Microsoft Electrical Engineer Jobs in California

Job Title: Electrical Engineer

Job Description

This Electrical Engineer role supports the design and manufacturing of advanced laboratory equipment, with a strong focus on existing electrical components, electrical subsystems, and product testing. You will collaborate closely with cross-functional product development teams to enhance electrical systems in products such as freezers, biological safety cabinets, shakers, incubators, and water systems. The position combines hands-on circuit design, simulation, troubleshooting, and test validation to deliver reliable, environmentally responsible, and regulatory-compliant solutions in a manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with product development and cross-functional teams to design and optimize electrical systems for laboratory products, including freezers, biological safety cabinets, shakers, incubators, and water systems.
• Identify and implement design optimization projects to improve performance, reliability, and manufacturability of existing electrical components and subsystems.
• Participate in Practical Process Improvement (PPI) teams to enhance electrical systems, achieving high quality, long-term reliability, and environmentally friendly designs while meeting regulatory requirements.
• Develop detailed specifications for electrical systems, subsystems, and components, ensuring they meet performance and compliance requirements.
• Troubleshoot electrical systems, including both analog and digital circuits, to resolve existing issues and improve product quality and reliability.
• Analyze electrical systems using simulation software to improve design robustness, performance, and reliability.
• Contribute to analog circuit design, digital circuit design, and software design and troubleshooting, including interfaces to electromechanical systems.
• Apply familiarity with C and C++ programming languages to support software-related aspects of electrical system design and debugging.
• Develop and execute comprehensive test plans to validate electrical system performance, using design for reliability tools and performance sensitivity analysis.
• Ensure designs and test plans consider applicable third-party certifications, such as FDA, UL, CE, and CSA, and support compliance with these standards.
• Improve current electrical systems by applying Design for Manufacturability and Design for Assembly principles, focusing on ease of service and cost reduction.
• Work closely with external suppliers to identify and implement improvements to existing product designs.
• Use PCB CAD design tools to support printed circuit board design and modifications.
• Utilize Microsoft Office and other computer tools to document designs, analyses, test results, and project status.
• Support technicians by interpreting schematics and assisting with troubleshooting activities on the shop floor.
• Participate in Continuous Improvement initiatives and support PPI, Keys, and Lean projects to enhance processes and product quality.
• Perform all job duties in a safe manner and follow all safety policies and procedures.
• Perform all job duties consistent with the organization’s Code of Ethics and core values.
• Ensure all work complies with ISO standards and applicable regulatory or statutory requirements.
• Perform other duties and cross-training assignments as required to support team and organizational objectives.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering.
• Two to five years of experience and/or training in electrical circuit design and product development.
• Hands-on experience with analog and digital circuit design and troubleshooting.
• Ability to analyze electrical systems using simulation software.
• Familiarity with C and C++ programming languages for software-related design and troubleshooting.
• Experience working with electromechanical systems and their electrical interfaces.
• Ability to develop specifications for electrical systems, subsystems, and components.
• Experience developing and executing test plans to validate electrical system performance.
• Knowledge of Design for Manufacturability and Design for Assembly principles.
• Understanding of design for reliability tools and performance sensitivity analysis.
• Familiarity with third-party certification considerations such as FDA, UL, CE, and CSA.
• Proficiency with commonly used PCB CAD design tools.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to read and understand electrical schematics and assist with troubleshooting.
• Basic electrical engineering principles and practical application skills.
• Ability to use AutoCAD, including copying and pasting and updating drawings.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated sense of ownership and urgency in managing projects and work assignments.
• Ability to work effectively in a cross-functional team environment.
• Ability to work with issues on the factory floor, with experience in a manufacturing environment preferred.
• Ability to travel up to 10% of the time as required.
• Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, climb stairs, and work at both computer stations and on the manufacturing shop floor.
• Ability to frequently lift up to 20 lbs and occasionally lift up to 40 lbs.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering is preferred.
• Experience with Design for Six Sigma methodologies.
• Experience with Design for Reliability practices.
• Participation in Practical Process Improvement (PPI), Lean, and Continuous Improvement initiatives.
• Experience working with laboratory equipment such as freezers, biological safety cabinets, shakers, incubators, and water systems.
• Familiarity with ISO standards and regulatory or statutory requirements related to electrical products.
• Comfort working with external suppliers to improve product designs.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail in documentation and testing.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and support cross-training needs.

Work Environment

This is a contingent position based in the United States, with work scheduled across Sunday through Saturday as needed. The role involves a combination of office and manufacturing shop floor environments. You will spend time at a computer workstation performing design, simulation, documentation, and PCB CAD work, as well as on the factory floor supporting product development, troubleshooting, and testing activities. The position requires regular sitting, standing, walking, bending, and climbing stairs, along with the ability to frequently lift up to 20 lbs and occasionally lift up to 40 lbs. You will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, technicians, and suppliers in a setting that emphasizes safety, adherence to ISO standards, and compliance with regulatory requirements. The work culture promotes continuous improvement, Practical Process Improvement (PPI), Lean initiatives, and alignment with a strong Code of Ethics and core values. Occasional travel of less than 10% may be required to support project and manufacturing needs.

This is a Contract position based out of Santa Clara, CA.

The pay range for this position is $50.00 - $50.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Santa Clara,CA.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 21, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.