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Lead Electrical Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Atoms

Lead Electrical Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$195K - $246K/yr

What you'll do We're seeking a Lead Electrical Engineer to join our growing team and anchor our autonomous transport initiatives. In this role, you will own the electrical architecture for next ...

Meta

Lead Electrical Engineer, Smartglasses

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$173K/yr

Lead Electrical Engineer, Smartglasses Responsibilities: * Lead the electrical development of highly complex systems or multiple subsystems, driving technical direction and architecture * Define and ...

TRL11, Inc.

Lead Electrical Engineer

Irvine, CA · 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 ...

TRL11, Inc.

Lead Electrical Engineer

Irvine, CA · 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 ...

Atoms

Lead Electrical Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$195K - $246K/yr

What you'll do We're seeking a Lead Electrical Engineer to join our growing team and anchor our autonomous transport initiatives. In this role, you will own the electrical architecture for next ...

Logitech

Lead Electrical Engineer (Hybrid)

San Jose, CA · 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 ...

Ketchup, Inc.

Lead Electrical Engineer

San Francisco, CA · 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 ...

Ketchup

Lead Electrical Engineer

San Francisco, CA · 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 ...

Logitech

Lead Electrical Engineer (Hybrid)

San Jose, CA · 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 ...

Meta

Lead Electrical Engineer, Smartglasses

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$173K - $245K/yr

... electrical architecture, system integration, and technical strategy for major projects • Lead cross-functional design reviews, resolve technical conflicts, and ensure alignment across engineering ...

WSP

Lead Electrical Engineer - Buildings

Riverside, CA · On-site

$166K - $174K/yr

WSP is currently initiating a search for a Lead Electrical Engineer to join our Property & Buildings team in California. This position may be based out of any WSP office in California . This is an ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsLead Electrical Engineer JobsLead Electrical Engineer Jobs in California

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 29, 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 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.

What are popular job titles related to Lead Electrical Engineer jobs in California?

For Lead Electrical Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Lead Electrical Engineer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Lead Electrical Engineer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Lead Electrical Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Lead Electrical Engineer job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Lead Electrical Engineer jobs in CA?

For Lead Electrical Engineer jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Lead Electrical Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lead Electrical Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $154,294 per year, or $74.2 per hour.

Lead Electrical Engineer

San Francisco, CA • On-site

Atoms
Specialized Design Services • 11 - 50 employees
Learn more about Atomsexternal

$195K - $246K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

Who we are
Atoms is building the machines that power the next era of progress.
Over the last decade, software has transformed the digital world. But the physical world, where food is made, minerals are mined, goods are moved, and industries are run, remains far less intelligent, far less efficient, and far more constrained. We're changing that.
Atoms builds Physical AI- real-world robots for the industries that move civilization forward, starting with food, mining, and transport. Our systems are designed to understand, predict, and control the real world with precision, turning complex physical operations into something more reliable, more scalable, and more productive.
This work requires more than robotics. It requires deep integration across hardware, software, AI, operations, manufacturing, and real estate. We don't just build machines in a lab. We deploy them into real environments, operate them, learn from them, and improve them until they work at scale.
We are roboticists, engineers, operators, and builders. We believe the next great technology companies will not only transform information, but the physical systems that shape everyday life.
If you want to work on hard problems with real-world impact, join us.
What you'll do
We're seeking a Lead Electrical Engineer to join our growing team and anchor our autonomous transport initiatives. In this role, you will own the electrical architecture for next-generation on-road autonomous vehicles, guiding hardware development from early prototyping to high-volume scaling. You will serve as a key technical leader, bridging the gap between physical PCB design and low-level firmware to ensure our autonomous platforms are safe, redundant, and highly responsive.
  • Technical leadership: own the overarching electrical strategy for vehicle drive-by-wire and carrier boards. Mentor junior engineers, drive design reviews, and establish rigorous standards for hardware development.
  • Vehicle integration: Analyze and document CAN bus, CAN FD, direct signaling, and vehicle-specific communication protocols on passenger and commercial platforms.
  • Drive-by-wire development: Design and implement custom circuit boards for electronic and actuator-based vehicle operation, collaborating cross-team on firmware, wiring, and connectors.
  • Carrier board design & firmware integration: Design multi-layer carrier boards for compute units handling real-time control systems, including high-speed differential signaling and mixed-signal circuits.
  • Hardware testing: Design, build, and support testing processes and hardware test apparatus for validation and troubleshooting.
  • Integration & deployment: Support fleet installations and troubleshoot hardware/firmware issues at testing and deployment sites.

What we're looking for
  • Required Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field.
  • 3+ years of experience with a proven track record of leading complex electrical engineering projects.
  • Strong PCB design experience with multi-layer boards and high-speed signaling.
  • Deep familiarity with embedded systems, firmware architecture, and real-time control applications.
  • Familiarity with common automotive communication protocols (CAN, LIN, Ethernet).
  • Hands-on experience with hardware testing, validation, and debugging tools (oscilloscopes, logic analyzers).
  • Ability to lead and thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative startup environment.

Why join us
At Atoms, you'll work on one of the defining challenges of our time - bringing automation into the physical world to drive real, lasting impact. We exist to uncover valuable unknown truths and turn them into progress, which means constantly pushing beyond what's known and building what doesn't yet exist. The work is ambitious and often challenging, but it's grounded in a shared sense of purpose and a team committed to seeing it through together. Our work only matters if it serves others, and we know that meaningful progress depends on the trust of the people we serve and the strength of our team-so we invest in both, creating an environment where you can do your best work and grow.
What else you need to know
This role is based in our San Francisco office. Atoms is a company driven by invention and continuous change - we are constantly reimagining our industries, building new products, and refining how we operate. We do our best work together. That's why all of our office-based teams work onsite, five days a week.
The base salary range for this role is $195,000 - $246,000 per year.
Actual compensation will be determined on an individual basis and may vary depending on experience, skills, and qualifications.
Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package. You may also be eligible for equity awards.
Benefits Summary (USA Full-Time Exempt Employees):
  • Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, and Life Insurance
  • Flexible Spending Account / Health Savings Account Options
  • 401(k)
  • Equity
  • Sick Time, Unlimited Flexible Time Off, and Paid Holidays
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Pre-Tax Commuter Benefit Plan
  • Team lunch in our SoMa office every Tuesday and Thursday

Benefits are subject to change at the company's discretion.
Atoms accepts applications on an ongoing basis.
Ready to join us as we serve those who serve others?
#LI-Onsite

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