Contract Electrical Design Engineer Jobs in Illinois

This Electrical Design Engineer role supports the design, development, and implementation of custom automation systems, robotic cells, and specialized manufacturing equipment. You will collaborate closely with mechanical, controls, and manufacturing teams to create robust electrical designs, develop detailed schematics, support machine builds, and assist with startup and commissioning activities. This is a hands-on engineering position where you follow projects from concept and design through fabrication, testing, and customer deployment. The position requires the ability to train on-site in St. Louis for the first two weeks, with travel support provided.

• Design electrical systems for custom automation equipment and manufacturing machinery.
• Create and maintain electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and panel layouts using AutoCAD.
• Select appropriate electrical components, including drives, motors, sensors, PLC hardware, safety devices, and power distribution equipment.
• Develop machine control architectures that support automation, robotics, motion control, and material handling systems.
• Collaborate with Controls Engineers on PLC integration, HMI development, and overall system functionality.
• Support panel fabrication, machine wiring, and electrical troubleshooting during equipment builds.
• Verify electrical designs through testing, debugging, and startup activities.
• Ensure compliance with applicable electrical codes, machine safety requirements, and customer specifications.
• Assist with machine commissioning, customer acceptance testing, and occasional onsite startup support at customer facilities.
• Work cross-functionally with mechanical engineers, machinists, technicians, and project managers to successfully deliver projects on time and within scope.
• Participate in design reviews and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives across engineering projects.

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Electrical Engineering Technology, Mechatronics Engineering, or a related field.
• At least 2 years of experience in industrial automation, controls engineering, machine design, or electrical equipment design.
• Proficiency in creating electrical schematics and panel layouts using AutoCAD.
• Solid understanding of industrial control systems, electrical power distribution, and machine safety principles.
• Experience supporting custom machinery, manufacturing equipment, automation systems, or robotic applications.
• Ability to troubleshoot electrical systems and work hands-on in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across multidisciplinary teams.
• Demonstrated problem-solving skills and the ability to diagnose and resolve technical issues efficiently.
• Willingness and ability to complete an initial two-week training period in St. Louis.

• Experience with electrical machine design in an industrial or manufacturing setting.
• Familiarity with automation architectures involving robotics, motion control, and material handling systems.
• Comfort working in a smaller office environment that emphasizes employee development and career growth.
• Flexibility to adjust work hours when needed to support project deadlines and commissioning activities.

The role is based in a smaller office environment that values employees and their long-term careers, offering a collaborative and supportive culture. You will work closely with mechanical, controls, and manufacturing teams in both office and shop-floor settings, engaging in hands-on activities such as panel fabrication, machine wiring, testing, and commissioning. Hours are flexible, with most employees working either 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. or 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and occasional variations may occur based on project needs. There is flexibility to work extra hours within the week to reach 40 hours and minimize the use of paid time off, including the possibility of working four 10-hour shifts to periodically have a Friday off. The position includes an initial two-week training period in St. Louis, with transportation and travel expenses covered, and involves exposure to modern industrial automation technologies, custom machinery, and specialized manufacturing equipment.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Effingham, IL.

The pay range for this position is $38.46 - $57.69/hr.

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.

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)

This is a fully onsite position in Effingham,IL.

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 17, 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 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 withoutregard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability,sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protectedby law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification oradjustment 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 thecity and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicantswith arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as acondition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this lawshall 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 applicationsand qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, youacknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.