Independent Contractor Mep Electrical Design Engineer Jobs in Riverside, CA

Electrical Design Engineer

At Salas O’Brien, we tell our clients that we’re engineered for impact. That same passion for making a difference applies not only to our projects, but also to our people. We are committed to living our values every day—inspiring, achieving, and connecting as shared owners of our success, with a steadfast focus on building a sustainable future.

Building for the long term means our team members can expect to work on meaningful, challenging projects within a people‑first culture that values collaboration, curiosity, and thoughtful problem‑solving. It also means that every individual at Salas O’Brien has the opportunity to build a unique, rewarding, and high‑impact career, supported by strong mentorship, growth opportunities, and a competitive total rewards package.

About Us:

Founded in 1975, Salas O’Brien is an employee‑owned engineering and professional services firm dedicated to creating positive impact for our clients, our team, and the world. We believe tomorrow’s requirements are today’s opportunities, and we partner with our clients to design lasting, practical solutions to complex challenges.

We serve a diverse range of industries through integrated engineering and consulting services. Our expertise includes 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 excellence is strengthened by an exceptional team of professionals across business development, human resources, finance and accounting, information technology, and marketing. Together, we collaborate across disciplines to deliver on our commitments and make a meaningful impact—every day. 

Electrical Design Engineer (In‑Person) 

Location: Tustin, CA (In‑Person)
Travel: As needed, up to 50%

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced Electrical Design Engineer to join our team in an in‑person role based in Tustin, California. This position is responsible for the design of building electrical systems, including power, lighting, fire alarm, and special systems, with a strong emphasis on healthcare projects.

This is an excellent opportunity for a technically strong and detail‑oriented engineer who is interested in professional growth and advancement into more leadership responsibilities, while working on complex, mission‑critical projects.

Key Responsibilities 

• Develop electrical system designs in accordance with project scope, client requirements, applicable codes, and industry standards.
• Provide engineering planning, design, and construction administration services for:
• Power distribution systems
• Lighting and lighting control systems
• Fire alarm systems
• Nurse Call systems
• Other low voltage systems
• Perform existing building surveys and document current electrical and fire alarm conditions.
• Prepare, edit, and coordinate electrical specifications and construction documents.
• Author engineering reports, assessment reports, and Basis of Design (BOD) documents.
• Coordinate closely with internal project teams, architects, and other engineering disciplines.
• Participate in and lead technical discussions, design coordination meetings, and client presentations.
• Support construction administration activities, including RFIs, submittal reviews, and field coordination as needed.
• Assist Project Managers with technical input, schedule coordination, and project execution. 

Qualifications & Experience 

• Education:
• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in electrical engineering or a related field.
• Experience:
• Minimum of 5 years of electrical design experience.
• Experience with healthcare, science and technology, education, and/or commercial buildings is strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of and experience with HCAI / OSHPD standards is preferred.
• Professional Credentials:
• Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred.
• LEED accreditation or sustainable design experience preferred.
• Technical Expertise:
• Proficiency in electrical engineering calculations, including:
• Lighting photometric calculations
• Voltage drop analysis
• Short‑circuit and overcurrent protection coordination studies
• Load Calculations

Skills & Abilities

• Proficient in Revit, AutoCAD, and Microsoft Office.
• Strong working knowledge of applicable electrical codes, standards, and design guidelines.
• High level of attention to detail with a commitment to quality and accuracy.
• Excellent work ethic with a proactive, solution‑oriented attitude.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Effective time management and organizational skills with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision as well as collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Comfortable engaging with clients and presenting technical information in a clear and professional manner.

Compensation & Benefits:

Salas O’Brien health and welfare benefits are designed to invest in you, and in the things you care about. Your health. Your well-being. Your security. Your future. Team members have access to medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance, a 401(k) plan, and the ability to purchase company stock at a discount.  Salas O’Brien has both U.S. and Canadian (PTO) plans for full-time salaried, exempt and non-team members, 10 paid holidays, and paid leave programs for military service and new parents. And certain roles may be eligible for additional rewards, including merit increases, performance discretionary bonus, and stock.

The base salary range for this position is $80,000 to $125,000. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

Equal Opportunity Employment Statement

Salas O’Brien provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state/provincial, or local laws. Salas O’Brien will accommodate the disability-related needs of applicants as required by law.