Contract Mask Layout Design Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

This contract role offers an experienced PCB Design Engineer the opportunity to work on cutting-edge aerospace technology, focusing primarily on PCB layout for new product development. The position runs for an initial 6-month term at 40 hours per week, with no overtime expected, and is ideal for a professional who can support multiple projects and adapt to evolving design requirements in a fast-paced environment.

• Perform detailed PCB layout activities for new product development, with approximately 85% of the role focused on layout and the remainder on broader design tasks.
• Use Mentor Expedition as the primary PCB design tool, applying at least 1–2 years of hands-on experience to create high-quality, manufacturable layouts.
• Leverage Cadence Allegro or PADS tools when appropriate to support existing and new PCB design workflows.
• Design and lay out 6–10 layer printed circuit boards, ensuring proper stack-up, routing, and adherence to performance and reliability requirements.
• Incorporate HDI (High-Density Interconnect) techniques and high-power design considerations into PCB layouts where applicable.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to translate schematic designs and requirements into robust PCB layouts for aerospace applications.
• Ensure proper placement and routing of components to meet electrical, mechanical, thermal, and manufacturability constraints.
• Maintain general awareness of component libraries and apply standard library elements in PCB designs, escalating specialized library needs when necessary.
• Support multiple concurrent projects, managing priorities and deadlines within a full-time 40-hour workweek.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of PCB design practices and support design reviews by explaining layout decisions and trade-offs.
• Adapt to changing project demands and workload, delivering high-quality work even when long-term project volume may fluctuate.

• At least 1–2 years of hands-on experience using Mentor Expedition for PCB layout.
• Approximately 5 or more years of PCB design experience preferred, with flexibility on total years for candidates who can demonstrate a strong track record.
• Proficiency in PCB layout for multilayer boards, particularly 6–10 layer designs.
• Experience with Cadence Allegro or PADS PCB design tools.
• Practical experience in PCB layout and design for new product development environments.
• Familiarity with HDI (High-Density Interconnect) PCB technologies.
• Experience with high-power PCB design considerations.
• General awareness of component libraries and their use in PCB layout workflows.
• Ability to support multiple projects simultaneously and deliver within established timelines.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to produce manufacturable, reliable PCB layouts.
• Willingness to work onsite with openness to a potential hybrid schedule in the future.

• Ideal overall experience level of approximately 5–15 years in PCB design and layout.
• Bachelor’s degree (BS) in a relevant field is preferred but not required.
• Experience working with cutting-edge technologies, particularly within aerospace or similarly demanding industries.
• Awareness of HDI technologies, even if not deeply specialized, is considered beneficial.
• Comfort working in environments where workload may fluctuate and long-term project volume is not guaranteed.
• Ability to perform effectively in a role that is heavily weighted toward layout rather than full schematic-level design.

This is a 6-month contract position based onsite in Niles, with a standard schedule of 40 hours per week and no overtime expected. The role primarily supports new product development efforts within an aerospace-focused environment that leverages cutting-edge technology. You will work closely with engineering teams using tools such as Mentor Expedition, Cadence Allegro, and PADS to deliver complex 6–10 layer PCB layouts, including HDI and high-power designs. The work environment emphasizes technical excellence, collaboration, and adherence to rigorous performance and reliability standards, while offering a stable weekly schedule and potential flexibility for a hybrid arrangement over time.

This is a Contract position based out of Niles, IL.

The pay range for this position is $60.00 - $90.00/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)

This is a fully onsite position in Niles,IL.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 19, 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 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.