ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Freelance Physical Design Engineer Jobs in Columbus, OH

TestingXperts

Mechanical Design Engineer

Columbus, OH · On-site

$73.40K - $99.50K/yr

... engineering data 3D CAD and 2D engineering drawings, preparing work instruction and assembly ... Identify missing part information and dimensions , measure dimension from physical part update CAD ...

DeBra-Kuempel Inc.

BAS Controls Design Engineer

Columbus, OH · On-site

$80.70K - $104.30K/yr

Our team offers a variety of MEP and process piping services, including design-build engineering ... PHYSICAL DEMANDS The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met ...

DeBra-Kuempel Inc.

BAS Controls Design Engineer

Columbus, OH · On-site

$80.70K - $104.30K/yr

Our team offers a variety of MEP and process piping services, including design-build engineering ... PHYSICAL DEMANDS The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

People also search for

All JobsFreelance Physical Design Engineer JobsFreelance Physical Design Engineer Jobs in Columbus, OH

Freelance Physical Design Engineer information

See Columbus, OH salary details

$14

$46

$127

How much do freelance physical design engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of May 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance physical design engineer in Columbus, OH is $46.08, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.46 and $59.66 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Freelance Physical Design Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Freelance Physical Design Engineer, you need expertise in ASIC/FPGA physical design, knowledge of VLSI concepts, and a degree in electrical or electronics engineering. Familiarity with EDA tools such as Cadence, Synopsys, or Mentor Graphics, and experience with scripting languages like TCL or Python are typically required. Strong problem-solving, communication, and time management skills help freelancers efficiently collaborate with clients and meet project deadlines. These skills and qualities are vital for delivering high-quality chip designs and succeeding in a competitive, project-based environment.

What are some common challenges faced by freelance physical design engineers, and how can they be addressed?

Freelance physical design engineers often encounter challenges such as limited access to advanced EDA tools, variable project scopes, and the need to quickly adapt to different clients' design methodologies. To address these, it’s important to invest in personal tool licenses or partner with clients who provide access, maintain a strong network to secure consistent projects, and stay updated on industry trends and technologies. Effective communication and documentation also help ensure alignment with client expectations and avoid misunderstandings during the project lifecycle.

What are Freelance Physical Design Engineers?

Freelance Physical Design Engineers are specialized professionals who work independently, often on a contract basis, to design and implement the physical layout of integrated circuits (ICs) and chips. They are responsible for taking a digital circuit design and transforming it into a manufacturable physical layout, which includes tasks such as floorplanning, placement, routing, timing analysis, and verification. These engineers typically use electronic design automation (EDA) tools and collaborate remotely with semiconductor companies, startups, or design teams. Freelance Physical Design Engineers offer flexibility and specialized expertise for projects without requiring long-term employment commitments.

What is the difference between Freelance Physical Design Engineer vs Full-Time Physical Design Engineer?

AspectFreelance Physical Design EngineerFull-Time Physical Design Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires a relevant degree and industry experience; certifications are optionalRequires a degree and often certifications or ongoing training
Work EnvironmentIndependent, project-based, remote or on-siteCompany office or dedicated team environment
Employer & Industry UsageHired by multiple clients across various companies; flexible engagementsEmployed by a single company; stable employment
Work ScopeSpecific projects, often short-termOngoing responsibilities within a team or department

The main difference between a Freelance Physical Design Engineer and a Full-Time Physical Design Engineer lies in employment type, work environment, and project scope. Freelancers work independently on short-term projects for multiple clients, offering flexibility. Full-time engineers are employed by a single company, focusing on continuous, long-term responsibilities within a team.

What are the most commonly searched types of Physical Design Engineer jobs in Columbus, OH? The most popular types of Physical Design Engineer jobs in Columbus, OH are:
What are popular job titles related to Freelance Physical Design Engineer jobs in Columbus, OH? For Freelance Physical Design Engineer jobs in Columbus, OH, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Freelance Physical Design Engineer jobs in Columbus, OH look for? The top searched job categories for Freelance Physical Design Engineer jobs in Columbus, OH are:
Freelance Physical Design Engineer jobs near you

High Voltage Substation Design Engineer

Hargrove Engineers and Constructors

Columbus, OH

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

Hargrove is hiring a licensed Electrical Engineer (PE) with strong experience in high-voltage substation design to join our growing team. This role supports projects up to 345kV

Locations & Work Flexibility

  • Primary location: Mobile, AL

  • Additional office options: TX, LA, SC, GA, PA

  • Hybrid or interoffice execution support may be available

  • Relocation assistance may be offered based on role and location

Job Summary

Hargrove Engineers & Constructors is seeking a licensed Professional Electrical Engineer (PE) with extensive experience in highvoltage substation systems to join our growing team. This role focuses on the physical design, analysis, and execution of substations up to 345kV, supporting projects from early conceptual development through construction and commissioning.

The ideal candidate is a technically strong engineer who brings leadership capability, sound engineering judgment, and a commitment to quality, safety, and mentoring the next generation of engineers.

Key ResponsibilitiesSubstation Physical Design

Perform complete physical design of highvoltage substations in compliance with applicable codes, standards, and client requirements, including:

  • General arrangement drawings
  • Equipment, electrical, and control building layouts
  • Elevation and section views
  • Cable trench and duct bank design
  • Equipment grounding systems and ground grids
  • Lightning protection systems
  • Conduit and cable tray routing
  • AC and DC station service systems
  • Substation area lighting systems
  • Bills of Materials (BOMs)
Electrical Studies & Analysis

Conduct and/or oversee detailed electrical calculations and studies, including:

  • Substation grounding calculations and touch/step voltage analysis
  • Pre and postenergization harmonic studies
  • Shortcircuit and fault current analysis
  • Bus bar mechanical force calculations
  • Load flow and reactive power flow analysis
  • Harmonic filter analysis
  • NERC compliance evaluations
  • Protective relay coordination studies
  • Transient analysis
  • Transmission slackspan calculations
  • Corona performance studies
Equipment Specifications & Procurement
  • Develop equipment and material specifications for outdoor switchyard equipment up to 345kV
  • Prepare procurement specifications and design scopes for engineered equipment, including:
    • Vacuum and SF circuit breakers
    • Motoroperated and manual gangoperated switches
    • Current and potential transformers (CTs/PTs)
    • Station service transformers
    • Insulators and surge arresters
    • Station service battery systems
  • Review, coordinate, and integrate vendor drawings and technical documentation
Project Execution & Collaboration
  • Coordinate with vendors to ensure timely delivery of drawings, materials, and equipment in accordance with project schedules
  • Develop conceptual and preliminary designs to support planning and cost estimating
  • Prepare design documentation supporting procurement, construction, and operations/maintenance
  • Participate in and/or lead client meetings and job site visits
  • Support construction activities and commissioning as needed
  • Adhere to Hargrove's QA/QC processes across all design deliverables
Leadership & Mentorship
  • Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers and designers
  • Support the development of best practices and consistency in substation design execution
QualificationsRequired
  • Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering
  • Active Professional Engineer (PE) license
  • Minimum 10 years of experience in substation physical design
  • Proven experience with highvoltage systems up to 345kV
  • Strong organizational, documentation, and quality control skills
  • Exceptional attention to detail
  • Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Preferred Software Experience

Working knowledge of one or more of the following:

  • AutoCAD and/or AutoCAD Electrical
  • Bentley MicroStation
  • ETAP, SKM PowerTools, or ASPEN OneLiner
  • CYMCAP
  • PLSCADD (or comparable transmission line analysis software)
  • Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)
Physical Requirements
  • Ability to sit, stand, or walk for extended periods, as required by project and site activities

#LI-BH1

Hargrove Culture

We work to create an environment founded on trust, personal integrity, and a "team mentality" so that each person understands the value of their contributions both on a project and company-wide level. We know that each person on our team contributes to the success of our company by pairing expertise and passion to meet and exceed the needs of the clients we serve across the globe.

Our safety culture protects and promotes the well-being of every person who works with us and every person touched by our work.

As a 100% Teammate owned company, we proudly offer a comprehensive benefits package including, paid holidays, personal paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, 401(k), and other benefits to eligible Teammates.

Equal Opportunity Employment Statement

Hargrove is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex (including gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy, sexual identity, marital or family status), disability, military service or obligations, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Hargrove is a drug-free workplace.

The selected candidate must be authorized to work in the United States.

Apply