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Freelance Electrical Design Engineer Jobs in Mount Prospect, IL

Interface

Electrical Design Engineer III

Chicago, IL · On-site

$100 - $125/hr

Electrical Design Engineer III Location: Oakland, CA Job Id: 1148 # of Openings: 1 Join a People-First, Employee-Owned Firm That's Redefining Flexibility and Growth At Interface Engineering, we ...

Interface

Electrical Design Engineer III (MEP)

Chicago, IL · On-site

$80 - $100/hr

Electrical Design Engineer III (MEP) Location: Los Angeles, CA Job Id: 1171 # of Openings: 1 Join a People-First, Employee-Owned Firm That's Redefining Flexibility and Growth At Interface Engineering ...

Actalent

Electrical Engineer

Schaumburg, IL

$34 - $44/hr

Electrical Design Engineer We are seeking an Electrical Design Engineer to support the design and development of industrial control systems and electrical equipment. This role will work on projects ...

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All JobsElectrical Design Engineer JobsFreelance Electrical Design Engineer JobsFreelance Electrical Design Engineer Jobs in Mount Prospect, IL

Freelance Electrical Design Engineer information

See Mount Prospect, IL salary details

$51.2K

$100.4K

$147K

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

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for freelance electrical design engineer in Mount Prospect, IL is $100,414.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,000.00 and $114,700.00 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 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 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 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 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.

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Freelance Electrical Design Engineer jobs near you

Electrical Design Engineer

Benda Infotech

Chicago, IL

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Full Job Description Job Description:

The Electrical Design Engineer I will assist in the design and implementation of both current product optimization and new product development. You will work with the electrical and software development team (as well as additional stakeholders such as product management, manufacturing, and purchasing) to see projects through from conception to production, and beyond.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Design:

  • Create and maintain electrical schematics and wire harness drawings
  • Assist in the definition of software functions (machine control and HMI)
  • Acquire and analyze electrical system data
  • Research and understand the applicable industry and government standards (ISO, SAE, etc.)
  • Exercises independent judgement when appropriate

Documentation:

  • Supports the creation of machine documentation (schematics, manuals, training, troubleshooting).
  • Create and manage software requirement documentation
  • Create and manage testing documentation

Administrative Function:

  • Write engineering change notices (ECNs)
  • Release new designs

Product Support:

  • Provide hands on manufacturing support to keep production schedule on time
  • Work with field technicians and support services to investigate and resolve customer concerns

Product Testing:

  • Define testing requirements for new software functions (machine control and HMI)
  • Use data acquisition equipment to collect performance information
  • Create test setups for functional validation
  • Evaluate results and determine/coordinate appropriate issue resolution
  • Troubleshoot issues as they arise during prototyping

Communication:

  • Effectively communicates with members of other departments, suppliers, and service providers
  • Interpersonal skills to work with all levels of the organization to effectively communicate technical ideas
  • Proactively communicates with engineering management
  • Ability to work with a global engineering staff

Project Management:

  • Ability to self-manage your workload according to overall project timelines
Required Skills:
  • Bachelors or Masters in Electrical Engineering or related field.
  • 0-2 year of design engineering experience(including internship and co-op) in a manufacturing environment
  • Proficient knowledge of electronic circuit design, components, systems, and controls
  • Practical knowledge of data acquisition (discrete signals and CAN)
  • Practical knowledge of communication protocols (CAN, UDS, J1939, etc)
  • Practical CAD software experience
  • Proficient computer skills including Word, Excel, PowerPoint