Design Assistant Jobs in Elgin, IL (NOW HIRING)

Job Description: Electrical Design Engineer

The Electrical Design Engineer supports the testing, development, and implementation of microprocessor- and PLC-based control systems. Working under the direction of sr. engineers, this role contributes to circuit design, schematic capture, PCB layout, prototype assembly, and controls programming in C and ladder logic. The engineer performs rigorous testing protocols to characterize the performance of various control systems and helps ensure that designs meet power, safety, and reliability standards.

Responsibilities

• Assist engineers with the design and development of microprocessor- and PLC-based control systems.
• Contribute to circuit design, including AC and DC digital and analog circuits, ensuring adherence to power and safety standards.
• Perform schematic capture and support PCB layout activities using tools such as AutoCAD Electrical or SolidWorks for automated systems.
• Participate in prototype assembly of control systems and related hardware components.
• Develop and debug embedded software in C or similar languages for bare-metal microcontroller environments.
• Support controls programming using ladder logic for PLC-based and industrial automation systems.
• Use oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, multimeters, and other test equipment to debug embedded systems and electrical designs.
• Execute rigorous hardware testing and validation protocols to characterize system performance and collect test data.
• Assist in panel layout and electrical design for automated systems and control panels.
• Troubleshoot electrical and control system issues, identify root causes, and propose effective solutions.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams across hardware, embedded software, and control systems to deliver integrated solutions.
• Apply knowledge of industrial and board-level communication protocols such as Ethernet/IP and Modbus in system design and testing.
• Consider PCB manufacturability, EMC, and reliability aspects during design and review activities.
• Utilize version control or scripting tools to support development, documentation, and testing workflows.
• Work effectively both in a team environment and independently, managing tasks and priorities in a long-term, growth-oriented setting.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Electrical Engineering Technology, Computer Science, or equivalent work experience.
• Good understanding of electrical fundamentals, including AC and DC digital and analog circuits.
• 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, multimeters, and similar tools.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment as well as independently.
• 2+ years of experience using AutoCAD Electrical or SolidWorks for schematic design of automated systems.
• Experience with electrical test, panel layout, and electrical design.
• Experience applying power and safety standards in electrical engineering work.
• Strong troubleshooting skills for electrical and control systems.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with schematic capture and PCB design.
• Experience with Altium or similar PCB design tools.
• Familiarity with industrial and board-level communication protocols such as Ethernet/IP and Modbus.
• Understanding of control systems, including PLC-based or industrial automation applications.
• Experience with hardware testing, validation, and data collection.
• Exposure to PCB manufacturability, EMC, and reliability considerations.
• Experience with version control systems or scripting to support development and testing processes.
• Ability to work across hardware, embedded software, and control systems.
• Experience with automated systems design.
• Interest in long-term career growth within a stable and expanding organization

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

The pay range for this position is $40.00 - $60.00/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 Warrenville,IL.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 27, 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.