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Lead Electrical Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Lead Electrical Engineer

Bridgeview, IL ยท On-site

$140K - $160K/yr

Lead Electrical Engineer Location: Bridgeview, IL Hire Type: Direct Hire Compensation: $140K-$160K Bonus/Incentives: Annual Bonus Eligibility Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k) Match Must-Have ...

LEAD ELECTRICAL ENGINEER

Nederland, TX ยท 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 ...

LEAD ELECTRICAL ENGINEER

Nederland, TX ยท 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 26, 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 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.

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 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 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.
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 89% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $156,341 per year, or $75.2 per hour.

Lead Electrical Engineer

Sterling Engineering

Bridgeview, IL โ€ข On-site

$140K - $160K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 26 days ago


Job description

Title: Lead Electrical Engineer

Location: Bridgeview, IL

Hire Type: Direct Hire

Compensation: $140Kโ€“$160K

Bonus/Incentives: Annual Bonus Eligibility

Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k) Match

Must-Have Skill Set:

  • Experience managing industrial electrical engineering projects from design through commissioning.
  • Strong knowledge of 13.8kV/high-voltage systems, 480V distribution, MCCs, control panels, and industrial electrical infrastructure.
  • Experience with PLCs, SCADA, industrial automation, and electrical troubleshooting.
  • Knowledge of NEC/NFPA 70, OSHA, and electrical safety standards.
  • Experience leading maintenance teams and contractors (union experience preferred).

Overview:

A leading manufacturing company is seeking a Lead Electrical Engineer to oversee capital electrical projects, facility infrastructure, and maintenance operations. This highly visible leadership role will drive system reliability, modernization, and continuous improvement while providing technical leadership across engineering and maintenance teams.

Job Duties:

  • Lead electrical projects from design through installation and commissioning.
  • Manage capital budgets, schedules, RFQs, BOMs, and vendor coordination.
  • Oversee high-voltage electrical systems, power distribution, MCCs, PLCs, and SCADA.
  • Provide technical support for troubleshooting and preventive maintenance.
  • Lead maintenance personnel and contractors while ensuring compliance with safety and electrical codes.
  • Partner with Engineering, Operations, and Maintenance to improve reliability and plant performance.

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field preferred.
  • Industrial electrical engineering and project management experience.
  • Strong background with high-voltage systems, power distribution, PLCs, SCADA, and automation.
  • Experience developing capital projects, budgets, and equipment specifications.
  • Excellent leadership, communication, troubleshooting, and organizational skills.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity