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How to hire a senior electrical engineer

Senior electrical engineer hiring summary. Here are some key points about hiring senior electrical engineers in the United States:

  • There are a total of 70,092 senior electrical engineers in the US, and there are currently 82,639 job openings in this field.
  • The median cost to hire a senior electrical engineer is $1,633.
  • Small businesses spend $1,105 per senior electrical engineer on training each year, while large companies spend $658.
  • It takes between 36 and 42 days to fill the average role in the US.
  • It takes approximately 12 weeks for a new employee to reach full productivity levels.
  • HR departments typically allocate 15% of their budget towards recruitment efforts.
  • San Diego, CA, has the highest demand for senior electrical engineers, with 54 job openings.

How to hire a senior electrical engineer, step by step

To hire a senior electrical engineer, you need to identify the specific skills and experience you want in a candidate, allocate a budget for the position, and advertise the job opening to attract potential candidates. To hire a senior electrical engineer, you should follow these steps:

Here's a step-by-step senior electrical engineer hiring guide:

  • Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
  • Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
  • Step 3: Make a budget
  • Step 4: Write a senior electrical engineer job description
  • Step 5: Post your job
  • Step 6: Interview candidates
  • Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new senior electrical engineer
  • Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

What does a senior electrical engineer do?

A senior electrical engineer is an individual who leads other engineers to review electrical design plans and analyze existing electrical systems. Senior electrical engineers must establish relationships with clients, vendors, and suppliers to ensure that projects are completed according to specifications. They create project budgets and produce working schedules and company regulations to make sure that a safe and positive working environment is achieved. Senior electrical engineers must be passionate about engineering development by attending electrical conferences and events.

Learn more about the specifics of what a senior electrical engineer does
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  1. Identify your hiring needs

    First, determine the employments status of the senior electrical engineer you need to hire. Certain senior electrical engineer roles might require a full-time employee, whereas others can be done by part-time workers or contractors.

    Determine employee vs contractor status
    Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

    You should also consider the ideal background you'd like them a senior electrical engineer to have before you start to hire. For example, what industry or field would you like them to have experience in, what level of seniority or education does the job require, and how much it'll cost to hire a senior electrical engineer that fits the bill.

    Here's a comparison of senior electrical engineer salaries for various roles:

    Type of Senior Electrical EngineerDescriptionHourly rate
    Senior Electrical EngineerElectrical engineers design, develop, test, and supervise the manufacturing of electrical equipment, such as electric motors, radar and navigation systems, communications systems, and power generation equipment. Electronics engineers design and develop electronic equipment, such as broadcast and communications systems—from portable music players to global positioning systems (GPSs).$39-69
    EngineerEngineers are highly trained professionals who determine the feasibility of various projects, usually related to the construction industry. They are considered experts in mathematics and science, two disciplines that they need to use in designing and coming up with plans for projects... Show more$31-62
    Control Systems EngineerControl systems engineers are interdisciplinary engineers managing the company's control systems. They are expected to be familiar with different engineering disciplines such as mechanical, industrial, and computer science, among others... Show more$34-56
  2. Create an ideal candidate profile

    Common skills:
    • Control Systems
    • Electrical Equipment
    • Electrical Systems
    • Analog
    • RF
    • Electrical Design
    • Autocad
    • NEC
    • Project Management
    • SKM
    • C++
    • PCB
    • CAD
    • UL
    Check all skills
    Responsibilities:
    • Develop LabVIEW code to automate test procedures and to communicate with units for verification of functionality and accuracy.
    • Design of water/waste water facilities, including microprocessor controls, MCC, SCADA.
    • Develop the motor control algorithms and analog processing for sensing position using motor current feedback.
    • Train crews how to retrofit 2x4 fixtures.
    • Perform dc battery calculations and 2D design of system.
    • Have installed some electrical panel board according to NFPA standards.
    More senior electrical engineer duties
  3. Make a budget

    Including a salary range in your senior electrical engineer job description is a great way to entice the best and brightest candidates. A senior electrical engineer salary can vary based on several factors:
    • Location. For example, senior electrical engineers' average salary in arkansas is 42% less than in washington.
    • Seniority. Entry-level senior electrical engineers earn 43% less than senior-level senior electrical engineers.
    • Certifications. A senior electrical engineer with a few certifications under their belt will likely demand a higher salary.
    • Company. Working for a prestigious company or an exciting start-up can make a huge difference in a senior electrical engineer's salary.

    Average senior electrical engineer salary

    $109,315yearly

    $52.56 hourly rate

    Entry-level senior electrical engineer salary
    $82,000 yearly salary
    Updated December 24, 2025

    Average senior electrical engineer salary by state

    RankStateAvg. salaryHourly rate
    1Washington$142,973$69
    2California$138,120$66
    3District of Columbia$117,991$57
    4Massachusetts$111,037$53
    5Oregon$105,840$51
    6Texas$104,899$50
    7Maryland$104,695$50
    8New York$100,413$48
    9Minnesota$95,961$46
    10Georgia$95,905$46
    11Iowa$95,580$46
    12Colorado$95,107$46
    13Utah$94,436$45
    14Pennsylvania$94,117$45
    15North Carolina$93,972$45
    16Missouri$92,803$45
    17Illinois$92,120$44
    18Florida$91,397$44
    19Arizona$90,539$44
    20Wisconsin$89,493$43

    Average senior electrical engineer salary by company

    RankCompanyAverage salaryHourly rateJob openings
    1Apple$147,037$70.69276
    2Google$144,594$69.52131
    3Microsoft$140,158$67.3896
    4Rivian$140,128$67.3745
    5Zoox$137,867$66.2820
    6Seres$137,177$65.951
    7Harley-Davidson$135,851$65.311
    8GoPro$134,756$64.79
    9Logitech$132,864$63.88
    10Cruise Automation$132,559$63.73
    11Intuitive Surgical$131,936$63.4311
    12Nikola Motor$131,287$63.12
    13Postmates$130,578$62.78
    14Volvo Trucks$130,001$62.50
    15Varian Medical Systems$129,487$62.25
    16Tesla$129,158$62.10137
    17Navistar$128,943$61.992
    18Portland General Electric$128,345$61.706
    19Mayo Clinic$128,290$61.688
    20Amazon$127,814$61.45306
  4. Writing a senior electrical engineer job description

    A senior electrical engineer job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. Below, you can find an example of a senior electrical engineer job description:

    Senior electrical engineer job description example

    • Provide technical support and expertise to designated manufacturing assets in the converting areas
    • Design and Development: Provides guidance in the initiation, design, optimization, and development of manufacturing and supporting processes to achieve unit objectives. Specifically, to include projects that achieve significant cost savings improvements (YOY).
    • Work with area teams to support and drive overall business, mill, and department goals.
    • Lead mill-wide cost transformation and sustainability initiatives.
    • Lead/facilitate/support problem solving on chronic electrical, safety, or large acute process related issues to determine root cause and resolution plans
    • Develop knowledge and skills to be recognized for expertise and functional leadership in application of engineering principles, scientific analysis and project management while providing advice and counsel to others.
    • Support converting asset objectives to ensure delivery of yearly metrics
    • Project Dimensions:
      • Project responsibility of $1 MM to $30 MM
      • Project team of three to thirty people
      • Single or multiple projects
    • Work with Operations Leadership to plan and support asset down execution process.

    Cost:

    • Through tactical execution of daily activities support efforts to deliver 3% year on year reduction in spending by embracing and fostering a culture of loss prevention and control to drive continuous improvement in the reduction of breakdowns and other losses across the site asset base.

    About You

    You're driven to perform at the highest level possible, and you appreciate a performance culture fueled by authentic caring. You want to be part of a company actively dedicated to sustainability, inclusion, wellbeing, and career development.

    About Us

    Huggies . Kleenex . Cottonelle . Scott . Kotex . Poise . Depend . 25% of people in the world use Kimberly-Clark products every day. And it takes the right people, in the right jobs and the right places, to make that happen .

    At Kimberly-Clark, you'll be part of the best teams committed to driving innovation and growth. We're founded on 150 years of market leadership, and we're always looking for new and better ways to perform-so what can you do with that? There's no time like the present to make an impact at Kimberly-Clark. It's all here for you at Kimberly-Clark.

    You love what you do, especially when the work you do makes a difference. At Kimberly-Clark, we're constantly exploring new ideas on how, when, and where we can best achieve results. When you join our team, you'll experience Flex That Works: flexible (hybrid) work arrangements that empower you to have purposeful time in the office and partner with your leader to make flexibility work for both you and the business.

    In one of our professional roles, you'll focus on winning with consumers and the market, while putting safety, mutual respect, and human dignity at the center.

    Total Benefits

    Here are a few of the benefits you'd enjoy. For a complete overview, see My K-C Benefits (mykcbenefits.com)

    You're looking to make a difference. When and where it works best for you. And at Kimberly Clark, we're constantly exploring new ideas on how, when, and where we can best achieve results. When you join our team, you'll experience Flex That Works, flexible work (hybrid) arrangements that empower you to have purposeful time in the office and partner with your leader to make flexibility work for both you and the business.

    Great support for good health with medical, dental, and vision coverage options. No waiting periods or pre-existing condition restrictions. Access to an on-site fitness center, occupational health nurse, and allowances for high-quality safety equipment.

    Flexible Savings and spending accounts to maximize health care options and stretch dollars when caring for yourself or dependents.

    Diverse income protection insurance options to protect yourself and your family in case of illness, injury, or other unexpected events.

    Additional programs and support to continue your education, adopt a child, relocate, or even find temporary childcare.

    To Be Considered

    Click the Apply button and complete the online application process. A member of our recruiting team will review your application and follow up if you seem like a great fit for this role.

    In the meantime, check out the Career Areas | Kimberly-Clark Careers. You'll want to review this and come prepared with relevant questions if you pass GO and begin interviews.

    And finally, the fine print…

    For Kimberly-Clark to grow and prosper, we must be an inclusive organization that applies the diverse experiences and passions of its team members to brands that make life better for people all around the world. We actively seek to build a workforce that reflects the experiences of our consumers. When you bring your original thinking to Kimberly-Clark, you fuel the continued success of our enterprise. We are a committed equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, pregnancy, genetic information, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

    The statements above are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this classification. Statements are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities and skills required for this position.

    This role is available for local candidates already authorized to work in the role's country only. K-C will not provide relocation support for this role.

    Global VISA and Relocation Specifications:

    K-C will support in-country relocation for the chosen candidate for the role, including assistance to obtain proper work authorization. The benefits provided will be per the terms of K-C's applicable mobility policies. The benefits/policy provided will decided in K-C's sole discretion.

    Global VISA and Relocation Specifications: Primary Location USA-PA-Philadelphia-Chester Additional Locations Worker Type Employee Worker Sub-Type Regular Time Type Full time
  5. Post your job

    There are a few common ways to find senior electrical engineers for your business:

    • Promoting internally or recruiting from your existing workforce.
    • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
    • Attend job fairs at local colleges to meet candidates with the right educational background.
    • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to recruit passive job-seekers.
    Post your job online:
    • Post your senior electrical engineer job on Zippia to find and recruit senior electrical engineer candidates who meet your exact specifications.
    • Use field-specific websites.
    • Post a job on free websites.
  6. Interview candidates

    Recruiting senior electrical engineers requires you to bring your A-game to the interview process. The first interview should introduce the company and the role to the candidate as much as they present their background experience and reasons for applying for the job. During later interviews, you can go into more detail about the technical details of the job and ask behavioral questions to gauge how they'd fit into your current company culture.

    Remember to include a few questions that allow candidates to expand on their strengths in their own words. Asking about their unique skills might reveal things you'd miss otherwise. At this point, good candidates can move on to the technical interview.

    The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

  7. Send a job offer and onboard your new senior electrical engineer

    Once you have selected a candidate for the senior electrical engineer position, it is time to create an offer letter. In addition to salary, the offer letter should include details about benefits and perks that are available to the employee. Ensuring your offer is competitive is vital, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and it is important to be open to discussion and reach a mutually beneficial agreement. After the offer has been accepted, it is a good idea to formalize the agreement with a contract.

    It's also good etiquette to follow up with applicants who don't get the job by sending them an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

    Once that's done, you can draft an onboarding schedule for the new senior electrical engineer. Human Resources should complete Employee Action Forms and ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc. They should also ensure that new employee files are created for internal recordkeeping.

  8. Go through the hiring process checklist

    • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
    • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
    • Define job responsibilities and requirements
    • Establish budget and timeline
    • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
    • Write job description
    • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
    • Promote the job internally
    • Process applications through applicant tracking system
    • Review resumes and cover letters
    • Shortlist candidates for screening
    • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
    • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
    • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
    • Conduct background checks on top candidates
    • Check references of top candidates
    • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
    • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
    • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
    • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
    • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
    • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)
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How much does it cost to hire a senior electrical engineer?

Recruiting senior electrical engineers involves both the one-time costs of hiring and the ongoing costs of adding a new employee to your team. Your spending during the hiring process will mostly be on things like promoting the job on job boards, reviewing and interviewing candidates, and onboarding the new hire. Ongoing costs will obviously involve the employee's salary, but also may include things like benefits.

You can expect to pay around $109,315 per year for a senior electrical engineer, as this is the median yearly salary nationally. This can vary depending on what state or city you're hiring in. If you're hiring for contract work or on a per-project basis, hourly rates for senior electrical engineers in the US typically range between $39 and $69 an hour.

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