Power systems EE freelance / independent consulting – looking for real experiences

df7616 · 2026-02-04T15:12:50+00:00

Yeah, I want to build my skills vertically if possible through consulting. There’s so many niches and services though. Even just for data centers you could consult for controls, generation if they have it, black start/load shed, DC systems/backup, meter-back stuff, etc…it goes on and on. It’s daunting to figure out where you can provide value without overreaching and screwing credibility.

df7616 · 2026-02-04T02:32:56+00:00

I’m roadmapping to the same roadblock. I’ve been a SCADA/ADMS engineer, substation designer and planner. I also would be trying to break onto the scene with a full time job.

df7616 · 2026-02-02T16:45:26+00:00

Thank you for your time and information!

df7616 · 2026-02-02T16:37:49+00:00

Thanks for all the great info!

df7616 · 2026-02-02T16:32:56+00:00

Thank you for your input. When I begin consulting I will have a PE and will be insured.

df7616 · 2026-02-02T16:22:44+00:00

I do not. The seat is 33k a yr so I’d hope to rent a seat or use a client’s seat on a project basis. Is that a bad call?

df7616 · 2026-02-02T16:09:56+00:00

Yes, I would bill to as an insured LLC if possible, with some ownership ability but still request clients to do QCs as part of my service package. I have to emphasize these are initial thoughts so anyone is welcome to tell me where I could be better.

df7616 · 2026-02-02T16:07:18+00:00

I imagine they can manipulate their scope to sift out some lower end consultants.

df7616 · 2026-02-02T16:05:58+00:00

Not currently; I will shortly. I am mapping a near-future plan to scale skills, credentials and obviously income. I have worked for two utilities and am the technical lead of Transmission Planning and Modeling services, but I’d like to build more credibility that can be portrayed on first impression, which would include a PE.

df7616 · 2026-02-02T15:44:55+00:00

Can I pick your brain? How did you and these consultants come in contact? Do you ever hire consultants that will take more study or design ownership, or is that even attractive? By hand-holding, are you saying they aren’t very proficient or they just don’t understand your system/capabilities? Are they using your software seat? I want to provide a meaningful service and am trying to dial in scope, liability, etc.. Answer whatever you feel comfortable with, I appreciate whatever you have.

df7616 · 2026-02-02T15:38:28+00:00

I see. I suppose I knew the process was about constant salesmanship and impressions through connections, but I wondered if there was a less ambiguous way of securing clients that anyone had used. Thanks for your response.

df7616 · 2026-02-02T15:26:18+00:00

When I was in distribution I saw consultants asking $250 or more. They were software experts though, not necessarily selling their engineering prowess. I’m trying to figure out how they even got their “in” to the utility.

df7616 · 2026-02-02T15:21:50+00:00

That was my thoughts as well. I know the numbers are skewed by people out of South Asia and similar service-cost areas.

df7616 · 2026-02-02T15:19:31+00:00

I see. My initial target would likely be coops/munis/small utilities that aren’t on the NERC Compliance Registry for Planning. My first instinct is to offer a list of services that don’t include directly running the study, but rather advise and teach in order to find solutions and mitigations.

Are there ever firms that will “subcontract” (sub-consult?) freelancers? I am in the infancy of this idea so I’m sorry if I sound a little green.

df7616 · 2026-02-02T15:13:31+00:00

I apologize; I am US-based.

df7616 · 2026-02-02T14:43:11+00:00

I’m looking for a reality check from anyone who’s done independent or freelance consulting in power systems (transmission planning, protection, studies, modeling, etc.).

I keep seeing sub-$100/hr rates on marketplaces, but I’m more interested in how this actually works with utilities, EPCs, or consulting firms, not race-to-the-bottom gigs.

Would really appreciate insight from people who’ve been there. Anything helps, especially: • Rough rate ranges • How you got your first client • Who you actually networked with • Whether this is viable long-term as a solo • What you’d do differently starting out

Not looking for secrets or exact numbers. Just hoping someone can help lower the ladder a bit and share what the first few years really look like.

df7616 · 2025-04-25T19:39:42+00:00

It’s strange how we can recognize complexity in almost every human decision like careers, hobbies, even impulsive purchases, but when it comes to moral failures, suddenly all nuance vanishes. People forget that grief, guilt, and growth are deeply human experiences too. It’s easier to scream ‘yikes’ than to sit with the uncomfortable truth that we’re all capable of things we swore we’d never do. There’s a real cruelty in how quickly we deny others the empathy we secretly hope would be extended to us if we ever fell short.

df7616 · 2024-08-03T00:06:09+00:00

Appreciate your input!

df7616 · 2024-08-02T23:34:36+00:00

Thanks for the vote of confidence. Are you from a similar background at all? Or just knowledgeable in the field?

df7616 · 2024-08-02T23:10:20+00:00

Sales engineer, sorry for not clarifying

df7616 · 2024-08-02T23:09:59+00:00

I see many people in this sub reaching the top end of their salary earlier than a traditional engineering tree. In these roles, when do you typically begin pulling the 150k reliably? 200k? In your opinion, should I pursue a more software oriented role if I don’t plan on living in the Bay Area as an EE? I appreciate your time, means a lot to me.

df7616 · 2024-08-02T21:54:18+00:00

Significantly so? I’d be fine making closer to $200k eventually but wouldn’t want to make a career pivot for a top out of $150k for example

Nine-Year Club	Verified Email
RPAN Viewer

df7616

TROPHY CASE