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Electrical Engineering Side Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

You'll work side-by-side with these experts and contribute to reliable, resilient and sustainable ... Master's degree in Electrical Engineering with an Electrical/Power emphasis. * California ...

... low voltage electrical work Qualification: Diploma or Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering ... side, so the candidate must be able to work well with multiple stakeholders. They need to be ...

Senior Electrical Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$120K - $220K/yr

High signal (engineering) to noise (management) culture * Dream desk setup * Daily lunch ... You will work side by side with the CEO and a small team of world-class builders. You will own your ...

High signal (engineering) to noise (management) culture * Dream desk setup * Daily lunch ... You will work side by side with the CEO and a small team of world-class builders. You will own your ...

Senior Electrical Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$120K - $220K/yr

High signal (engineering) to noise (management) culture * Dream desk setup * Daily lunch ... You will work side by side with the CEO and a small team of world-class builders. You will own your ...

Fall Engineering Intern

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$18 - $23.50/hr

Electrical Engineering : Support board design, power systems, sensor integration, or harness and ... Why Join Us Most internships have you working on a side project that never ships. Here, you'll work ...

Electrical Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$175K - $280K/yr

We are seeking an Electrical Engineer with experience in wearable products, or similar areas in ... Passion for learning, and experimentation evidenced by side projects or learning endeavors. * BS or ...

Showing results 41-60

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 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:

Infographic showing various Electrical Engineering Side job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, and 18% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

System Protection and Studies Engineer

HDR

Irvine, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago


HDR rating

9.3

Company rating: 9.3 out of 10

Based on 60 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

26th of 451 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 Engineering is looking for a System Protection and Studies (SPS) Project Engineer to join our growing and nationally ranked team of Power Delivery professionals. The primary duties of the SPS Engineer position are to perform engineering tasks with varying levels of complexity, which are assigned by a Lead Project Engineer, Engineering Manager, or Project Manager.

In the role of System Protection and Studies Engineer, we'll count on you to:

  • Perform protective relay calculations and determine appropriate relay set points.
  • Perform protective relay coordination studies utilizing short-circuit modeling software.
  • Develop relay setting files utilizing relay vendor software.
  • Produce relay coordination compliance reports for applicable NERC-PRC standards.
  • Develop SCADA point list.
  • Produce communication settings for protective relays.
  • Produce required client protective relay reports.
  • Provide protective relay construction support.
  • Provide P&C support with scheme development and design reviews.
  • Work under the direct supervision of a Senior Engineer, APM, or PM.
  • Work independently on tasks and may assist senior engineers on larger, more complex projects.
  • Some travel may be required.
  • Work with assistance from Project Engineers, other Electrical EITs or Technicians as needed
  • Coordinate with other substation design disciplines (i.e., P&C design teams)
  • Perform other duties as needed

#LI-JF1

Keywords: Systems Protection and Studies Engineer, substation, SCADA, electrical engineering, electrical engineer, power system analysis

Preferred Qualifications

  • Master's degree in Electrical Engineering with an Electrical/Power emphasis.
  • California Professional Engineer (PE) license
  • 4 years of experience doing electrical power system analysis, electrical system planning, protective device application, settings, and substation design is highly preferred.
  • Preference will be given to candidates local to the Irvine, CA area.
  • Previous experience with an architectural/engineering or engineering consulting firm
  • Prior experience consulting or working for an electric utility is considered a plus.
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering
  • Professional Engineer (PE or P.Eng) license
  • Previous experience in project execution within the Power Market Sector.
  • Computer skills in Microsoft Office as well as standard Power Market Sector design software. (examples include PLS CAD, AutoCAD, Plant 3D, AutoPipe, and Revit)
  • An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture

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


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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