Electrical Engineer

Job Title: Electrical EngineerJob DescriptionThis role provides end-to-end electrical engineering support for electronics products throughout their entire lifecycle in a high-mix Electronics Manufacturing Services environment. You will serve as the primary sustaining engineering resource for assigned customer programs, taking technical ownership of products from introduction through maturity. The position focuses on product lifecycle support, engineering change management, component and material management, technical troubleshooting, and continuous improvement, while working closely with customers, supply chain, operations, and global manufacturing teams.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary sustaining engineering resource for assigned customer programs and act as the technical owner throughout the full product lifecycle.
• Review and interpret schematics, bills of materials (BOMs), specifications, drawings, and engineering documentation to support existing products.
• Support and drive product improvements related to quality, reliability, manufacturability, cost, and supply continuity.
• Research historical product records, engineering documentation, and prior program decisions to understand context and resolve current challenges.
• Lead the technical review and implementation of Engineering Change Orders (ECOs) for assigned products.
• Assess the impact of engineering changes on product performance, manufacturability, quality, inventory, and customer requirements.
• Maintain accurate, revision-controlled documentation including drawings, BOMs, specifications, and engineering records.
• Coordinate engineering changes across customers, suppliers, and global manufacturing sites to ensure smooth implementation.
• Evaluate alternate components and materials for form, fit, function, reliability, and lifecycle suitability to support component obsolescence management.
• Work with supply chain teams, suppliers, and customers to identify, qualify, and approve replacement components.
• Support supply continuity and cost reduction initiatives through alternate sourcing recommendations and component optimization.
• Lead or support technical troubleshooting and root cause investigations for product, manufacturing, quality, and customer-related issues.
• Troubleshoot electrical problems at the component, board, and system levels using sound engineering practices.
• Analyze failure data, test results, and manufacturing information to determine root causes and contributing factors.
• Drive corrective and preventive actions through to closure, ensuring sustainable solutions are implemented and documented.
• Serve as a technical liaison between internal engineering teams and assigned customers, providing clear and timely communication.
• Support customer requests related to engineering changes, technical concerns, manufacturability, and component substitutions.
• Build strong customer relationships through responsiveness, technical expertise, and reliable follow-through.
• Provide engineering support to global manufacturing, quality, supply chain, and operations teams, including facilities in multiple countries.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives that enhance quality, reliability, manufacturability, delivery performance, and cost efficiency.
• Identify recurring issues, trends, or risks and implement sustainable corrective actions and standardized solutions.
• Contribute to the standardization of engineering practices, documentation, and technical processes across the organization.
• Collaborate closely with NPI, operations, and leadership teams to help build and scale a growing U.S. engineering and manufacturing footprint.
• Use MRP systems and work order routers to support production, documentation, and engineering change activities.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or a related technical discipline.
• 5+ years of experience supporting products in an Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS), Printed Circuit Board Assembly (PCBA), or related electronics manufacturing environment.
• Strong EMS background with experience specifically in PCBA and electronics manufacturing environments.
• Strong electrical engineering fundamentals, including circuit analysis, schematic interpretation, and electronic troubleshooting.
• Experience with board-level design concepts and electronic component selection.
• Knowledge of electronics manufacturing processes including PCBA, Surface Mount Technology (SMT), Through-Hole Technology (THT), and related manufacturing technologies.
• Working knowledge of mechanical engineering concepts to support cross-functional problem solving.
• Experience supporting engineering change management and working with revision-controlled documentation systems.
• Proficiency in BOM management, ECO processes, and change control practices.
• Experience with component obsolescence management and alternate component qualification.
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot electrical issues at component, board, and system levels and perform structured root cause analysis.
• Experience providing supply chain support related to components, materials, and manufacturing readiness.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple programs and priorities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to document findings and present technical information clearly.
• Strong customer-facing communication and relationship-building abilities.
• Demonstrated ability to investigate issues independently and drive solutions through to completion.
• Experience with Material Requirements Planning (MRP) systems.
• Knowledge of work order router creation, review, and support.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Ability to become the technical owner and subject matter expert for assigned product lines.
• Experience supporting products throughout the entire product lifecycle, from introduction through maturity and end-of-life.
• Comfort working independently to investigate and resolve technical issues while collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Interest in contributing to a growing engineering organization and helping to establish and refine processes and standards.
• Motivation to work in an environment that offers direct exposure to customers and leadership, as well as high visibility and ownership of outcomes.

Work EnvironmentThe role is based in a collaborative, hands-on engineering environment at a corporate headquarters in Vernon Hills. This is a 5-day onsite position that involves close daily interaction with NPI, operations, customers, leadership, and global manufacturing teams in locations such as Mexico and Malaysia. The workplace emphasizes high visibility, individual ownership of product lines, and active participation in building and expanding a growing engineering organization. You will work in a production-oriented electronics manufacturing setting that integrates engineering offices, labs, and factory-floor collaboration, using tools such as MRP systems, engineering documentation platforms, and standard electronics manufacturing equipment. Job Type & LocationThis is a Permanent position based out of Vernon Hills, IL. Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $150000.00 - $155000.00/yr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.Health insurance Dental insurance Vision insurance 401(k) Life insurance Generous paid time off Health Savings Account (HSA) Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Tuition reimbursement Job Type & LocationThis is a Permanent position based out of Vernon Hills, IL. Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Nov 18, 2026. Workplace TypeThis is a fully onsite position in Vernon Hills,IL.About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):

We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.