Freelance Electrical Design Engineer Jobs in California

SC Engineers, a Legence company
SC Engineers, founded in San Diego, California, in 2004, is an industry leader in mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) planning and design, energy efficiency, building automation, and total building commissioning. Spanning a variety of sectors, including healthcare, education, government, defense, and technology, SC Engineers provides specialized expertise and a collaborative approach to every project, making them an integrated and valued business partner of their clients.
Location: San Diego, California
Employment Type: Full-Time
Industry: Architecture, Engineering, and Construction
Salary Range: $90,000 - $115,000 (dependent on experience). This role is also eligible for an annual performance-based bonus. Bonus eligibility and payout are determined by role, individual performance, and company performance, and are not guaranteed.
Position Summary
We are seeking an Electrical Design Engineer with a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering to support the design of electrical systems for commercial building projects throughout San Diego and Southern California. The successful candidate will work closely with project managers, engineers, architects, contractors, and other design disciplines to develop coordinated, code-compliant, and constructible electrical designs.
Primary Responsibilities

• Design of electrical power distribution, lighting, lighting controls, grounding, emergency power, fire alarm, and low-voltage systems for commercial buildings.
• Prepare electrical drawings, plans, schedules, diagrams and details using Revit and AutoCAD.
• Prepare electrical specifications.
• Perform electrical load calculations, voltage drop calculations, lighting calculations, short circuit calculations, and other engineering analyses under the direction of a licensed electrical engineer.
• Develop single-line diagrams, panel schedules, equipment connection requirements, and electrical room layouts.
• Coordinate electrical requirements with mechanical, plumbing, structural, architectural, and technology disciplines.
• Review architectural and engineering drawings to identify electrical design requirements and potential coordination conflicts.
• Support the selection and specification of electrical equipment, including switchboards, panelboards, transformers, generators, automatic transfer switches, lighting fixtures, and control devices.
• Assist with compliance reviews for the California Electrical Code, California Building Code, California Energy Code, National Electrical Code, and applicable local requirements.
• Participate in site visits to document existing conditions, verify electrical systems, and support renovation and tenant improvement projects.
• Assist with responses to requests for information, submittal reviews, field observations, punch lists, and other construction administration activities.
• Coordinate with permitting agencies, contractors, and project stakeholders as required.
• Maintain organized project files and complete assignments in accordance with project schedules, budgets, and company quality standards.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from an accredited university.
• Minimum three of electrical design experience within the architecture, engineering, or construction industry.
• Understanding of fundamental electrical engineering principles, including electrical distribution, and lighting systems.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple assignments and work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary project team.
• Working knowledge of Revit, AutoCAD, Bluebeam, and electrical calculation software.
• Familiarity with California building and energy codes.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience designing electrical systems for commercial, healthcare, education, laboratories, institutional, or municipal buildings.
• Engineer in Training certification or Professional Electrical Engineer License.
• Experience performing field surveys and documenting existing electrical systems.
• Familiarity with sustainable design, energy efficiency, photovoltaic systems, battery energy storage systems, and electric vehicle charging infrastructure.

#LI-AC1 #LI-Onsite
About Legence
Legence (Nasdaq: LGN) is a leading provider of engineering, consulting, installation, and maintenance services for mission-critical systems in buildings. The company specializes in designing, fabricating, and installing complex HVAC, process piping, and other mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems-enhancing energy efficiency, reliability, and sustainability in new and existing facilities. Legence also delivers long-term performance through strategic upgrades and holistic solutions. Serving some of the world's most technically demanding sectors, Legence counts over 60% of the Nasdaq-100 Index among its clients.
Benefits Overview
401(k) Plan with Company Match: Currently match contributions dollar-for-dollar up to 4% of eligible pay; immediate vesting.
Health & Welfare Benefits: Employer provided medical, dental, vision, prescription drug, Employee Assistance Program and accident & illness coverage.
Life and Disability Insurance: Employer provided basic life insurance and AD&D valued at 50K coverage amount with the option for voluntary buy up for additional coverage.
Time Off: Vacation is 80 hrs/yr during your first 5 years, then 120 hrs/yr. Unused vacation rolls over up to 80 hrs (years 1-5) and 120 hrs (year 6+). Accrues each pay period, and unused accrued vacation time is paid out at separation per CA law. This is separate from CA sick leave; company holidays per policy.
Expenses: Business travel and related expenses reimbursed per company policy.
Reasonable Accommodations
If you need assistance or accommodations during the application or interview process, please contact us at ta@wearelegence.com or your dedicated recruiter with the job title and requisition number.
Employment Eligibility
Candidates must have current work authorization in the U.S.; visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
Third-Party Recruiting Disclaimer
Legence and its affiliates do not accept unsolicited resumes from agencies; any such submissions without a prior signed agreement authorized by Legence Holdings LLC's CHRO or Director of Talent Acquisition will not incur fees and are considered property of Legence.
Pay Disclosure & Considerations
Where pay ranges are indicated, please note that a successful candidate's exact pay will be determined based relevant job-related factors, including any of the following: candidate's experience, skills, and qualifications, as well as geographic and market considerations. We are committed to ensuring fair and competitive compensation for all employees and comply with all applicable salary transparency laws.
Equal Employment Opportunity Employer
Legence and its affiliate companies are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), marital or familial status, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), political affiliation, military service, other non-merit-based factors, and any other characteristic protected under applicable local, state or federal laws and regulations.
EEO is the Law