Virtual Mechatronics Engineer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Job Description ARi, headquartered in East Peoria, IL, USA, is a rapidly expanding global engineering enterprise. The essence of our i symbolizes our distinctiveness from competitors an embodiment of innovation, intelligence, ingenuity, and insight. Boasting a diverse team of over 1,500 engineering experts hailing from various nations and cultures across the globe, we are excellently poised to provide intricate and personalized resolutions to our esteemed clients.

Duties & Responsibilities Lead engineering projects supporting purchased finished electrification components, aftermarket solutions, and production health initiatives. Mitigate Assurance of Supply (AoS) risks for single-sourced electrical machines and components through design improvements, supplier collaboration, and sourcing strategies. Support production quality, manufacturing velocity, and supply continuity by driving APQP activities, deviation management, and issue resolution.

Own component development activities from requirements definition through supplier selection, validation planning, production launch, and field support. Develop and implement dealer and aftermarket solutions for products operating in the field. Evaluate engineering trade-offs between cost, quality, performance, and delivery to meet business objectives.

Lead project planning, prioritize work, and independently manage technical deliverables while aligning with overall business goals. Collaborate with purchasing, supplier quality, manufacturing, testing, product support, dealer services, and global engineering teams to resolve technical issues. Participate in New Product Introduction (NPI), New Technology Introduction (NTI), and Small Batch development processes.

Present project updates, technical recommendations, and status reports to stakeholders and cross-functional teams. Support supplier visits, factory evaluations, product validation, and issue investigations as required. Required Skills Required Strong project leadership with the ability to independently manage engineering projects.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills with demonstrated cross-functional collaboration. Strong organizational and prioritization skills with the ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously. Experience working with engineering development processes from concept through production.

Basic proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Teams, Outlook, PowerPoint). Preferred Experience with electric machines, electrification systems, or electric powertrain components. Experience working directly with suppliers and supplier development.

Knowledge of APQP, PPAP, deviation management, and quality management processes. Experience with risk management, validation planning, virtual product development, and physical testing. Previous Caterpillar experience is highly desirable.

Education & Experience Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related engineering discipline required. 8+ years of relevant engineering experience with a Bachelor's degree. 6+ years of relevant experience with a Master's degree.

Associate degree candidates will be considered with 12+ years of relevant experience. Internship experience does not count toward the required years of experience. Ideal Background Candidates with experience in one or more of the following areas are highly preferred: Electrification or electric machine development Supplier quality or supplier engineering Product Health Engineering New Product Introduction (NPI) Manufacturing or Production Engineering APQP / Quality Engineering Component Engineering Electrical Systems Engineering Product Support Engineering Top 3 Qualifications Strong written and verbal communication with excellent collaboration skills.

Proven project leadership and ability to independently drive engineering initiatives. Highly organized with strong planning, prioritization, and execution skills. Work Environment Approximately 90% office-based with 10% travel to manufacturing plants, suppliers, and test facilities.

Occasional use of PPE (safety glasses and safety shoes) during plant and supplier visits.