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Lead Electrical Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Lead Electrical Engineer

Issaquah, WA · On-site

$184K - $192K/yr

Lead Electrical Engineer Location: Issaquah, WA (Onsite) We are seeking a Lead Electrical Engineer to drive the design and development of medical products within our R&D team. The role involves ...

LEAD ELECTRICAL ENGINEER

Nederland, TX · On-site

$142K - $148K/yr

The Senior Lead Electrical Engineer provides technical leadership for the electrical engineering discipline on capital, maintenance, and turnaround projects within the petrochemical, refining, and ...

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Lead Electrical Engineer information

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$82.5K

$156.3K

$167.5K

How much do lead electrical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for lead electrical engineer in the United States is $156,341.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $160,000.00 and $167,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a lead electrical engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Lead Electrical Engineer, you typically need a degree in electrical engineering, strong expertise in circuit design, and experience managing engineering projects. Proficiency with CAD software, electrical simulation tools, and familiarity with industry standards and relevant certifications (such as PE licensure) are essential. Leadership, problem-solving, and effective communication skills help you coordinate teams and interact with stakeholders. These skills ensure that complex electrical systems are designed efficiently, safely, and meet both technical and business requirements.

What is a lead electrical engineer?

Lead Electrical Engineers are senior professionals responsible for overseeing the design, development, and implementation of electrical systems within projects. They manage engineering teams, ensure compliance with industry standards, and coordinate with other departments to deliver successful solutions. Their role often includes project planning, mentoring junior engineers, and ensuring that projects are completed on time and within budget. Lead Electrical Engineers work in various industries such as construction, manufacturing, and energy.

What is the difference between Lead Electrical Engineer vs Electrical Engineer?

AspectLead Electrical EngineerElectrical Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering; often requires 5+ years experience; professional engineering license (PE) preferredBachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering; typically 0-3 years experience; licensure not always required
Work EnvironmentLeading projects, overseeing teams, coordinating design and implementation in industrial, commercial, or infrastructure settingsDesigning, testing, and developing electrical systems under supervision, often in office or lab settings
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in engineering firms, construction, manufacturing, and energy sectors for project leadership rolesEntry to mid-level roles in similar industries, focusing on technical tasks

The main difference between a Lead Electrical Engineer and an Electrical Engineer lies in responsibility and experience. The Lead Electrical Engineer typically oversees projects, manages teams, and has more extensive experience and credentials. In contrast, Electrical Engineers focus on technical design and development tasks, often at an earlier career stage.

How much do lead electrical engineers make?

Lead electrical engineers typically earn a median annual salary of around $100,000 to $130,000, depending on experience, location, and industry. They often hold advanced certifications and oversee complex electrical projects, which can influence compensation levels.

How does a lead electrical engineer typically collaborate with multidisciplinary teams on large projects?

As a Lead Electrical Engineer, you will frequently work alongside professionals from civil, mechanical, and architectural backgrounds to ensure seamless integration of electrical systems within broader project scopes. This role involves participating in design reviews, coordinating schedules, and resolving technical conflicts with other disciplines. Effective communication and proactive problem-solving are essential, as you'll often be the point of contact for electrical matters and responsible for aligning your team's deliverables with overall project objectives.

What does a lead electrical engineer do?

A lead electrical engineer oversees the design, development, and testing of electrical systems and components for projects. They coordinate technical teams, ensure compliance with safety standards, and use tools like CAD software to create schematics. Strong leadership, technical expertise, and project management skills are essential in this role.
More about Lead Electrical Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Lead Electrical Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Lead Electrical Engineer job openings:
Who are the top companies hiring for Lead Electrical Engineer jobs? The top employers for Lead Electrical Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Lead Electrical Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Lead Electrical Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Lead Electrical Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $156,341 per year, or $75.2 per hour.

Lead Electrical Engineer

Sterling Engineering Inc.

Bridgeview, IL

$160K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 6 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.