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Independent Contractor Electrical Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Raya Workforce

Electrical Engineer

Oak Brook, IL · On-site

$95K - $135K/yr

Electrical Engineer Location: Oak Brook, IL Work Schedule: Hybrid - 4 Days Onsite / 1 Day Remote ... Coordinate with architects, engineers, contractors, and project stakeholders. * Ensure designs ...

iLink Resources

Electrical Engineer

Portage, IN · On-site

$40 - $45/hr

The Electrical Engineer is responsible for supporting the design, modification, and implementation ... The position also involves coordinating with engineers, vendors, contractors, and other design ...

New

Three Point Solutions

Electrical Engineer

Palatine, IL · On-site

$80K - $120K/hr

Electrical Engineer Client: Architecture and Engineering Firm Duration: Full-Time (Permanent ... Coordinate with architects, engineers, contractors, and consultants * Participate in coordination ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsIndependent Contractor Electrical Engineer JobsIndependent Contractor Electrical Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Independent Contractor Electrical Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$52.1K

$114.5K

$173.2K

How much do independent contractor electrical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for independent contractor electrical engineer in Chicago, IL is $114,530.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $85,600.00 and $136,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an independent contractor electrical engineer do?

An Independent Contractor Electrical Engineer is a self-employed professional who provides electrical engineering services to clients on a contract basis. They design, develop, and test electrical systems for various industries, including construction, manufacturing, and technology. Unlike full-time employees, independent contractors typically work on short-term or project-based assignments, handling tasks such as circuit design, system integration, troubleshooting, and compliance testing. They must manage their own business operations, including invoicing, taxes, and client relationships. This role offers flexibility but requires strong technical expertise and business skills to succeed.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an independent contractor electrical engineer?

Independent Contractor Electrical Engineers need a solid background in electrical engineering principles, project management, and often a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or a related field. Proficiency with industry-standard design software like AutoCAD and MATLAB, as well as familiarity with relevant codes and optional certifications such as a Professional Engineer (PE) license, is highly valued. Strong communication, time management, and problem-solving skills help these professionals effectively coordinate with clients and deliver projects independently. Mastering these competencies ensures successful project delivery, client satisfaction, and compliance with technical standards in a self-directed work environment.

Can independent contractor electrical engineers be self-employed?

Yes, independent contractor electrical engineers can be self-employed, working on a project basis or through their own business. They typically handle their own taxes, licensing, and client relationships, and may need relevant certifications such as a Professional Engineer (PE) license. Self-employment allows flexibility but requires managing business operations and compliance with industry standards.

How much do freelance electrical engineers make?

Freelance electrical engineers typically earn between $50,000 and $120,000 annually, depending on experience, specialization, and project scope. Rates can vary from $30 to $150 per hour, with highly skilled engineers or those with niche expertise commanding higher fees. Successful freelancers often work on a project basis, requiring strong technical skills and client management abilities.

What are the most commonly searched types of Electrical Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Electrical Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Independent Contractor Electrical Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Independent Contractor Electrical Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Independent Contractor Electrical Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Independent Contractor Electrical Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Independent Contractor Electrical Engineer jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Independent Contractor Electrical Engineer job openings:

Independent Contractor Electrical Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Independent Contractor Electrical Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 13% Contract. Highlights an 88% In-person, 6% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $114,530 per year, or $55.1 per hour.

Lead Electrical Engineer

Sterling Engineering Inc.

Bridgeview, IL

$160K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 21 days ago

Job description

Title: Lead Electrical Engineer
Location: Bridgeview, IL
Hire Type: Direct Hire
Compensation: $140-160k
Bonus/ Incentives/ Stock Options: Annual bonus eligibility
Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401k matching
Must have Skill Set:

  • Proven experience managing industrial electrical engineering projects from design and budgeting through installation and commissioning.
  • Strong experience with 13.8kV/high-voltage systems, 480V distribution, MCCs, control panels, and industrial electrical infrastructure.
  • Strong knowledge of NEC/NFPA 70, local electrical codes, OSHA, and industrial electrical safety standards.
  • Experience leading electrical maintenance teams and contractors; unionized workforce experience preferred.

Overview:

A leading manufacturing organization is seeking an experienced Electrical Engineering Manager to lead electrical engineering projects, facility infrastructure, and electrical maintenance operations at a large-scale manufacturing facility.

This position will oversee electrical projects from initial design and budgeting through installation, commissioning, and documentation while providing technical leadership to an experienced maintenance team and outside contractors. The ideal candidate will bring strong expertise in industrial power distribution, automation, controls, electrical safety, and project management.

This is a highly visible leadership role focused on improving electrical system reliability, modernizing infrastructure, increasing operational efficiency, and supporting continuous improvement across the facility.

Job Duties:

  • Lead electrical projects from design and budgeting through installation, commissioning, and documentation, including electrical and control systems for manufacturing equipment and facility infrastructure.
  • Develop capital budgets, project schedules, material estimates, RFQs, and BOMs while reviewing vendor drawings and electrical designs.
  • Oversee and modernize 13.8kV, 480V, MCC, control panel, and other industrial electrical systems to improve reliability, uptime, and equipment life.
  • Serve as the technical resource for electrical, PLC, controls, SCADA, and automation troubleshooting and develop preventative/predictive maintenance programs.
  • Lead electrical maintenance personnel and contractors, ensuring safe, efficient execution and adherence to NEC/NFPA 70, OSHA, and local electrical codes.
  • Partner with Engineering, Maintenance, Operations, and Safety teams to drive continuous improvement, reliability, and facility projects.

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Electrical Engineering Technology, or a related technical discipline preferred.
  • Proven experience in industrial electrical engineering, project management, and electrical maintenance supervision.
  • Experience with 13.8kV/high-voltage systems, 480V distribution, MCCs, control panels, PLCs, SCADA, and industrial automation.
  • Strong understanding of NEC/NFPA 70, local electrical codes, OSHA, and industrial electrical safety requirements.
  • Experience developing project schedules, capital budgets, material requisitions, equipment specifications, and vendor RFQs.
  • Experience supervising maintenance personnel and outside contractors; union workforce experience strongly preferred.
  • Strong troubleshooting, project management, leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
  • Ability to manage multiple high-priority capital projects while responding to urgent operational and maintenance needs.
  • Highly detail-oriented with the ability to move seamlessly between strategic engineering initiatives and hands-on production-floor issues.


Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.