Electrical Engineer Project Manager Jobs in Waterloo, IL

Looking to take ownership of exciting, custom-engineered projects instead of being a small piece of a large organization? Join a growing engineering team in Fenton, MO, where you'll lead high-voltage testing equipment projects from design through delivery.

In this role, you'll manage project schedules, collaborate with customers and vendors, create and modify electrical designs using AutoCAD Electrical, and work closely with engineering and manufacturing teams to ensure successful project execution.

• Electrical Engineering Project management experience in manufacturing, automation, or industrial environments
• AutoCAD Electrical proficiency
• Experience with high-voltage systems, controls, PLCs, or industrial automation
• Strong customer-facing and leadership skills

The Electrical Project Manager leads custom high-voltage testing equipment projects from initial design through final delivery. This role combines strong electrical engineering expertise with hands-on project leadership to drive execution, improve accountability, manage schedules, and ensure projects are completed on time and within scope. The position is ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment, proactively drives project reviews, coordinates cross-functional teams, and is comfortable working directly with customers, vendors, and shop personnel.

• Lead custom high-voltage testing equipment projects from concept and design through build, testing, and final delivery.
• Own overall project execution, ensuring all work stays on schedule, within scope, and aligned with technical and quality requirements.
• Plan, conduct, and lead weekly project reviews to track milestones, manage risks, and maintain accountability across the project team.
• Manage project schedules, track key milestones, and ensure all deliverables are completed on time.
• Oversee bill of materials (BOM) creation and management, ensuring accuracy and alignment with design and manufacturing requirements.
• Coordinate with vendors to source components, manage lead times, and resolve supply or quality issues.
• Drive change management activities, including documenting, reviewing, and implementing engineering and scope changes.
• Create and modify electrical drawings and schematics using AutoCAD Electrical for custom equipment and systems.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including engineering, manufacturing, testing, and shop personnel, to ensure seamless project execution.
• Apply electrical safety best practices, including lockout/tagout and safe operation in testing environments.
• Support the design and development of custom machines and test equipment for high-voltage applications.
• Work directly with customers to clarify requirements, provide technical updates, and ensure customer expectations are met.
• Engage with vendors and suppliers to support procurement, technical clarifications, and project timelines.
• Identify opportunities for process and continuous improvement within project workflows and engineering practices.
• Contribute to or oversee PLC programming, controls engineering, HMI development, and industrial automation aspects of projects as needed.
• Support panel design, power distribution, and integration of control systems into custom equipment.
• Participate in or lead initiatives to influence and improve company processes related to project management and engineering.
• Provide clear communication and reporting to leadership on project status, risks, and opportunities.
• Mentor and support team members as needed, helping to build a strong project and engineering culture.

• Strong electrical engineering with experience in high-voltage systems and testing environments.
• Proficiency with AutoCAD Electrical, including the ability to create and modify electrical drawings and schematics.
• Experience with custom machine design, particularly customer-specific equipment in manufacturing and testing environments.
• Solid understanding of electrical safety practices, including lockout/tagout procedures and working in testing environments.
• Demonstrated project management experience, including leading weekly project reviews, tracking milestones, managing deliverables, and overseeing BOM management.
• Experience with vendor coordination and change management in an engineering or manufacturing setting.
• Hands-on experience with PLC programming and controls engineering in industrial applications.
• Experience with HMI development and industrial automation systems.
• Experience panel design and test equipment design.
• Experience related to the utility industry, power generation, or power distribution.
• Strong customer-facing experience with the ability to communicate technical information clearly.
• Experience in vendor management and coordination.
• Proven ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, project-driven environment.

• Experience designing and delivering custom-engineered solutions in manufacturing or testing environments.
• Exposure to lean manufacturing principles and process improvement initiatives.
• Demonstrated continuous improvement mindset, with a focus on refining processes and increasing efficiency.
• Experience influencing or improving company processes related to engineering or project management.
• Ability to work closely with leadership and contribute to strategic technical and process decisions.
• Interest in growing into a broader leadership role within a small, dynamic organization.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, customers, and vendors.
• Comfort working in a high-visibility role with broad project ownership and accountability.

The role is based within a small, close-knit team of approximately 11 people in a fast-paced engineering and manufacturing environment. The organization focuses on custom-engineered, high-voltage testing equipment, offering diverse and technically challenging work. Team members enjoy broad project ownership, direct access to leadership, and the opportunity to drive meaningful change and influence company processes. The structure is lean, with less bureaucracy than larger organizations, allowing for quicker decision-making and greater individual impact. The environment supports professional growth, particularly for individuals seeking to develop into leadership roles.

• Work on unique, custom equipment, not repetitive projects
• High visibility and direct impact on company success
• Small, collaborative team with direct access to leadership
• Growth opportunities into broader engineering and leadership roles

If you're looking for a hands-on engineering leadership role where your expertise truly matters, we'd love to connect with you.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Fenton, MO.

The pay range for this position is $39.00 - $53.00/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 Fenton,MO.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 20, 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.