Electrical Engineer Jobs in California
Electrical Engineer jobs in California are among the most active in the country, concentrated in defense and aerospace, semiconductor and chip design, utilities and grid modernization, and clean energy, with openings at every level from new graduate through principal and staff engineer. The largest hiring markets are the Greater Los Angeles area, the San Francisco Bay Area, and San Diego, where employers like Northrop Grumman, Qualcomm, and Pacific Gas and Electric maintain deep and ongoing engineering workforces. The most in-demand specialties are power systems, embedded systems, RF and signal integrity, and EV and energy storage engineering. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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The Opportunity
PAE is looking for an Associate Electrical Engineer in our San Francisco office to leading the day-to-day execution of PAE projects, serving as the central point of coordination across disciplines, clients, and internal teams. The PM ensures project delivery aligns with scope, schedule, and budget while maintaining a strong focus on client satisfaction, team communication, and technical quality. The PM plays a critical role in maintaining project momentum, identifying and mitigating risks, tracking progress against goals, and ensuring a smooth, responsive experience for both clients and project teams. As a leader and collaborator, the PM fosters a positive project culture, upholds PAE standards, and supports the development of team members throughout the project lifecycle.
Who We Are
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. 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. 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.
- Project team leadership and budget management. May be responsible as a Project Manager with approval
- Technical leadership of PAE’s design scope as Lead Engineer. May be responsible as Engineer of Record (EOR) with approval
- Leadership of multi-discipline engineering projects from concept through completion
- Active engagement in PAE’s success
- Track and measure performance against goals
- Effectively communicate design options to a diverse stakeholder group
- Complete the project within the budget and schedule
- Develop and maintain client relationships
- Present to clients, staff and at industry events
- Provide mentorship, training and development for staff
- Update company standards and improve company processes
- Enforce the project quality management plan (QMP)
- Perform other duties as assigned
What You Bring
- Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering for discipline work
- 10+ years of industry experience
- Relevant professional credential within discipline (PE, etc.)
- Must have significant experience in a management or leadership role
- Inspire and motivate staff
- Effective leadership and people skills
- Lead and manage projects successfully and profitably
- Serve as a senior technical resource for the company
- Project leadership skills including billing, reporting, resource allocation and scheduling
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Revit/AutoCAD
What We Offer
- Hiring Base Salary Range: $128,700-$181,800 annually
The salary range is one component of PAE’s total 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 work location in determining final salary. At PAE, roles are eligible for additional rewards, including merit increases year-end performance bonus, dividend and ownership bonuses. The above range represents PAE's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.
In addition, PAE offers a comprehensive management benefits package which includes the following:
- Performance Bonus based on the profits of the firm
- Opportunity to participate in PAE stock ownership
- Estimated year-end dividend
- Employer paid health insurance (medical, dental, vision)
- 27 days of PTO per year
- Annual 401k profit sharing based on company profit for the year
- Professional development reimbursements including state registration and professional association dues
- Employer paid commuter/parking stipend
- Cell phone stipend
- Life insurance and disability benefits
- Hybrid work schedule
- Employee Assistance Program
- 9 paid holidays including an additional employee-selected day off
- Paid time off for sick leave, family leave and community service
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 equity
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 – 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.
To find out more visit our website.
What We’re Made Of
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 at 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.
Fine Print
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.
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.
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See All 3,676+ Electrical Engineer Jobs in California
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Find Electrical Engineer JobsElectrical Engineer Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Electrical Engineer Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Apple791

- NVIDIA179

- Qualcomm123

- Google83

- Broadcom75

Top Industries Hiring
- Electronics & Hardware1,675
- Technology & Software850
- Consulting & Professional Services372
- Manufacturing238
- Construction & Real Estate170
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in electrical engineer jobs across California.
- Active Professional Engineer license issued or recognized by the California Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists
- Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or closely related engineering discipline
- Experience with relevant design tools such as AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SPICE simulation software
- Familiarity with California electrical codes, NEC standards, and applicable IEEE standards
- Demonstrated experience in a defined specialty such as power systems, embedded systems, or RF engineering
- Strong written communication skills for producing engineering reports, specifications, and design documentation
Electrical Engineer Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a electrical engineer in California?
To work as a licensed electrical engineer in California, you need a degree in electrical engineering and must pass the Fundamentals of Engineering exam, then gain qualifying experience before sitting for the Principles and Practice of Engineering exam administered through the California Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists. Earning your Professional Engineer license unlocks roles that require signing off on designs and working on public or regulated infrastructure projects in the state.
How much do electrical engineers make in California?
Electrical engineers in California earn a median of about $144,040 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $81,840 for the lowest 10% to over $217,760 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire electrical engineers in California?
Employers hiring electrical engineers in California right now include Apple, NVIDIA, and Qualcomm, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 2026. California's concentration of defense contractors, semiconductor firms, investor-owned utilities, and clean energy developers means demand comes from a wide range of established industries rather than any single sector.
Which California cities have the most electrical engineer jobs?
The California cities with the most electrical engineer openings are Santa Clara, San Jose, and Sunnyvale. The distribution reflects the state's industry clusters: the Greater Los Angeles and San Diego areas draw heavily from aerospace and defense, the Bay Area is anchored by semiconductor and tech hardware companies, and the Inland Empire and Sacramento regions generate demand through utilities, infrastructure, and state government projects.
Are there remote electrical engineer jobs in California?
Yes, but they're less common than in purely desk-based fields, since most electrical engineering work involves lab testing, site visits, or hardware that requires physical presence. About 11% of electrical engineer openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of June 2026, with most of those concentrated in roles that are design-heavy or standards-focused, such as systems architecture, compliance engineering, and certain firmware and embedded software positions.
How can I get hired as a electrical engineer in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying to new-graduate or associate engineer programs at large California employers in defense, utilities, and semiconductor manufacturing, where structured rotational programs exist specifically for candidates without prior industry experience. Employers like the major California investor-owned utilities and large aerospace primes run early-career cohorts each year. Passing the Fundamentals of Engineering exam, completing relevant coursework in power systems or embedded design, and building a portfolio through senior capstone or internship projects gives candidates a measurable edge over applicants without that foundation.
Where can I find and apply to electrical engineer jobs in California?
You can find and apply to electrical engineer jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings across industries including defense, semiconductors, utilities, and clean energy. Find roles that fit your experience and specialty and apply directly through the listings.
See All 3,676+ Electrical Engineer Jobs in California
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