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Lead Electrical Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Lead Electrical Engineer

San Jose, CA ยท On-site +1

$144K - $200K/yr

Lead Electrical Engineer Logitech is the Sweet Spot for people who want their actions to have a positive global impact while having the flexibility to do it in their own way. The Team and Role: The ...

Lead Electrical Engineer

San Jose, CA ยท On-site

$144K - $200K/yr

Lead Electrical Engineer Logitech is the Sweet Spot for people who want their actions to have a positive global impact while having the flexibility to do it in their own way. The Team and Role: The ...

Lead Electrical Engineer

Irvine, CA ยท On-site

$171K - $179K/yr

As a Senior Electrical Engineer, you will play a pivotal role in designing and delivering high ... Lead multiple design cycles for high-reliability electronics, ensuring robust performance in ...

Lead Electrical Engineer

Irvine, CA ยท On-site

$171K - $179K/yr

As a Senior Electrical Engineer, you will play a pivotal role in designing and delivering high ... Lead multiple design cycles for high-reliability electronics, ensuring robust performance in ...

Lead Electrical Engineer

Irvine, CA ยท On-site

$171K - $179K/yr

As a Senior Electrical Engineer, you will play a pivotal role in designing and delivering high ... Lead multiple design cycles for high-reliability electronics, ensuring robust performance in ...

Lead Electrical Engineer

San Francisco, CA ยท On-site

$188K - $196K/yr

Lead our hardware build and control key hardware decisions to bring our prototype to production. Requirements * Full-time in San Francisco. * A degree in electrical engineering. * Minimum of 1 year ...

Lead Electrical Engineer

San Francisco, CA

$188K - $196K/yr

Lead our hardware build and control key hardware decisions to bring our prototype to production. Requirements Full-time in San Francisco. A degree in electrical engineering. Minimum of 1 year ...

Lead Electrical Engineer - Buildings

San Diego, CA ยท On-site

$170K - $177K/yr

WSP is currently initiating a search for a Lead Electrical Engineer for our San Diego, CA office. Provides high level technical assistance and guidance for multi-site/phase due diligence ...

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Showing results 1-20

Lead Electrical Engineer information

See California salary details

$81.4K

$154.3K

$165.3K

How much do lead electrical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for lead electrical engineer in California is $154,294.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $157,900.00 and $164,800.00 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.
What cities in California are hiring for Lead Electrical Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Lead Electrical Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Lead Electrical Engineer job openings in California 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 $154,294 per year, or $74.2 per hour.

Lead Electrical Engineer

PAE CONSULTING ENGINEERS INC

San Francisco, CA โ€ข On-site

$104K - $128K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 13 days ago


Job description

The Opportunity

PAE is seeking a technically proficient and collaborative Lead Electrical Engineer in our San Francisco office to guide project teams through the successful design and execution of complex electrical systems. In this role, you will bridge the gap between high-level design and project management, overseeing the creation of comprehensive deliverables from initial narratives to final construction documents. You will serve as a vital technical mentor, ensuring that power distribution, lighting, and electrical systems are not only innovative but also strictly compliant with the NEC and industry standards.

Who We Areย 

PAE is an engineering and design firm that turns complex challenges into reality. By leveraging the latest technologies, we solve problems in unique ways, and our designs enable buildings and communities to be more resilient and efficient.ย PAE is trusted by our clients in every aspect of a project's lifespan, from idea to occupancy. We set ambitious goals backed by analysis to significantly conserve water and energy while balancing costs and long-term operational needs.ย As a B Corp, we measure success by the benefits our projects provide to our clients, our communities, and our planet. We embrace innovation, transparency, sustainability, and lifelong curiosity.


What You'll Do

  • Oversee the preparation of deliverables and documents including narratives, calculations, drawings and specifications
  • Application of electrical distribution, lighting and power systems design
  • Able to effectively communicate design options to a diverse stakeholder group ย ย 
  • Provide engineering direction and guidance for the project team
  • Independently evaluate and apply engineering judgment, techniques, and procedures to complete a project from concepts through construction
  • Oversee electrical load calculations
  • Complete the project within the budget and schedule
  • Knowledge of other disciplines and directยฌ interdisciplinary coordination
  • Provide updates to master specifications; provide input into standards
  • Apply knowledge of building codes and electrical industry standards
  • Perform engineering calculations and equipment selection
  • Provide opinions of probable construction costs
  • Perform site visits and issues reports
  • Engineering application of distribution Load Flow, Short Circuit and Arc Flash Energy analysis using Easy Power
  • Implement the project quality management plan (QMP)
  • Perform other duties as assignedย 

What You Bring

  • Bachelorโ€™s Degree in Electrical Engineering for discipline work
  • Relevant Professional Credential (i.e., PE) preferred
  • Requires a minimum 2-4 years of Electrical Engineering experience or 3-5 yearsโ€™ related work experience
  • Advanced understanding of electrical engineering conceptsย 
  • Thorough understanding of project phases and their associated deliverables
  • Develop the ability to assemble and run a team
  • Strong delegation skills
  • Effective written and verbal communication skills
  • Knowledge and application of the NEC and relevant building and energy codes
  • Microsoft Office Suiteย 

What We Offerย 

  • Hiring Base Salary Range: $104,200-$128,750 annualย 
    • This position is eligible for time and a halfย overtime pay

The base salary is one component of PAEโ€™s competitive compensation package for employees. We take into consideration a variety of factors including but not limited to skills, abilities, experience, education, credentials, internal equity and geographic location in determining exact salary offered. At PAE, employees are eligible for annual compensation reviews based on performance and business needs.ย The above range represents PAE's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.ย 

In addition, PAE offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes the following:ย 

  • Employer paid health insurance (medical, dental, vision)ย 
  • Annual 401k profit sharing based on company profit for the year and account contributionย 
  • Professional development reimbursements including state registration and professional association duesย 
  • Employer paid commuter/parking stipend
  • Cell phone stipendย 
  • Life insurance and disability benefitsย 
  • Hybrid work scheduleย 
  • Employee Assistance Programย 
  • 9 paid holidays including an additional employee-selected day
  • Paid time off for sick leave, family leave, community service, holidays and vacation
  • To learn more about our comprehensive benefits package, visit https://www.pae-engineers.com/careers/benefits. This information is provided per the Equal Pay Act

Our commitment to pay equityย 

PAE is a JUST label certified company; we demonstrate JUST label requirements within pay equity. Pay scales should meet or exceed applicable legislated wage requirements and industry standards and compensate, on the same basis, all individuals performing the same or similar work and work of equal value. We are committed to the principle of pay equity โ€“ paying employees equitably for substantially similar work. To learn more about pay equity and our commitments to equitable business practices, you may view our JUST label certification here: Living Future: Just Label Certification.ย 

To find out more visit our website.


What Weโ€™re Made Ofย 

Founded in 1967, PAE is a leading sustainable engineering and consulting firm on a mission to deliver clean air, energy, and water for all. We specialize in mechanical, electrical, and plumbing engineering, building performance analysis, technology design, and lighting design (LUMA). PAE designs some of the nation's highest-performing and most regenerative built environments across the U.S., from Living Buildings to all-electric buildings and beyond. Learn more atย pae-engineers.com.

Our portfolio includes over 100 LEED Platinum projects as well as dozens of projects that have either achieved or are pursuing the Living Building Challenge, Passive House, Architecture 2030, Carbon Neutral, Net Zero Energy, and Net Zero Water.ย 


Fine Printย 

Please note that resumes received from third party recruiters or agencies will not be accepted unless requested directly by PAE Talent Acquisition and with a prior signed fee agreement. If candidates without a previously signed recruiter fee agreement are submitted, PAE reserves the right to engage with and hire those candidate(s) without any obligation financial or otherwise to the recruiter or agency.

In order to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all individuals, employment decisions at PAE will be based on merit, qualifications and abilities. PAE does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, gender (sex), national origin, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical characteristics historically associated with race, disability, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.ย 

PAE will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities unless doing so would result in an undue hardship. This policy governs all aspects of employment including: selection, job assignment, compensation, discipline, termination and access to benefits and training.ย 

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