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Practical Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

AI Engineer Location : Remote The Applied AI role focuses on developing, deploying, and optimizing ... Build, test, and deploy machine learning and AI models for practical business and product ...

Senior Research Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$121K - $167K/yr

Many of the challenges you'll tackle involve limited or imperfect ground truth, requiring creativity, mathematical rigor, and practical engineering judgment Example Projects: * Estimate device ...

New

Many of the challenges you'll tackle involve limited or imperfect ground truth, requiring creativity, mathematical rigor, and practical engineering judgment Example Projects: * Estimate device ...

New

Our products operate in some of the toughest mining environments, where performance, reliability and practical engineering support matter. We are seeking an Application Engineer to support our Mining ...

Our products operate in some of the toughest mining environments, where performance, reliability and practical engineering support matter. We are seeking an Application Engineer to support our Mining ...

Our products operate in some of the toughest mining environments, where performance, reliability and practical engineering support matter. We are seeking an Application Engineer to support our Mining ...

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Practical Engineer information

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How much do practical engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for practical engineer in the United States is $28.34, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.04 and $31.73 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and leadership roles. High-paying engineering positions often require advanced degrees, professional certifications, and work in high-demand industries or executive-level responsibilities.

What is a practical engineer?

A practical engineer is a professional who applies engineering principles to solve real-world problems through hands-on work, often involving design, testing, and maintenance of systems or equipment. They typically work in industries such as manufacturing, construction, or maintenance, utilizing technical skills and tools to implement engineering solutions efficiently.

Can you make $500,000 as an electrical engineer?

Practical engineers, including electrical engineers, typically earn salaries below $500,000 annually, with top earners in specialized fields or management roles reaching higher compensation. Achieving such a salary usually requires extensive experience, advanced certifications, or leadership positions in high-demand industries. Most electrical engineers earn between $70,000 and $120,000 per year, depending on location and expertise.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Practical Engineer position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Practical Engineer, you need solid technical knowledge in your engineering specialty, hands-on problem-solving skills, and a relevant diploma or associate degree in practical engineering. Familiarity with industry-standard tools such as CAD software, measurement instruments, and applicable safety certifications is often required. Strong teamwork, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help Practical Engineers excel in fast-paced environments. These abilities ensure high-quality, safe, and efficient execution of engineering projects in real-world settings.

What is a Practical Engineer job?

A Practical Engineer is a professional who applies engineering principles in a hands-on, technical capacity, often bridging the gap between engineers and technicians. They typically work in fields such as civil, mechanical, electrical, or industrial engineering, assisting in design, development, testing, and maintenance of systems or structures. Their role involves problem-solving, drafting technical drawings, conducting experiments, and ensuring compliance with industry standards. Practical Engineers usually hold a diploma or associate degree and play a vital role in implementing engineering solutions effectively.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a Practical Engineer?

Practical Engineers are responsible for implementing technical solutions, conducting tests and measurements, troubleshooting equipment or systems, and supporting project engineers with on-site problem-solving. Their day may include updating technical drawings, maintaining equipment, and ensuring compliance with safety standards. Working closely with engineers, technicians, and sometimes clients, they often bridge the gap between planning and hands-on execution. This variety keeps the role dynamic and essential for keeping operations running smoothly in manufacturing, construction, or production environments.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Highly experienced engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum engineering, aerospace engineering, or certain senior roles in software engineering can earn $500,000 or more annually, often including bonuses and stock options. These positions typically require advanced skills, extensive experience, and often involve leadership or executive responsibilities.
More about Practical Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Practical Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Practical Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Practical Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Practical Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Practical Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Practical Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Practical Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $58,953 per year, or $28.3 per hour.
Senior Electrical Engineer (Power)

Senior Electrical Engineer (Power)

Salas O'Brien

Knoxville, TN • On-site

$102K - $133K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago


Salas O'Brien rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

259th of 356 rated engineering


Job description

Senior Electrical Engineer (Power)
At I.C. Thomasson, a Salas O'Brien Company, we tell our clients that we're engineered for impact. This passion for making a different applies just as much to our team as it does to our projects. That's why we're committed to living our values every day: inspiring, achieving, and connecting as shared owners of our success with a focus on a sustainable future.
Building for the long-term means that all our team members can expect to work on amazing projects with a people-first approach to problem solving. It also means that each member of our team has truly limitless potential to build unique, meaningful, and high-impact career- and they'll receive great total rewards along the way.
Job Summary: The ideal candidate to fill this position is a Senior Electrical Engineer that is confident in their ability as an electrical engineer in the power generation and distribution industry. This person would be a Design Lead of multiple projects, work with both internal and external teams to deliver projects that meet the objectives of the owner. Business Development acumen is important, so understanding business development is a plus. These activities may include developing an action plan to solicit and secure new work, implementation of goals, objectives, and priorities for the Power Generation team, identifying prospective markets and clients, etc.
General Duties:
  • Experience in personally developing electrical design packages from a conceptual to IFC level for power generation and distribution including specification of all protective device/relays, instruments, transformers, breakers, alternators, grounding components, and power/control wiring.
  • In-depth understanding of the design limitations and routing of conduit, cable tray, trench duct for high density power applications.
  • Experience with coordinating closely with vendor packagers to develop cost effective and timely design solutions for highly technical applications.
  • ETAP or SKM modelling experience and understanding of systems coordination, arc flash, grounding, and Neher-McGrath.
  • Capability to personally develop one-lines, three-lines, breaker control diagrams, power plans, and systems plans.
  • Strong familiarity with IEEE, UL, NEMA, NFPA standards for renewables, harmonics, generation, energy storage, hazardous area, and industrial systems
  • Take ownership and have ability to read, understand, and review vendor shop drawings for GIS switchgear, substation transformers, DCU/PLC enclosures, Microgrid controllers, and complete generation systems.
    - Ability to effectively communicate with architects, owners, and contractors
  • Support other engineers with research and recommendations of new technologies and methodologies to be considered.
  • A history of mentorship of other engineers and designers in teaching and training critical thinking skills, industry standards, and practical engineer application.
  • Ability to work well independently and as part of a strong team
  • Excellent organization and time management skills

Qualifications:
  • BS. in Electrical Engineering
  • 15+ years of work experience with complex electrical systems in the industrial and power generation sector.
  • Registered Professional Engineering license.
  • Experience with Revit
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills are essential for team-based projects.
  • Excellent planning and organizational skills required for simultaneous project schedules.
  • Highly motivated, proactive, and willing to take on new challenges
  • Willing to travel

Location: This role may sit out of any of our office locations.
Travel: 10%
This role is eligible for performance-based bonuses, and comprehensive U.S. based benefits package, including:
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • 401(k) with company match
  • Paid time off and company holidays
  • Wellness programs and employee assistance resources
  • Professional development support

For more information, visit our full benefits overview here - Salas O'Brien benefits
About Us:
Founded in 1975, Salas O'Brien is an employee-owned engineering and professional services firm focused on achieving impact for our clients, our team, and the world. We know that tomorrow's requirements are today's opportunities, and we are here to design lasting solutions for pressing challenges.
We work across a variety of industries providing integrated engineering and consulting services. Our specialized experience includes design for data centers, healthcare, science and technology, high-rise buildings, clean energy, education, and other building types as well as structural and building sciences, infrastructure asset management, advanced robotics, and more.
Our technical expertise is paired with an exceptional team of business development, human resources, finance and accounting, information technology, and marketing professionals, all of whom play a key role in bringing our commitments to life everyday.
Equal Opportunity Employment Statement
Salas O'Brien provides equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state/provincial, or local laws. Salas O'Brien will accommodate the disability-related needs of applicants as required by law.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.