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Freelance Electrical Design Engineer Jobs in Michigan

Design and develop electrical circuits and subsystems for medical devices. * Coordinate engineering changes and complete documentation in accordance with quality management system requirements.

Electrical Design Engineer

Portage, MI ยท On-site

$69K - $110K/yr

Design and develop electrical circuits and subsystems for medical devices. * Coordinate engineering changes and complete documentation in accordance with quality management system requirements.

Electrical Design Engineer 2

Battle Creek, MI ยท On-site

$81K - $101K/yr

Pneumatics or hydraulic fluid power system design and troubleshooting experience * Knowledge of electrical sensors, vision and other machine sensing systems * Industrial robotics programming (Denso ...

Electrical Design Engineer 2

Battle Creek, MI ยท On-site

$81K - $101K/yr

Pneumatics or hydraulic fluid power system design and troubleshooting experience * Knowledge of electrical sensors, vision and other machine sensing systems * Industrial robotics programming (Denso ...

KLA has a wide range of Electrical Engineering opportunities, from PCB design to system design: A) The PCB design candidate will produce PCB designs, schematics, and work closely with layout ...

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Showing results 1-20

Freelance Electrical Design Engineer information

See Michigan salary details

$44.9K

$88.1K

$129K

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

As of Aug 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for freelance electrical design engineer in Michigan is $88,094.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $71,900.00 and $100,700.00 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 job categories do people searching Freelance Electrical Design Engineer jobs in Michigan look for? The top searched job categories for Freelance Electrical Design Engineer jobs in Michigan are:
What cities in Michigan are hiring for Freelance Electrical Design Engineer jobs? Cities in Michigan with the most Freelance Electrical Design Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Freelance Electrical Design Engineer job openings in Michigan as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $88,094 per year, or $42.4 per hour.

Electrical Design Engineer

Slifco Electric

Sterling Heights, MI โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Vision

Re-posted 11 days ago


Job description

Electrical Design Engineer
Department: Electrical Engineering
Employment Type: Full Time
Location: Sterling Heights
Reporting To: Electrical Design Engineer Manager
Description
Join Our Team as an Electrical Design Engineer!On-Site Role | North Carolina or Michigan Office
At Slifco Electric, we power some of the region's biggest and most complex projects across the Automotive, Heavy Industrial, Commercial, and Mission Critical sectors - from ground-up construction to major renovations. With projects ranging from $30M-$400M, our work makes a real impact, and we're looking for an Electrical Design Engineer ready to help bring these projects to life from concept to construction.
As an Electrical Design Engineer, you'll play a key role in transforming ideas into fully coordinated construction-ready electrical designs. Working alongside senior engineering leadership, BIM teams, Project Managers, and field operations, you'll design and analyze electrical systems that keep major facilities powered safely and efficiently.
This is a hands-on engineering role ideal for someone who enjoys problem-solving, collaboration, and seeing their designs successfully built in the field.
What You'll Be Doing:
  • Design and analyze electrical power, lighting, and low-voltage systems for new construction and renovation projects.
  • Develop detailed construction documents for installation, interconnection, and control of electrical and mechanical systems.
  • Apply NFPA codes and industry standards to ensure compliant, high-quality designs.
  • Create electrical layouts using AutoCAD with minimal supervision.
  • Collaborate with BIM teams, Project Managers, and Field Operations to deliver fully coordinated designs.
  • Conduct site visits, field measurements, and system verification.
  • Review shop drawings and project submittals.
  • Create and manage RFIs to support project execution.
  • Maintain organized project documentation, calculations, and engineering records.
  • Support cross-functional teams to bring designs from concept to construction reality.

What We're Looking For:
  • Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering required.
  • 8+ years of electrical design engineering experience.
  • Prior consulting engineering experience preferred.
  • Strong working knowledge of NFPA standards.
  • Experience with SKM power analysis or Visual lighting software is a bonus.
  • Strong communication skills and attention to detail.
  • Ability to collaborate across engineering, project management, and field teams.

Proficiency in:
  • AutoCAD (required)
  • Bluebeam (required)
  • BIM 360 / Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC)
  • Navisworks
  • Revit

Why You'll Love Working Here:
  • Work on large-scale, high-impact projects that shape major industries.
  • Collaborate with experienced engineers, builders, and innovators.
  • Exposure to cutting-edge and construction technology.
  • Opportunities for professional growth and technical development.
  • A team culture built on collaboration, problem-solving, and pride in craftsmanship.
  • Competitive compensation, benefits, and career advancement opportunities.

Ready to Power Up Your Career? โšก
Mandatory Hiring Requirements: Resume, References, Background Check
Slifco Electric LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer
No 3rd party recruiters - please apply directly through Slifco Electric's careers page.