1

Freelance Electrical Design Engineer Jobs in Rochester, NY

Electrical Engineer (Design)

York, NY · Hybrid

$100K - $140K/yr

Working knowledge of NEC and applicable electrical design standards. * Ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary engineering teams. Highly Desirable Expertise: * Experience using Bentley ...

Senior Electrical Engineer - MEP

Rochester, NY · On-site

$106.10K - $138.10K/yr

Electrical Engineer (Intermediate to Senior Level) Location: Rochester, NY (Hybrid) Employment Type ... Manage and execute electrical design projects * Load list development * Conductor sizing

Senior Electrical Engineer - MEP

Rochester, NY · Hybrid

$106.10K - $138.10K/yr

Electrical Engineer (Intermediate to Senior Level) Location: Rochester, NY (Hybrid) Employment Type ... Manage and execute electrical design projects * Load list development * Conductor sizing

Lead the design and engineering of low-voltage building electrical systems ("house power") supporting a wide range of facilities and public infrastructure projects. * Develop electrical power ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Freelance Electrical Design Engineer information

See Rochester, NY salary details

$50.8K

$99.7K

$146K

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

As of May 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for freelance electrical design engineer in Rochester, NY is $99,725.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,400.00 and $114,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Electrical Design Engineer jobs in Rochester, NY? The most popular types of Electrical Design Engineer jobs in Rochester, NY are:
What are popular job titles related to Freelance Electrical Design Engineer jobs in Rochester, NY? For Freelance Electrical Design Engineer jobs in Rochester, NY, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Rochester, NY are hiring for Freelance Electrical Design Engineer jobs? Cities near Rochester, NY with the most Freelance Electrical Design Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Freelance Electrical Design Engineer job openings in Rochester, NY as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 5% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 65% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 29% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $99,725 per year, or $47.9 per hour.
Entry-level Electrical Design Engineer

Entry-level Electrical Design Engineer

Salas O'Brien, Inc.

Rochester, NY • On-site

$62.40K - $72.50K/yr

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago


Salas O'Brien rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

259th of 349 rated engineering


Job description

Design Engineer

M/E Engineering, a Salas O’Brien company.

At Salas O’Brien we tell our clients that we’re engineered for impact. This passion for making a difference applies just as much to our team as it does to our projects. That’s why we’re committed to living our values every day: inspiring, achieving, and connecting as shared owners of our success with a focus on a sustainable future.

Building for the long-term means that all of our team members can expect to work on amazing projects with a people-first approach to problem solving. It also means that each member of our team has truly limitless potential to build a unique, meaningful, and high-impact career—and they’ll receive great total rewards along the way.

About Us:

Founded in 1975, Salas O’Brien is an employee-owned engineering and professional services firm focused on achieving impact for our clients, our team, and the world. We know that tomorrow’s requirements are today’s opportunities, and we are here to design lasting solutions for pressing challenges.

We work across a variety of industries providing integrated engineering and consulting services. Our specialized experience includes design for data centers, healthcare, science and technology, high-rise buildings, clean energy, education, and other building types as well as structural and building sciences, infrastructure asset management, advanced robotics, and more.

Our technical expertise is paired with an exceptional team of business development, human resources, finance and accounting, information technology, and marketing professionals, all of whom play a key role in bringing our commitments to life every day.

Job Summary:

The Entry-Level Electrical Design Engineer is an entry-level to early-career engineering role responsible for supporting the design and development of building systems across a wide range of project types. This position works under the direction of senior engineering staff to develop layouts, perform engineering calculations, assist in the creation of construction documents, and ensure technical quality.

This role is designed to build the foundational skills required to advance into a Project Engineer position. The Entry-Level Electrical Design Engineer is expected to demonstrate initiative, curiosity, technical competency, and strong collaboration skills while actively supporting project execution. Displays M/E Engineering's core values on a daily basis- Stewardship, Approachability, Design Excellence, Professionalism and Integrity.

Responsibilities:

  • Works with Senior Engineer, Project Engineer, and or Principal.
  • Independently perform assignments after instructions as to the general results expected.
  • Receives guidance on unusual problems and supervisory approval on developed plans.
  • Assists in the preparation of contract documents.
  • Plans, schedules, and conducts all phases of the work in a part of or a total project of moderate scope.
  • Performs conventional engineering work including standard designs.
  • Makes engineering calculations.
  • Develop elementary designs expanding on detailed schematic sketches.
  • Coordinates production and coordination with Senior Engineer/Designer or Project Engineer/Designer.
  • May supervise or coordinate the work of CAD Operators and Designers.

Qualifications and Experience:

  • Associate’s or Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering (or related discipline/equivalent combination of experience and education).
  • Foundational understanding of building systems design (energy, etc.) preferred.
  • Basic knowledge of building codes, industry standards, and engineering principles preferred.
  • Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, specifications, and design documents.
  • Proficiency with AutoCAD and/or Revit; basic understanding of BIM workflows preferred.
  • Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and critical thinking.
  • Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines in a team-oriented environment.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Location: Rochester or Buffalo, NY

Travel: Up to 15%

Compensation & Benefits:

The expected base salary range for this role is $62,400 - $72,500 USD per year, hourly, non-exempt. Actual compensation will be determined based on a number of factors including skills, experience, qualifications, and location.

This role is also eligible for a comprehensive U.S. based benefits package, including:

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • 401(k) with company match
  • Paid time off and company holidays
  • Wellness programs and employee assistance resources
  • Professional development support

For more information, visit our full benefits overview here.

Equal Opportunity Employment Statement