical industry but differ in education, responsibilities, and work environment.

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

To thrive as an Electrical Engineer, you need a solid understanding of circuit design, electronics, and mathematics, typically supported by a degree in electrical engineering and relevant licensure (such as a PE license). Familiarity with CAD software, simulation tools like MATLAB or SPICE, and industry standards is commonly required. Problem-solving, teamwork, and effective communication are valuable soft skills for excelling in this role. These competencies ensure the ability to design efficient systems, collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, and deliver safe, innovative solutions in complex engineering environments.

What is electrical engineering and what do electrical engineers do?

Electrical engineering is a field of engineering that focuses on the study, design, and application of equipment, devices, and systems that use electricity, electronics, and electromagnetism. Electrical engineers work on a wide range of technologies, from designing electrical circuits and power generation systems to developing communication networks and control systems. They play a crucial role in industries such as energy, telecommunications, manufacturing, and transportation, often working to solve complex problems and improve the efficiency and safety of electrical systems.

What are some common challenges faced by electrical engineers working on the side and how can they be managed?

Electrical engineers working on the side often face challenges such as balancing multiple projects, staying current with rapidly evolving technologies, and managing time effectively alongside other commitments. It's common to work independently or as part of small teams, which means strong self-motivation and communication skills are essential. To manage these challenges, it's helpful to set clear project timelines, continuously update technical skills through online courses or industry publications, and leverage collaboration tools for effective remote teamwork. Proactively networking with other professionals can also provide support and opportunities for growth.
What are popular job titles related to Electrical Engineering Side jobs in California? For Electrical Engineering Side jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Electrical Engineering Side jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Electrical Engineering Side jobs in California are:
Electrical Engineering Side jobs near you
Infographic showing various Electrical Engineering Side job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Hydropower Electrical Engineering Section Manager

HDR

Sacramento, CA • On-site

$130K - $167K/yr

Other

Re-posted 11 days ago

HDR rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Based on 57 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

38th of 440 rated engineering

Job description

At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. As we foster a culture of inclusion throughout our company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves: What is our impact on the world?
Watch Our Story:' https://www.hdrinc.com/our-story' 
Each and every role throughout our organization makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better. Read further to learn how you could help make great things possible not only in your community, but around the world. 
We believe electricity powers modern life. As part of our Power sector, you'll help shape how electricity is generated, transmitted and delivered as global energy demands grow. From massive data centers to modernizing transmission systems, our industry-recognized engineers and scientists have been at the forefront of grid transformation for more than a century. You'll work side-by-side with these experts and contribute to reliable, resilient and sustainable power systems, helping communities thrive and industries expand. This isn't just a job, it's a chance to drive infrastructure forward, power innovation and leave your mark on our energy future.

HDR is seeking a Hydropower Electrical Engineering Section Manager to join our expanding Northern California team and help drive one of the nation's most recognized hydropower programs. In 2025 ENR ranked HDR #2 in Hydropower among the top firms delivering services for hydropower owners and operators - and we keep growing to meet our Client's needs.

If you're ready to lead complex modernization projects, inspire a talented multidisciplinary team, and influence hydropower across California, the Southwest, and the nation - this role is built for you.

As our Hydropower Electrical Engineering Section Manager, you will shape the strategy, growth, technical excellence, recruiting and retention of our NorCal hydropower electrical practice.

Responsibilities include:

Lead a High Performing Electrical Team

  • Hire, grow, mentor, and develop technical staff across experience levels. This includes responsibility for operations of production and oversight of electrical section.

  • Champion quality control, technical excellence, and exceptional delivery.

  • Facilitate Career development and personal growth amongst team members.

Own Electrical Project Leadership

  • Serve as Project Manager and/or Technical Lead for hydropower electrical projects.

  • Oversee electrical design plans and specifications, equipment specifications, bid reviews, and site investigations.

  • Support field activities during installation, testing, commissioning, and start up.

Drive Collaboration Across Power & Hydropower

  • Coordinate closely with mechanical, structural, civil, and controls teams.

  • Partner with Power sector and National Hydropower Practice leaders to support local and national initiatives.

Engage Directly with Clients & Business Development

  • Build relationships with key hydropower owners/operators across utility clients, federal agencies and/or water authorities.

  • Support proposals, interviews, and strategic pursuits throughout CA and across the region.

  • Partner with the Power Business Development and Client Management teams.

Work in partnership with the National Hydropower Practice and overall Power Sector:

  • Support local and national marketing and production efforts.

  • Perform other duties as needed: Support project goals and HDR business activities.

Preferred Qualifications: 

  • Licensed Professional Engineer.

  • Proficient and engaging in dynamic communication and collaboration.

  • Consulting experience supporting client relationships and delivering highquality electrical engineering work.

  • Extensive hydropower industry experience, ideally 10-20+ years.

  • Technical depth in hydropower electrical systems - generator protection and controls, excitation systems, governor controls, SCADA/DCS, station service, switchyard/substation equipment, relay settings/coordination, and arcflash/grounding analysis.

  • Active engagement in electricalfocused industry organizations such as IEEE PES, IEEE Hydropower Working Groups, NHA Technical Committees, or CEATI Hydropower Electrical Task Forces.

#LI-JM8

Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience
  • A minimum of 10 years experience
  • Professional registration, license or certification may be required based on role
  • Strong communication and listening skills
  • Ability to handle multiple assignments
  • Good leadership and organizational skills
  • An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must

What We Believe
HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.
Our Commitment
As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day.
Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.

What HDR employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

HDR logo

About HDR

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At HDR, we specialize in engineering, architecture, environmental and construction services. While we are most well-known for adding beauty and structure to communities through high-performance buildings and smart infrastructure, we provide much more than that. We create an unshakable foundation for progress because our multidisciplinary teams also include scientists, economists, builders, analysts and artists.

Industry

Specialized design services

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Omaha, NE, US

Year founded

1917

View All HDR Jobs

Apply