Freelance Electrical Design Engineer Jobs in Minnesota

Job Title: Electrical Design Engineer

Job Description

This role focuses on supporting the electrical hardware design, integration, and programming of control systems. The Electrical Design Engineer works under the guidance of senior engineering staff to execute well-defined tasks across controls hardware, controllers, displays, software, testing, and documentation. The position contributes to new product development by supporting electrical design documentation, component selection, bill of materials creation, prototype builds, and verification activities.

Responsibilities

• Support the electrical design of power distribution systems, control panels, instrumentation and sensors, and VFD/pump interfaces within shippable product units.
• Create and update electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, panel layouts and general arrangement drawings, and cable schedules using AutoCAD or similar 2D CAD tools.
• Build and maintain bills of materials, including part documentation, alternate components, and revision updates.
• Support prototype and pilot builds by verifying wiring, assisting with troubleshooting wiring issues, and documenting corrections and updates.
• Contribute to test documentation by preparing FAT and SAT checklists, writing test procedures, and providing inputs to operation and maintenance documentation.
• Collaborate with mechanical, thermal, and controls engineering teams to ensure integrated system designs and maintain clear, detailed engineering documentation.
• Follow applicable UL, NEC, and related standards in support of safe and compliant electrical design.
• Assist in the integration and programming of control systems, including PLCs and related controls hardware and displays, under the direction of engineers.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or a closely related field.
• 0–2 years of relevant experience, including internships, co-op roles, or project-based experience.
• Exposure to 2D CAD tools, with a preference for AutoCAD or AutoCAD Electrical.
• Basic understanding of electrical wiring practices, instrumentation signals, and safe electrical work practices.
• Ability to create and maintain bills of materials and manage part documentation and revisions.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in written engineering documentation.
• Foundational knowledge of electrical design, schematic development, and control panel design and layout.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with control panels, instrumentation and sensors, VFDs, or pump systems.
• Exposure to liquid cooling systems or data center equipment.
• Familiarity with UL standards and NEC requirements as they relate to electrical design and control panels.
• Experience working with PLC-based control systems and controls hardware.
• Experience using AutoCAD Electrical or similar electrical CAD software.
• Ability to work collaboratively in cross-functional engineering teams.

Work Environment

This is an onsite role in a growing organization that supports data center applications and is expanding its facilities. The environment is collaborative and engineering-focused, with close interaction between electrical, mechanical, thermal, and controls teams. The workplace offers a laid-back, casual dress code and a variety of employee perks, including a game room with a golf simulator, foosball table, darts, snacks, and an espresso machine. Work involves regular use of 2D CAD tools such as AutoCAD or AutoCAD Electrical, as well as interaction with control panels, instrumentation, and test equipment in a product development and prototype build setting.

This is a Permanent position based out of Minneapolis, MN.

The pay range for this position is $80000.00 - $110000.00/yr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

At Gradian, we recognize that our greatest asset is our people. That's why we offer a comprehensive range of benefits designed to support overall well-being. From health and wellness resources to financial planning and work-life balance initiatives, we aim to provide the tools and support you need to thrive both inside and outside the workplace.

This is a fully onsite position in Minneapolis,MN.

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 8, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications withoutregard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability,sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protectedby law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification oradjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability,please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in thecity and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicantswith arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as acondition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this lawshall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process,including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applicationsand qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, youacknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.