Electrical Engineer
Job Description
This role focuses on the testing and development of microprocessor- and PLC-based control systems, combining firmware and hardware design in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. You will work under the guidance of senior engineers to design circuits, create schematics and PCB layouts, assemble proto@types, and develop embedded software in C and ladder logic. The position offers a long-term opportunity within a growing division for an engineer who enjoys working across hardware, embedded software, and control systems.
Responsibilities
Assist senior engineers with the design and development of microprocessor- and PLC-based control systems.
Design electronic circuits, including AC and DC digital and analog circuits, to support control system functionality.
Perform schematic capture and PCB layout to translate circuit designs into manufacturable boards.
Assemble and support proto@type hardware for evaluation and testing.
Develop embedded firmware in C or similar languages for bare-metal microcontroller platforms.
Contribute to controls programming, including ladder logic, for PLC-based systems as needed.
Execute rigorous testing protocols to characterize the performance of various control systems.
Conduct hardware testing, validation, and data collection to verify design performance and reliability.
Debug embedded systems using tools such as oscilloscopes and logic analyzers to identify and resolve issues.
Collaborate with team members across hardware, embedded software, and control systems to integrate solutions.
Support consideration of PCB manufacturability, EMC, and reliability during design and testing activities.
Use version control or scripting tools, where applicable, to manage code and improve development workflows.
Work effectively both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary engineering team in a manufacturing environment.
Essential Skills
Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Electrical Engineering Technology, Computer Science, or equivalent work experience.
Strong understanding of electrical fundamentals, including AC and DC digital and analog circuits.
Experience with circuit design and PCB design.
Solid software programming experience in C or a similar language.
Familiarity with bare-metal microcontroller software development.
Hands-on experience debugging embedded systems using oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, or similar tools.
Ability to work effectively in a team environment as well as independently.
Interest and capability in both firmware and hardware design for electronic systems.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Experience with schematic capture and PCB layout tools.
Proficiency with Altium or similar PCB design software.
Familiarity with industrial and board-level communication protocols such as Ethernet/IP and Modbus.
Understanding of control systems, including PLC-based or industrial automation systems.
Experience with hardware testing, validation, and structured data collection.
Exposure to PCB manufacturability considerations, electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), or reliability engineering.
Experience using version control systems or scripting to support development and testing workflows.
Ability to work across hardware, embedded software, and control systems in an integrated manner.
Educational background in Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering.
Work Environment
The role is based in a fast-paced manufacturing environment where you will collaborate closely with engineers and technical staff. You will work with modern electronic design tools, including PCB design software such as Altium, and use test and measurement equipment like oscilloscopes and logic analyzers to develop and debug embedded systems. The environment emphasizes hands-on work with proto@types, hardware testing, and control systems integration, supporting a growing division that offers long-term career opportunities.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Lisle, IL.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $35.00 - $55.00/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 Lisle,IL.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Jun 25, 2026.
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 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.
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.