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Electrical Engineering Side Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Senior Product Test Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$100 - $130/hr

... electrical debug and engineering side of our AI systems, ensuring seamless product introduction from NPI through high-volume ramp. You will collaborate with hardware, ASIC, diagnostics, test, and ...

Staff Electrical Engineer

Berkeley, CA · On-site

$140 - $210/hr

Round 1: Electrical Engineering Manager * Round 2: Staff Electrical Engineer / Technical Lead Why ... Motor drivers, gate drivers, high-side drivers * Sensor interfaces and control circuitry Safety ...

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Electrical Engineering Side information

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 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 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 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 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:

Infographic showing various Electrical Engineering Side job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 15% Contract. Highlights an 93% In-person, 5% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution.

Associate Electrical Engineer (Intern / Co-Op)

Gardena, CA • On-site

$26 - $38/hr

Full-time, Internship

Re-posted 6 days ago


Job description

ASSOCIATE ELECTRICAL ENGINEER
Mesh Optical Technologies was founded on the belief that optical photons will be at the center of advanced technologies in the coming century. Making advanced technology ubiquitous means building at scale, and that's exactly what we're doing at Mesh.
Our interns and co-ops are embedded in the engineering team and own real work-not side projects. We are seeking an Associate Electrical Engineer to contribute directly to the design and validation of both our optical interconnect product and the factory that builds it.
RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Schematic capture and multilayer PCB layout in Altium for test boards, power modules, control electronics, and aspects of our optical interconnect device itself
  • Bring-up and operate hardware in the lab-oscilloscope, VNA, logic analyzer-and document results of various tests as we validate our optical interconnect prototypes and production process
  • Work hands-on and alongside a multidisciplinary team of engineers as we develop our high-volume optical manufacturing facility

QUALIFICATIONS
  • Pursuing or recently completed a BS or graduate degree in Electrical Engineering (or related) with a GPA of 3.5 or greater
  • Portfolio of hands-on projects-Formula SAE, SolarCar, Robotics, CubeSats, or other club/personal builds
  • Familiarity with basic signal-integrity concepts and solder-rework skills
  • Strong analytical mindset, first-principles problem solving, and clear communication

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE
  • Your projects demonstrate not just electrical engineering aptitude but also multidisciplinary knowledge of mechanical engineering and software engineering concepts

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Pay range:
Associate Electrical Engineer: $26.00 - $38.00/per hour
Base salary is determined based your academic year. In addition to base salary, compensation for this role includes a flexible monthly housing and transportation stipend during your time in Los Angeles.