Apprentice Engineer Jobs in Champaign, IL (NOW HIRING)

At Horizon Hobby, we inspire dreams and help build memories! Our company is the leader in the global Radio Control industry, celebrating 40 years in 2025! We offer tremendous opportunities for growth and development and a full array of benefits including discounts on our products! We are currently hiring for an Electrical Engineer!

This is a full-time, on-site position at our Champaign IL location. Working hours are Monday-Friday 8am-5pm.

Typical pay for this position is $$85,000-$105,000 annually. The final offer for this position will be based on the unique experience and qualifications of the candidate selected. This position may also be eligible for a bonus not included in the base pay range.

The Electrical Engineer supports the design and development of radio‑control (RC) systems used in hobby‑grade aircraft, vehicles, and other model products. It’s a great fit for an early‑career engineer who enjoys hands‑on work, creative problem‑solving, and bringing practical engineering into the world of RC hobby electronics. This role will contribute to RF system design, PCB development, and supporting software that helps make RC models more reliable, responsive, and fun for customers.

• RF System Development for RC Products — Designing and refining RF transmission systems for control links and onboard receivers. Support antenna tuning, range optimization, and interference reduction for typical hobby environments.
• CAD Modeling & PCB Layout — Create schematics and PCB layouts for compact electronics used in RC models. Use CAD tools to ensure designs are lightweight, durable, and manufacturable.
• Embedded & Support Software — Contribute to firmware updates, test scripts, and small utilities that support RF hardware and product testing.
• Testing & Validation — Help perform RF measurements using standard test equipment. Participate in bench testing and controlled field evaluations to confirm performance and reliability.
• Cross‑Team Collaboration — Work with mechanical designers, product developers, and quality teams to integrate electronics into new RC models. Provide clear documentation and assist with troubleshooting.
• Regulatory Support — Assist with basic FCC and international compliance tasks for consumer RF devices.
• Continuous Improvement — Suggest and test new ideas to improve range, reliability, and user experience.
• Performs other duties as assigned within the scope of the position.

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related field (or equivalent hands‑on experience).
• Basic understanding of RF principles, antennas, and transmission‑line behavior.
• Experience with CAD tools for schematic capture and PCB layout.
• Direct experience with Altium software (or equivalent) for board design.
• Familiarity with at least one programming language (Python, C/C++, MATLAB, etc.).
• Experience working with RF test equipment and learning measurement techniques.
• Ability to design or support small, lightweight electronics.

Preferred

• Personal or professional experience with RC hobby products.
• Familiarity with common RC radio systems (e.g., 2.4 GHz control links).
• Experience with microcontrollers or embedded firmware.
• Understanding of EMI/EMC basics in small electronics.
• Comfort with hands‑on prototyping and testing.

• Strong problem‑solving and analytical thinking
• Clear communication of technical ideas
• Attention to detail in both hardware and software
• Enthusiasm for RC models and/or hobby electronics
• Collaborative, hands‑on approach to engineering

• Occasional lifting of office supplies and materials, up to 20 pounds.
• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods while working on a computer.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

• Medical, Dental, Vision
• HSA and FSA options
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Life Insurance and Supplemental Life Insurance
• 401(k) with a company match
• Paid Time Off
• Paid Holidays
• Internal Rewards
• Discounts on Products
• Additional Coverage such as accident, critical, hospital and pet insurance

Horizon Hobby is a progressive, innovative company and, as such, is constantly reevaluating and reinventing the processes and procedures associated with each job. The essential duties and responsibilities of this position may change at any time. In addition, employees may be asked to work on special projects or to assist with other work necessary or important to the operation of Horizon. Your cooperation and assistance in performing such additional work is expected and appreciated.

Horizon Hobby, LLC is an equal opportunity and E-Verify employer