Job Title: Electrical Engineer - Power Electronics (Production Support)
Job Description
This role focuses on production maintenance and field issue resolution for power electronics products, with a strong emphasis on hardware and power inverter systems. You will troubleshoot returned field units, perform detailed failure analysis at the component and sub-component level, and support validation activities to ensure reliable, high-performance power electronic hardware in production environments. The position operates in a hands-on, lab-based setting and collaborates closely with design, validation, and manufacturing teams while working under the guidance of an experienced team lead.
Responsibilities
Support current production maintenance and resolve field issues for power electronics products, with a focus on hardware and power inverter systems.
Perform hands-on troubleshooting of returned field units to identify root causes of hardware failures and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
Analyze failures at the component and sub-component level, including circuit boards, printed circuit boards (PCBs), sensors, and power modules.
Conduct structured root cause analysis using engineering methodologies such as Continuous Process Improvement (CPI) and Fishbone analysis.
Validate replacement or alternate components when parts become obsolete, suppliers fail, or new sources are required, ensuring compatibility and performance.
Develop detailed test plans and validation plans in collaboration with design engineers and technical leads to verify hardware performance and reliability.
Work with validation teams to set up testing environments, execute validation tests, collect data, analyze results, and formally conclude validation activities.
Document findings by writing clear technical summaries, reports, and required engineering documentation that capture test methods, observations, and conclusions.
Present technical results and recommendations to cross-functional teams, including engineering, validation, and manufacturing stakeholders, in a clear and concise manner.
Collaborate across interdisciplinary teams and business partners to address production issues, implement improvements, and support continuous improvement initiatives.
Operate primarily in a production support and hardware-focused capacity, concentrating on power electronics hardware rather than software or controls.
Apply knowledge of high voltage, high power circuits and electric drivetrain hardware to support product reliability and performance in the field.
Support sub-component lifecycle and sourcing management by assisting in the evaluation and qualification of components used in power electronics systems.
Use lab equipment such as oscilloscopes, current and voltage probes, and data loggers to perform measurements, diagnostics, and hardware validation.
Contribute to continuous improvement processes by identifying recurring issues, proposing design or process enhancements, and supporting implementation.
Work under a more experienced team lead, following guidance while taking ownership of assigned tasks and delivering high-quality engineering work.
Essential Skills
Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or a closely related engineering discipline.
At least 1 year of experience in power electronics, with hands-on exposure to power electronics hardware in production or field environments.
Strong power electronics expertise with emphasis on power inverters and traction inverters.
Knowledge of converter and inverter topologies, including two-level topologies and related architectures.
Experience with electric drivetrain hardware, including integration of power electronics with drivetrain systems.
High voltage, high power circuit knowledge, with experience working on systems at 700V or higher preferred.
Hands-on hardware troubleshooting and laboratory testing experience for power electronics products.
Component-level failure analysis and repair knowledge, including experience with circuit boards, PCBs, sensors, and power modules.
Exposure to manufacturing and production environments for power electronics hardware.
Experience with sub-component lifecycle and sourcing management for electronic hardware.
Proficiency using lab equipment such as oscilloscopes, current probes, voltage probes, and data loggers for measurement and diagnostics.
Experience setting up and executing validation tests for power electronics hardware.
Ability to perform data analysis and processing using tools such as Microsoft Excel.
Familiarity with root cause analysis methodologies and continuous improvement processes (e.g., CPI, Fishbone analysis).
Ability to create technical documentation, including test plans, validation reports, and technical summaries.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly explain technical findings to diverse stakeholders.
Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with engineering, validation, and manufacturing teams.
Electronic hardware testing experience, particularly in the @context of power electronics and high-voltage systems.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Experience with MATLAB for data analysis and processing is preferred.
Familiarity with industry standards such as IPC-600 and IPC-650 is preferred.
Familiarity with IEC standards related to power electronics and high-voltage equipment is preferred, with deeper expertise considered a plus.
Experience working with electric drivetrain systems, including integration of power inverters and traction inverters, is advantageous.
Experience in continuous improvement initiatives and CPI processes within engineering or production environments is beneficial.
Ability to operate as a self-starter with minimal need for ramp-up training, taking initiative in troubleshooting and problem solving.
Experience presenting technical information to cross-functional teams and supporting decision-making with clear engineering rationale.
Background in electrical design or hardware engineering related to power electronics is an asset.
Work Environment
This role operates primarily in a laboratory and production support environment focused on power electronics hardware. You will work hands-on with power inverters, traction inverters, electric drivetrain hardware, and high-voltage circuits, often at 700V or higher. Daily work involves the use of oscilloscopes, current and voltage probes, data loggers, and other electronic test equipment to troubleshoot and validate hardware. You will collaborate closely with design engineering, validation, and manufacturing teams in a cross-functional setting, working under the guidance of an experienced team lead. The environment emphasizes continuous improvement, structured root cause analysis, and rigorous validation of power electronics products to support reliable, high-quality production.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Chillicothe, IL.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $40.00 - $48.00/hr.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: - Medical, dental & vision - Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital - 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available - Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) - Short and long-term disability - Health Spending Account (HSA) - Transportation benefits - Employee Assistance Program - Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Chillicothe,IL.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on May 8, 2026.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:
Hiring diverse talent
Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
Ensuring growth opportunities for our people
Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.
About Actalent
Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we've helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC-with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000+ extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day.
Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.
