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Freelance Electrical Design Engineer Jobs in Virginia

Electrical Design Engineer

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$161K - $171K/yr

Electrical Design Engineer POSITION: Perform quality control on own work and work of Designer level staff, including drawings, RFI answers, and submittal reviews; collaborate with Sr. Engineer to ...

Electrical Design Engineer

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$161K - $171K/yr

Electrical Design Engineer POSITION: Perform quality control on own work and work of Designer level staff, including drawings, RFI answers, and submittal reviews; collaborate with Sr. Engineer to ...

As an Electrical Design Engineer, you'll play a key role in designing both basic and advanced drytype transformers that meet precise customer and industry specifications. This is a dynamic ...

As an Electrical Design Engineer, you'll play a key role in designing both basic and advanced dry-type transformers that meet precise customer and industry specifications. This is a dynamic ...

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Showing results 1-20

Freelance Electrical Design Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$51.1K

$100.2K

$146.7K

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

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for freelance electrical design engineer in Virginia is $100,205.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,800.00 and $114,500.00 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 Virginia? The most popular types of Electrical Design Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
What job categories do people searching Freelance Electrical Design Engineer jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Freelance Electrical Design Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Freelance Electrical Design Engineer jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Freelance Electrical Design Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Freelance Electrical Design Engineer job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 81% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,205 per year, or $48.2 per hour.

Electrical Design Engineer

Brown and Caldwell

Virginia Beach, VA • On-site, Remote

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 25 days ago


Brown and Caldwell rating

9.4

Company rating: 9.4 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

15th of 441 rated engineering


Job description

We have an exciting opportunity for an Electrical Design Engineer to join our growing team. Electrical design and equipment upgrades, medium and high voltage power distribution system design in an industrial setting, equipment design and selection including motor control centers, drives, switchgear, panelboards, substation transformers, and related equipment, drawing creation including one-lines, wiring diagrams, protective relays, breaker control schematic diagrams, and transfer schemes for plant power are all services in high demand from our clients. This is an extraordinary opportunity for a senior engineer to continue to build upon their engineering career, do challenging and meaningful work, and protect the earth’s resources at the same time.

This person will be able to work remotely but will be required to travel to South Florida client sites occasionally.

For the right candidate, this position offers the opportunity for significant professional growth and the potential to collaborate with local and national teams. The candidate will have a broad range of responsibilities, which include mentoring junior and midlevel electrical and Instrumentation and Control (I&C) staff, interact with clients, manage electrical and I&C related projects, and participate in new business development.  In this role, your design delivery responsibilities will include power system modeling, conceptual design development, layout and selection of equipment, development of contract drawings using 2D and 3D design approaches, bid package preparation, field investigations, electrical and I&C design, and support during construction both in the office and the field. We are looking for candidates who have a passion for building things, meeting new people, and desire to work with professionals who perform industrial and municipal electrical, and other water/wastewater work.

The Electrical Design Engineering role confronts difficult problems related to electrical power distribution systems design, motor control systems design, and lighting systems design that may not have clearly defined solutions. The Electrical Engineering role supports projects of strategic importance and works independently with occasional guidance on essential and highly complex issues.

Responsibilities 

  • Design low-voltage (typically up to 480V) and medium-voltage (typically up to 15kV) electrical power distribution systems including switchgear, switchboards, motor control centers, distribution panels, and transformers. 
  • Oversee the design of conduit, duct bank, and cable tray systems. 
  • Coordinate the design of lighting systems. 
  • Coordinate with civil, structural, and mechanical disciplines. 
  • Prepare construction specifications for electrical equipment and systems. 
  • Perform engineering services during construction including submittal review and responding to requests for information (RFIs). 
  • Carry out short circuit, protective device coordination, and arc flash studies. 
  • Plan and track electrical scope, schedule, and budget at the project level. 
  • Flexibility to adapt and execute various additional assignments based on evolving needs. 

                  Mentorship  

                  • May provide mentorship, guidance, support, and knowledge-sharing to help less experienced team members develop their skills and grow within their roles.  

                  Skills and Competencies 

                  • Competency in electrical power distribution systems design. 
                  • Expertise in motor control systems design. 
                  • Proficiency in the design of conduit, duct bank, and cable tray systems. 
                  • Excellent skills in coordinating with civil, structural, and mechanical disciplines. 

                        Experience 

                        • Typically, a minimum of 5 years related work experience in Electrical Engineering or related field. 
                        • Has achieved or is working towards achieving professional license. 
                        • Typically certified in the SMS Framework, and progressing through the SMS competencies. 

                        Preferred Experience

                        • 8+ years of experience as an Electrical Engineer, with 3+ years acting as the Engineer of Record
                        • Leadership or mentorship experience

                          Education 

                          • A degree in Electrical Engineering or related field, or equivalent experience is required. 

                          Salary Range: The anticipated starting pay range for this position is based on the employee’s primary work location and may be more or less depending upon skills, experience, and education.  These ranges may be modified in the future.   

                          Location A: $95,000 - $129,000 

                          Location B: $104,000 - $142,000 

                          You can view which BC location applies to you here. If you have any questions, please speak with your Recruiter.  

                          Benefits and Other Compensation:  We provide a comprehensive benefits package that promotes employee health, performance, and success which includes medical, dental, vision, short and long-term disability, life insurance, an employee assistance program, paid time off and parental leave, paid holidays, 401(k) retirement savings plan with employer match, performance-based bonus eligibility, employee referral bonuses, tuition reimbursement, pet insurance and long-term care insurance. Click here to see our full list of benefits.  

                          About Brown and Caldwell   

                          Headquartered in Walnut Creek, California, Brown and Caldwell is a full-service environmental engineering and construction services firm with 50 offices and over 2,100 professionals across North America and the Pacific. For more than 75 years, we have created leading-edge environmental solutions for municipalities, private industry, and government agencies. We strive to be the company of choice—to our clients, who benefit from our passion for delivering exceptional quality, and to our employees, present and future, who share our commitment to client service, collaboration, and innovation. Join us, and you will find a home where you can do your best work, reach new levels of expertise, and enjoy exceptional development opportunities. For more information, visit www.brownandcaldwell.com  

                          This position is subject to a pre-employment background check and a pre-employment drug test.   

                          Notice to Third Party Agencies: Brown and Caldwell does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or employment agencies. In the event a recruiter or agency submits a resume or candidate without a previously signed agreement and approved engagement request with Brown and Caldwell, Brown and Caldwell reserves the right to pursue and hire those candidate(s) without any financial obligation to the recruiter or agency.    

                          Brown and Caldwell is proud to be an EEO/AAP Employer. Brown and Caldwell encourages protected veterans, individuals with disabilities, and applicants from all backgrounds to apply. Brown and Caldwell ensures nondiscrimination in all programs and activities in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act.

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