Independent Contractor Electrical Engineer Jobs in California

Join us and make YOUR mark on the World!

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) has turned bold ideas into world-changing impact advancing science and technology to strengthen U.S. security and promote global stability. 

Our mission spans four critical national security areas nuclear deterrence, threat preparedness, energy security, and multi-domain defense empowering teams to take on the toughest challenges of today and tomorrow. With a culture built on innovation and operational excellence, LLNL is a place where your expertise can make a real impact.

We have an opening for an Electrical Designer/Engineer who will prepare construction documents for new construction, remodeling, and modifications of facilities and infrastructure at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL). This position is in the Design & Engineering Division within the Project Management Office (PMO).

You will contribute to the planning, design, and construction of electrical systems across a variety of facilities, ensuring reliability, compliance, and efficiency. Depending on your experience and qualifications, you will join as a TSS.2 Electrical Designer or TSS.3 Electrical Engineer with increasing levels of independence, leadership, and technical scope.

You will

• Design electrical systems for construction projects including power distribution, lighting, grounding, and associated systems.
• Apply the National Electrical Code (NEC), California Building and Electrical Codes, and institutional standards to design solutions supporting LLNL's electrical infrastructure.
• Develop detailed technical drawings, specifications, and calculations (e.g., load flow, branch, short circuit, arc flash, etc.).
• Determine functional electrical requirements for new or modified specialized equipment and support systems.
• Provide engineering support during construction by reviewing submittals and shop drawings, responding to contractor questions, resolving field problems, and performing inspections.
• Use AutoCAD and Revit to prepare electrical construction packages.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Additional Responsibilities at the TSS.3 Level

• Lead moderate to complex electrical design projects, managing technical criteria, schedules, and deliverables.
• Utilize independent judgment in applying NEC and LLNL design standards to major infrastructure upgrades and modifications.
• Support procurement of LLNL-furnished electrical equipment by developing specifications and coordinating with vendors and project stakeholders.
• Review designs prepared by external engineers for compliance, constructability, and adherence to LLNL standards.

• Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance, which requires U.S. citizenship.
• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or an equivalent combination of education or an equivalent combination of education and a minimum of five years of electrical engineering design experience within an architectural or engineering consulting firm.
• Passed the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Exam; ability to obtain professional registration as an Electrical Engineer in the State of California within five years.
• Knowledge of the National Electrical Code (NEC) and California Building Energy Efficiency Standards (Title 24).
• Experience delivering electrical design and drafting services for both new construction and existing facilities, including the development of design drawings for power distribution, lighting, and grounding systems; preparation of electrical one-line diagrams; performance of load studies, short-circuit analyses, and arc flash analyses; and production of associated electrical layouts and supporting documentation.
• Knowledge and experience with electrical power distribution system components such as transformers, switchgear, switchboards, panelboards, motor control centers, automatic transfer switches, uninterruptible power supplies, backup generators, lighting, and grounding systems.
• Proficient verbal and written communication skills to collaborate in a team environment and present technical information effectively.
• Software Skills: Experience using AutoCAD and Revit; proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.

Additional Qualifications at the TSS.3 Level

• Professional registration as an Electrical Engineer in the State of California.
• Out-of-state electrical engineering professional licenses are acceptable, provided the successful candidate is willing to obtain a California Professional Engineer (PE) license through reciprocity within three months of hire
• Significant experience in electrical design and project coordination for complex facility infrastructure.
• Advanced knowledge of California Electrical Code, NEC, and 12/13.8kV electrical utility systems.
• Demonstrated ability to lead design tasks, manage project scopes, and coordinate with cross-disciplinary teams.

Qualifications We Desire

• Experience using SKM Power Tools, or Agi32 for electrical and lighting system analysis.
• Familiarity with the Life Safety Code (NFPA 101) and the Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace (NFPA 70E).
• Understanding of construction processes and integration of electrical systems into large-scale infrastructure projects.
• Knowledge of energy-efficient design practices and sustainable technologies.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Prior internship or professional experience in an Architecture/Engineering (A/E) firm or similar organization.

Pay Range

$129,150 - $196,476 annually

$129,150- $163,764Annually (TSS.2)

$154,950 - $196,476 Annually (TSS.3)

This is the lowest to highest salary range in good faith we would pay for this role at the time of this posting.  An employee's position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, specific competencies, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, geographic location, performance, and business or organizational needs.

#LI-Hybrid

Position Information

This is a Career Indefinite position, open to Lab employees and external candidates.

Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory?

• Included in 2026 Best Places to Work by Glassdoor!
• Flexible Benefits Package
• 401(k)
• Relocation Assistance
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Flexible schedules (*depending on project needs)
• Our values - visit https://www.llnl.gov/inclusion/our-values

Security Clearance

This position requires a Department of Energy (DOE) Q-level clearance.  If you are selected, we will initiate a Federal background investigation to determine if you meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information or matter. Also, all L or Q cleared employees are subject to random drug testing.  Q-level clearance requires U.S. citizenship. 

Pre-Employment Drug Test

External applicant(s) selected for this position must pass a post-offer, pre-employment drug test. This includes testing for use of marijuana as Federal Law applies to us as a Federal Contractor.

Wireless and Medical Devices

Per the Department of Energy (DOE), Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory must meet certain restrictions with the use and/or possession of mobile devices in Limited Areas. Depending on your job duties, you may be required to work in a Limited Area where you are not permitted to have a personal and/or laboratory mobile device in your possession.  This includes, but not limited to cell phones, tablets, fitness devices, wireless headphones, and other Bluetooth/wireless enabled devices.  

If you use a medical device, which pairs with a mobile device, you must still follow the rules concerning the mobile device in individual sections within Limited Areas.  Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities require separate approval. Hearing aids without wireless capabilities or wireless that has been disabled are allowed in Limited Areas, Secure Space and Transit/Buffer Space within buildings.

How to identify fake job advertisements

Please be aware of recruitment scams where people or entities are misusing the name of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) to post fake job advertisements. LLNL never extends an offer without a personal interview and will never charge a fee for joining our company. All current job openings are displayed on the Career Page under "Find Your Job" of our website. If you have encountered a job posting or have been approached with a job offer that you suspect may be fraudulent, we strongly recommend you do not respond.

To learn more about recruitment scams: https://www.llnl.gov/sites/www/files/2023-05/LLNL-Job-Fraud-Statement-Updated-4.26.23.pdf

Equal Employment Opportunity

We are an equal opportunity employer that is committed to providing all with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, protected veteran status, age, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws.

Reasonable Accommodation

Our goal is to create an accessible and inclusive experience for all candidates applying and interviewing at the Laboratory.  If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or the recruiting process, please use our online form to submit a request. 

California Privacy Notice

The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) grants privacy rights to all California residents. The law also entitles job applicants, employees, and non-employee workers to be notified of what personal information LLNL collects and for what purpose. The Employee Privacy Notice can be accessed here.