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Freelance Electrical Design Engineer Jobs in California

Electrical Design Engineer

Fremont, CA · On-site

$80K - $95K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Electrical Design Engineer We are seeking an Electrical Design Engineer to design and develop the next generation of cost-effective AC/DC switching power supplies. This role will be responsible for ...

Electrical Design Engineer

Fremont, CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Electrical Design Engineer We are seeking an Electrical Design Engineer to design and develop the next generation of cost-effective AC/DC switching power supplies. This role will be responsible for ...

Electrical Design Engineer

Fremont, CA

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Electrical Design Engineer We are seeking anElectrical Design Engineer to design and develop the next generation of cost-effective AC/DC switching power supplies. This role will be responsible for ...

Electrical Design Engineer

Tustin, CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Electrical Design Engineer At Salas O'Brien, we tell our clients that we're engineered for impact. That same passion for making a difference applies not only to our projects, but also to our people.

Electrical Design Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$90K - $115K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Prepare electrical schematic designs Design Engineering * Design power single line and riser diagrams * Perform electrical calculations (arc flash, coordination, short circuit, voltage drop, load ...

Summary The San Diego office has an exciting opportunity for an Electrical Design Engineer with 0-3 years of experience.Our client is an award-winning engineering firm that has been named "Best Place ...

Electrical Design Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$82K - $95K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Summary The San Diego office has an exciting opportunity for an Electrical Design Engineer with 0-3 years of experience. Our client is an award-winning engineering firm that has been named "Best ...

Summary Are you an Electrical Design Engineer with 24 years of experience in lighting design looking to advance your career? Our client, located in the Long Beach, CA area, is an award-winning ...

Electrical Design Engineer

Lakewood, CA · Hybrid

$93K - $112K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Summary Are you an Electrical Design Engineer with 2-4 years of experience in lighting design looking to advance your career? Our client, located in the Long Beach, CA area, is an award-winning ...

JOB SUMMARY The Electrical Design Engineer is responsible for the design, development, and documentation of electrical systems for aircraft interiors, including wiring layouts, grounding and bonding ...

Position :      Electrical Design Engineer Location :      Santa Clara, CA 95054 Duration :      6 Months Job Type :       Temporary Assignment  Work Type ...

Vast is looking for a Senior Electrical Design Engineer, Avionics, reporting to the Director, Avionics, to support the development of the systems that will be required for the design and build of ...

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Showing results 1-20

Freelance Electrical Design Engineer information

See California salary details

$50.8K

$99.7K

$146.1K

How much do freelance electrical design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for freelance electrical design engineer in California is $99,748.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,400.00 and $114,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a freelance electrical design engineer do?

A Freelance Electrical Design Engineer is a professional who specializes in designing, developing, and testing electrical systems and components for various projects on a contract or project basis. Their work can include creating electrical schematics, selecting appropriate components, ensuring compliance with relevant codes and standards, and collaborating with other engineers or clients to meet project requirements. Freelance engineers enjoy flexibility in choosing projects and clients, but are also responsible for managing their own business operations such as invoicing and client communication.

What is the difference between Freelance Electrical Design Engineer vs Electrical Project Engineer?

AspectFreelance Electrical Design EngineerElectrical Project Engineer
CredentialsRelevant electrical engineering degree, certifications like PE or LEED often preferredSimilar credentials, often with additional project management certifications
Work EnvironmentIndependent, project-based, often remote or client-site workTypically employed by companies, working on-site or in office
Employer & Industry UsageFreelance basis across various industries like construction, manufacturing, renewable energyIn-house or contractor roles within engineering firms or construction companies

The main difference is that Freelance Electrical Design Engineers work independently on diverse projects, often remotely, while Electrical Project Engineers are employed by organizations to oversee electrical projects from within. Both roles require similar technical credentials but differ in work setting and employment structure.

What does a freelance electrical design engineer do?

The job of a freelance electrical design engineer is to help bring a project plan from concept to manufacturing, typically on a contract basis. Someone in this role may help determine the equipment and materials needed to produce the product, design its power supply and any energy storage, and help prototype the product to verify that it works. Electrical engineering can take a wide variety of forms, such as designing an electronic toy or creating a power layout plan for a large building. Although similar job titles, a freelance electrical design engineer and an electrical engineer perform separate functions. A design engineer focuses on the design concept, while the duties of an engineer concentrate more on the actual manufacturing of a project.

What are some common challenges faced by freelance electrical design engineers, and how can they be managed?

Freelance electrical design engineers often encounter challenges such as fluctuating workloads, managing multiple client expectations, and staying updated with industry standards and software. To manage these, it's helpful to establish clear communication with clients, set realistic project timelines, and invest in continuous learning for new tools and regulations. Building a network of industry contacts can also provide support and potential collaboration opportunities, helping freelancers maintain steady work and deliver quality results.

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

To thrive as a Freelance Electrical Design Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering principles, proficiency in circuit design, and typically a relevant degree or professional certification such as a PE license. Expertise with CAD software (like AutoCAD or Altium Designer), simulation tools, and familiarity with industry standards are essential. Strong project management, problem-solving abilities, and clear client communication help distinguish top professionals in this freelance role. These combined skills ensure the delivery of safe, compliant, and innovative electrical solutions that meet client needs and regulatory requirements.

What are the most commonly searched types of Electrical Design Engineer jobs in California?

The most popular types of Electrical Design Engineer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Freelance Electrical Design Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Freelance Electrical Design Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Freelance Electrical Design Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $99,748 per year, or $48 per hour.

Full-time

Re-posted 29 days ago


Job description

We are a large growing MEP Design Engineering company in California that works on many of California's biggest and best commercial electrical engineering and design projects. This is a full-time position with great salary and benefits package as well as career-growth opportunities. We are planning to hire California's best and brightest Electrical Design-Engineer's in the near future.

Responsibilities: Perform Electrical State Calculations Design and prepare drawings electrical, lighting, and wiring systems. Attend events, job sites, and meet closely with: Owners, clients, architects, and other disciplines. Research and review best Electrical Design layouts and codes with licensed professional Electrical Engineer.

Requirements: Bachelors in Electrical Engineering 3+ years of experience as an Electrical Designer and Design. Strong knowledge in: State Electrical Building Codes, AutoCAD, Microsoft Office, and Revit.


Gulfstream Strategic Placements logo

About Gulfstream Strategic Placements

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Gulfstream Strategic Placements, based in Los Angeles, CA, US, is a prominent company specializing in the recruitment and executive search industry. Their area of specialty lies mainly in the construction industry. With a keen eye for talent and a focus on fulfilling employers' talent needs, Gulfstream Strategic Placements is an industry leader connecting various businesses with well-suited, skilled professionals. They take great pride in their long-standing reputation for delivering quality candidates that help businesses thrive.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

1 - 10 Employees

Headquarters location

Corona, CA, US

Year founded

2014

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