Associate Electronics Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

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Join a collaborative engineering team where your technical expertise will have a direct impact on cutting-edge product development, process improvements, and the success of high-priority programs. The Prototype Technician Sr role offers the opportunity to be at the center of fast-paced hardware development, supporting multiple high-priority engineering programs from prototype through validation. You will perform hands-on PCB assembly, soldering, rework, inspection, testing, and troubleshooting while partnering closely with engineers to bring new designs to life. In addition to supporting prototype builds and coordinating with PCB suppliers, you will help improve laboratory operations by establishing efficient processes for inventory management, equipment readiness, documentation, and supplier coordination.
What You Will Do
• Perform SMT and through-hole PCB assembly, soldering, desoldering, rework, and hardware modifications, including fine-pitch components under a microscope.
• Inspect PCB assemblies for solder quality, component placement, workmanship, and electrical defects such as shorts, opens, and missing components.
• Build, test, troubleshoot, repair, and rework prototype PCB assemblies, wire harnesses, cables, fixtures, and electronic systems.
• Operate laboratory equipment including oscilloscopes, digital multimeters, power supplies, electronic loads, signal generators, and microscopes.
• Support engineering teams with prototype bring-up, system integration, design verification, debugging, interoperability testing, and failure analysis.
• Coordinate PCB fabrication and contract manufacturing activities, including supplier communication, documentation, quotations, schedules, and issue resolution.
• Perform incoming inspection of prototype and production PCBs and provide assembly, testability, and manufacturability feedback to engineering and operations teams.
• Identify manufacturing, inspection, and test risks while supporting DFMEA/PFMEA and continuous process improvements.
• Document test results, inspection findings, hardware modifications, and engineering issues while maintaining accurate technical records and reports.
• Manage prototype schedules, coordinate priorities across engineering, manufacturing, suppliers, shipping, and operations, and track prototype hardware through delivery.
• Maintain laboratory readiness by organizing equipment, managing inventory, coordinating calibration and maintenance, and ensuring test equipment availability.
• Ensure compliance with ESD, electrical safety, quality, and company standards while supporting external testing, manufacturing, and customer activities as needed.
What You Will Bring
• Education: Associate's degree in Electronics Engineering Technology, Electronics Technology or related technical field required; or equivalent combination of education, technical training, industry experience, and certifications in lieu of degree.
• Experience: 5+ years of experience in electronics assembly, PCB soldering and rework, PCB testing, prototype development, electronics manufacturing, engineering laboratory support, or related technical work.
• Skills: Hands-on SMT and through-hole soldering, microscope-based PCB rework, PCB assembly inspection, use of common electronics lab equipment, ability to read schematics and assembly documentation, and basic PCB troubleshooting.
• Certifications: IPC-A-610, IPC J-STD-001, IPC-7711/7721, or equivalent soldering and workmanship certification preferred.
What We Can Offer You
• Competitive Pay & Benefits: Enjoy a robust Total Rewards Program that includes health, financial benefits, and more.
• Work-Life Balance: Flexible work options to help you achieve the perfect work-life balance.
• Generous Time Off: Take advantage of our generous vacation, sick days, holidays, plus a volunteer day to give back to the community.
• Retirement & Growth: 401(k) match, profit sharing, and abundant growth and development opportunities to help you advance your career.
• Parental Leave: Because we care about your family and your future.
Compensation: The expected annual base salary range for this role is $28.85 - $36.00 per hour. Please note the salary information shown above is a general guideline only. Salaries are based upon candidate skills, experience, qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
Making the connections that matter. Join us and apply online to be part of the Panduit team. We're an Equal Opportunity Employer, dedicated to creating an inclusive workplace for all. Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Panduit will not sponsor applicants for work visas now or in the future. All roles, including remote positions, require an in-person interview as part of the hiring process.
Work Shift
Day (United States of America)