diff --git a/src/mckicad/utils/sexp_parser.py b/src/mckicad/utils/sexp_parser.py
index a93b737..e7aea56 100644
--- a/src/mckicad/utils/sexp_parser.py
+++ b/src/mckicad/utils/sexp_parser.py
@@ -91,6 +91,11 @@ _PIN_RE = re.compile(
 def parse_lib_symbol_pins(filepath: str, lib_id: str) -> list[dict[str, Any]]:
     """Extract pin definitions for a symbol from the ``(lib_symbols ...)`` section.
 
+    Searches the embedded ``lib_symbols`` section first. If the symbol is not
+    found there (common for script-generated schematics that reference
+    external project libraries), falls back to searching external
+    ``.kicad_sym`` library files.
+
     Pins are returned in **local symbol coordinates** (not transformed to
     schematic space).  Use :func:`transform_pin_to_schematic` to convert
     them if the component's position and rotation are known.
@@ -103,23 +108,35 @@ def parse_lib_symbol_pins(filepath: str, lib_id: str) -> list[dict[str, Any]]:
         List of pin dicts with ``number``, ``name``, ``type``, ``shape``,
         ``x``, ``y``, ``rotation``, and ``length`` fields.
     """
+    pins = _parse_embedded_symbol_pins(filepath, lib_id)
+    if pins:
+        return pins
+
+    # Fallback: search external .kicad_sym library files
+    return _parse_external_lib_symbol_pins(filepath, lib_id)
+
+
+def _parse_embedded_symbol_pins(filepath: str, lib_id: str) -> list[dict[str, Any]]:
+    """Extract pins from the embedded ``(lib_symbols ...)`` section of a schematic."""
     try:
         with open(filepath, encoding="utf-8") as f:
             content = f.read()
     except Exception:
         return []
 
-    # 1. Find the (lib_symbols ...) section
     lib_section = _extract_section(content, "lib_symbols")
     if not lib_section:
         return []
 
-    # 2. Find the top-level (symbol "LIB_ID" ...) within lib_symbols
     symbol_section = _extract_named_section(lib_section, "symbol", lib_id)
     if not symbol_section:
         return []
 
-    # 3. Extract all (pin ...) entries
+    return _extract_pins_from_section(symbol_section)
+
+
+def _extract_pins_from_section(symbol_section: str) -> list[dict[str, Any]]:
+    """Extract all ``(pin ...)`` entries from an s-expression symbol section."""
     pins: list[dict[str, Any]] = []
     for match in _PIN_RE.finditer(symbol_section):
         pins.append({
@@ -132,7 +149,186 @@ def parse_lib_symbol_pins(filepath: str, lib_id: str) -> list[dict[str, Any]]:
             "rotation": float(match.group(5) or 0),
             "length": float(match.group(6)),
         })
+    return pins
 
+
+# ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+# External library file search
+# ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+
+def _find_project_root(start_path: str) -> str | None:
+    """Walk up from a file path to find the directory containing a ``.kicad_pro`` file.
+
+    Returns the directory path, or None if no project root is found within
+    5 levels.
+    """
+    current = os.path.dirname(os.path.abspath(start_path))
+    for _ in range(5):
+        if not current or current == os.path.dirname(current):
+            break
+        try:
+            entries = os.listdir(current)
+        except OSError:
+            break
+        for entry in entries:
+            if entry.endswith(".kicad_pro"):
+                return current
+        current = os.path.dirname(current)
+    return None
+
+
+def _find_library_file(schematic_path: str, library_name: str) -> str | None:
+    """Search for a ``{library_name}.kicad_sym`` file in predictable locations.
+
+    Search order:
+    1. Same directory as the schematic
+    2. ``libs/`` relative to schematic directory
+    3. ``../libs/`` relative to schematic directory
+    4. Project root directory (directory containing ``.kicad_pro``)
+    5. ``libs/`` relative to project root
+    6. ``kicad/libs/`` relative to project root
+    7. Paths from ``sym-lib-table`` file in project root
+
+    Args:
+        schematic_path: Path to the ``.kicad_sch`` file.
+        library_name: Library name (the part before ``:`` in a lib_id).
+
+    Returns:
+        Absolute path to the ``.kicad_sym`` file, or None.
+    """
+    filename = f"{library_name}.kicad_sym"
+    sch_dir = os.path.dirname(os.path.abspath(schematic_path))
+
+    # Direct search in common locations
+    candidates = [
+        os.path.join(sch_dir, filename),
+        os.path.join(sch_dir, "libs", filename),
+        os.path.join(sch_dir, os.pardir, "libs", filename),
+    ]
+
+    project_root = _find_project_root(schematic_path)
+    if project_root:
+        candidates.extend([
+            os.path.join(project_root, filename),
+            os.path.join(project_root, "libs", filename),
+            os.path.join(project_root, "kicad", "libs", filename),
+        ])
+
+        # Parse sym-lib-table for explicit library paths
+        sym_lib_table = os.path.join(project_root, "sym-lib-table")
+        if os.path.isfile(sym_lib_table):
+            resolved = _resolve_from_sym_lib_table(
+                sym_lib_table, library_name, project_root,
+            )
+            if resolved:
+                candidates.append(resolved)
+
+    for candidate in candidates:
+        resolved_path = os.path.normpath(candidate)
+        if os.path.isfile(resolved_path):
+            logger.debug("Found library file: %s", resolved_path)
+            return resolved_path
+
+    return None
+
+
+# Match: (lib (name "NAME") ... (uri "PATH") ...)
+_SYM_LIB_TABLE_RE = re.compile(
+    r'\(lib\s+\(name\s+"([^"]+)"\)'
+    r'.*?'
+    r'\(uri\s+"([^"]+)"\)',
+    re.DOTALL,
+)
+
+
+def _resolve_from_sym_lib_table(
+    table_path: str, library_name: str, project_root: str,
+) -> str | None:
+    """Parse a ``sym-lib-table`` file and resolve the URI for a library name.
+
+    Handles ``${KIPRJMOD}`` variable substitution (points to project root).
+    """
+    try:
+        with open(table_path, encoding="utf-8") as f:
+            content = f.read()
+    except Exception:
+        return None
+
+    for match in _SYM_LIB_TABLE_RE.finditer(content):
+        if match.group(1) == library_name:
+            uri = match.group(2)
+            # Substitute ${KIPRJMOD} with project root
+            uri = uri.replace("${KIPRJMOD}", project_root)
+            return os.path.normpath(uri)
+
+    return None
+
+
+def parse_lib_file_symbol_pins(lib_file_path: str, symbol_name: str) -> list[dict[str, Any]]:
+    """Extract pin definitions from a standalone ``.kicad_sym`` library file.
+
+    In ``.kicad_sym`` files, the top-level container is ``(kicad_symbol_lib ...)``
+    and symbols are named without the library prefix (e.g. ``"SMF5.0CA"``
+    rather than ``"ESP32-P4-WIFI6-DEV-KIT:SMF5.0CA"``).
+
+    Args:
+        lib_file_path: Path to a ``.kicad_sym`` file.
+        symbol_name: Symbol name without library prefix (e.g. ``SMF5.0CA``).
+
+    Returns:
+        List of pin dicts (same format as :func:`parse_lib_symbol_pins`).
+    """
+    try:
+        with open(lib_file_path, encoding="utf-8") as f:
+            content = f.read()
+    except Exception:
+        return []
+
+    # The whole file is the library — find the symbol directly
+    symbol_section = _extract_named_section(content, "symbol", symbol_name)
+    if not symbol_section:
+        return []
+
+    return _extract_pins_from_section(symbol_section)
+
+
+def _parse_external_lib_symbol_pins(
+    schematic_path: str, lib_id: str,
+) -> list[dict[str, Any]]:
+    """Search external ``.kicad_sym`` files for a symbol's pin definitions.
+
+    Splits the ``lib_id`` into library name and symbol name, searches for
+    the library file, and parses pins from it.
+
+    Args:
+        schematic_path: Path to the ``.kicad_sch`` file (search anchor).
+        lib_id: Full library identifier (e.g. ``ESP32-P4-WIFI6-DEV-KIT:SMF5.0CA``).
+
+    Returns:
+        List of pin dicts, or empty list if the library file isn't found.
+    """
+    if ":" not in lib_id:
+        return []
+
+    library_name, symbol_name = lib_id.split(":", 1)
+    if not library_name or not symbol_name:
+        return []
+
+    lib_file = _find_library_file(schematic_path, library_name)
+    if lib_file is None:
+        logger.debug(
+            "External library file not found for %s (searched from %s)",
+            library_name, schematic_path,
+        )
+        return []
+
+    pins = parse_lib_file_symbol_pins(lib_file, symbol_name)
+    if pins:
+        logger.debug(
+            "Resolved %d pins for %s from external library %s",
+            len(pins), lib_id, lib_file,
+        )
     return pins
 
 
diff --git a/tests/test_sexp_parser.py b/tests/test_sexp_parser.py
index 38c82e6..f4a6ed4 100644
--- a/tests/test_sexp_parser.py
+++ b/tests/test_sexp_parser.py
@@ -13,6 +13,7 @@ from mckicad.utils.sexp_parser import (
     generate_label_sexp,
     insert_sexp_before_close,
     parse_global_labels,
+    parse_lib_file_symbol_pins,
     parse_lib_symbol_pins,
     transform_pin_to_schematic,
 )
@@ -474,3 +475,248 @@ class TestResolvePinPosition:
         # At component position (100, 100) with 0 rotation: (100, 103.81)
         assert result[0] == pytest.approx(100.0)
         assert result[1] == pytest.approx(103.81)
+
+
+# ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+# External library file tests
+# ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+# Minimal .kicad_sym library file with a custom TVS diode symbol
+SAMPLE_LIBRARY_FILE = """\
+(kicad_symbol_lib
+  (version 20231120)
+  (generator "kicad_symbol_editor")
+  (symbol "SMF5.0CA"
+    (pin_names
+      (offset 1.016)
+    )
+    (exclude_from_sim no)
+    (in_bom yes)
+    (on_board yes)
+    (symbol "SMF5.0CA_0_1"
+      (pin passive line
+        (at -10.16 2.54 0)
+        (length 2.54)
+        (name "A"
+          (effects
+            (font
+              (size 1.27 1.27)
+            )
+          )
+        )
+        (number "1"
+          (effects
+            (font
+              (size 1.27 1.27)
+            )
+          )
+        )
+      )
+      (pin passive line
+        (at 10.16 2.54 180)
+        (length 2.54)
+        (name "K"
+          (effects
+            (font
+              (size 1.27 1.27)
+            )
+          )
+        )
+        (number "2"
+          (effects
+            (font
+              (size 1.27 1.27)
+            )
+          )
+        )
+      )
+    )
+  )
+)
+"""
+
+# Schematic that references the library symbol but doesn't embed it
+SAMPLE_SCHEMATIC_NO_EMBED = """\
+(kicad_sch
+  (version 20231120)
+  (generator "eeschema")
+  (uuid "abc123")
+  (paper "A4")
+  (lib_symbols
+  )
+  (symbol
+    (lib_id "MyProject:SMF5.0CA")
+    (at 100 100 0)
+    (unit 1)
+    (exclude_from_sim no)
+    (in_bom yes)
+    (on_board yes)
+    (uuid "d1-uuid")
+    (property "Reference" "D1"
+      (at 100 90 0)
+    )
+  )
+)
+"""
+
+
+@pytest.fixture
+def external_lib_project(tmp_path):
+    """Create a project structure with an external library file.
+
+    tmp_path/
+      test_project.kicad_pro
+      libs/
+        MyProject.kicad_sym
+      sheets/
+        power.kicad_sch
+    """
+    # Project file
+    pro_file = tmp_path / "test_project.kicad_pro"
+    pro_file.write_text('{"meta": {"filename": "test_project.kicad_pro"}}')
+
+    # Library directory
+    libs_dir = tmp_path / "libs"
+    libs_dir.mkdir()
+    lib_file = libs_dir / "MyProject.kicad_sym"
+    lib_file.write_text(SAMPLE_LIBRARY_FILE)
+
+    # Schematic in a subdirectory (common for multi-sheet projects)
+    sheets_dir = tmp_path / "sheets"
+    sheets_dir.mkdir()
+    sch_file = sheets_dir / "power.kicad_sch"
+    sch_file.write_text(SAMPLE_SCHEMATIC_NO_EMBED)
+
+    return {
+        "project_root": str(tmp_path),
+        "lib_file": str(lib_file),
+        "schematic": str(sch_file),
+    }
+
+
+class TestParseLibFileSymbolPins:
+    """Tests for parsing pins from standalone .kicad_sym library files."""
+
+    def test_finds_pins_in_library_file(self, external_lib_project):
+        pins = parse_lib_file_symbol_pins(
+            external_lib_project["lib_file"], "SMF5.0CA",
+        )
+        assert len(pins) == 2
+
+        names = {p["name"] for p in pins}
+        assert names == {"A", "K"}
+
+        pin_a = next(p for p in pins if p["name"] == "A")
+        assert pin_a["number"] == "1"
+        assert pin_a["x"] == pytest.approx(-10.16)
+        assert pin_a["y"] == pytest.approx(2.54)
+
+        pin_k = next(p for p in pins if p["name"] == "K")
+        assert pin_k["number"] == "2"
+        assert pin_k["x"] == pytest.approx(10.16)
+
+    def test_nonexistent_symbol_returns_empty(self, external_lib_project):
+        pins = parse_lib_file_symbol_pins(
+            external_lib_project["lib_file"], "DOES_NOT_EXIST",
+        )
+        assert pins == []
+
+    def test_nonexistent_file_returns_empty(self):
+        pins = parse_lib_file_symbol_pins("/nonexistent/lib.kicad_sym", "X")
+        assert pins == []
+
+
+class TestExternalLibraryFallback:
+    """Tests for parse_lib_symbol_pins falling back to external .kicad_sym files."""
+
+    def test_embedded_symbol_found_first(self, sample_schematic_file):
+        """When symbol is embedded, don't search external files."""
+        pins = parse_lib_symbol_pins(sample_schematic_file, "Device:R")
+        assert len(pins) == 2  # Found in embedded lib_symbols
+
+    def test_external_library_fallback(self, external_lib_project):
+        """When symbol not embedded, search external .kicad_sym files."""
+        pins = parse_lib_symbol_pins(
+            external_lib_project["schematic"], "MyProject:SMF5.0CA",
+        )
+        assert len(pins) == 2
+
+        names = {p["name"] for p in pins}
+        assert names == {"A", "K"}
+
+    def test_external_lib_not_found_returns_empty(self, tmp_path):
+        """When no external library exists, return empty list."""
+        sch_file = tmp_path / "orphan.kicad_sch"
+        sch_file.write_text(
+            "(kicad_sch\n  (version 20231120)\n  (lib_symbols\n  )\n)\n"
+        )
+        pins = parse_lib_symbol_pins(str(sch_file), "NoSuchLib:Missing")
+        assert pins == []
+
+    def test_resolve_pin_via_external_lib(self, external_lib_project):
+        """resolve_pin_position should find pins via external library."""
+        from unittest.mock import MagicMock
+
+        from mckicad.utils.sexp_parser import resolve_pin_position
+
+        sch = MagicMock()
+        sch.get_component_pin_position.return_value = None
+
+        comp = MagicMock()
+        comp.lib_id = "MyProject:SMF5.0CA"
+        comp.position = MagicMock()
+        comp.position.x = 100.0
+        comp.position.y = 100.0
+        comp.rotation = 0
+        comp.mirror = None
+        sch.components.get.return_value = comp
+
+        result = resolve_pin_position(
+            sch, external_lib_project["schematic"], "D1", "1",
+        )
+        assert result is not None
+        # Pin 1 (A) at (-10.16, 2.54) local, component at (100, 100), 0 rotation
+        assert result[0] == pytest.approx(100 - 10.16, abs=0.01)
+        assert result[1] == pytest.approx(100 + 2.54, abs=0.01)
+
+
+class TestSymLibTableParsing:
+    """Tests for sym-lib-table resolution."""
+
+    def test_sym_lib_table_resolution(self, tmp_path):
+        """Library paths from sym-lib-table should be found."""
+        from mckicad.utils.sexp_parser import _find_library_file
+
+        # Create project structure
+        pro_file = tmp_path / "project.kicad_pro"
+        pro_file.write_text('{}')
+
+        custom_libs = tmp_path / "custom" / "symbols"
+        custom_libs.mkdir(parents=True)
+        lib_file = custom_libs / "CustomLib.kicad_sym"
+        lib_file.write_text("(kicad_symbol_lib)")
+
+        sym_lib_table = tmp_path / "sym-lib-table"
+        sym_lib_table.write_text(
+            '(sym_lib_table\n'
+            '  (version 7)\n'
+            '  (lib (name "CustomLib")(type "KiCad")'
+            '(uri "${KIPRJMOD}/custom/symbols/CustomLib.kicad_sym")'
+            '(options "")(descr ""))\n'
+            ')\n'
+        )
+
+        sch_path = str(tmp_path / "test.kicad_sch")
+        result = _find_library_file(sch_path, "CustomLib")
+        assert result is not None
+        assert result == os.path.normpath(str(lib_file))
+
+    def test_libs_dir_search(self, external_lib_project):
+        """Libraries in ../libs/ relative to schematic should be found."""
+        from mckicad.utils.sexp_parser import _find_library_file
+
+        result = _find_library_file(
+            external_lib_project["schematic"], "MyProject",
+        )
+        assert result is not None
+        assert result.endswith("MyProject.kicad_sym")