Volunteer Task Force Controller Jobs in Chicago, IL

Task Force Tips, LLC. is an established manufacturer of firefighting equipment based in Valparaiso, IN. Our continuous improvement process ensures we help first responders save lives and protect property more safely and effectively than the day before.  TFT is part of Madison Industries, one of the largest and most successful privately held companies in the world. 

The Electrical Design Engineer supports Task Force Tips’ Domestic Segment through the design and development of new products, enhancement of existing products, and direct technical support for internal teams, customers, and channel partners. Task Force Tips manufactures life-saving products and puts them directly into the hands of first responders, where performance, reliability, and integrity are critical.

This role is hands-on, collaborative, and mission-driven. The ideal candidate is technically strong, detail-oriented, and motivated by purpose—bringing grit, ownership, and accountability to every design decision. Success in this position means contributing to products that protect firefighters and emergency personnel in high-risk, real-world environments where failure is not an option.

Our Culture is Contagious!  Come grow with us and be part of the TFT Proud Culture!   Be a part of saving lives and protecting property by putting life-saving products in the hands of our first responders!  View our video - TFT, a Firefighter Legacy  

KEY AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY & DUTIES:

• Design new products, product modifications, and related methods for manufacturing, assembly, and testing in accordance with company policies, procedures, and work instructions.
• Document design activities thoroughly and accurately, maintaining traceability and compliance with internal standards.
• Support testing of new concepts, including specification development, oversight of prototype fabrication, assembly, execution of tests, and analysis of results. Modify designs as needed based on test data.
• Collaborate closely with Production and Quality teams to resolve manufacturing, assembly, and quality challenges.
• Provide assembly instruction training and technical guidance for new products as required.
• Redesign and implement incremental improvements to existing products to enhance performance, manufacturability, reliability, or assembly efficiency.
• Recommend and implement design changes to address evolving market needs and customer requirements.
• Travel to vendor sites as needed to evaluate product performance and resolve technical issues.
• Respond to customer technical inquiries and provide engineering-level support to TFT sales teams and key customers.
• Perform item file maintenance and reporting, including creation and updates of parts, bills of material, and related documentation.
• Organize, maintain, and distribute controlled drawings and revisions to appropriate manufacturing and shop personnel.
• Draft, review, and proof technical documentation such as product manuals, assembly instructions, test procedures, charts, and graphs.
• Support efforts related to intellectual property, industry standards, regulatory compliance, and quality/performance certifications.
• Periodically attend and support industry trade shows.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

REQUIRED SKILLS / ABILITIES:

To perform this role successfully, the individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements below represent the knowledge, skills, and abilities required.

• Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering, Electrical/Electronic Engineering Technology, or related field.
• Minimum of 2 years of electronic design experience.
• Working knowledge of electromechanical systems, DC motor control, PCB design, and embedded programming.
• Knowledge of product design for vehicular and/or portable DC power systems.
• Ability to conceptualize new product applications, assess feasibility, and develop reliable, production-ready solutions.
• Proficiency with computers, applicable software, and standard electronic test equipment.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to interact effectively across all levels of the organization, as well as with customers and vendors.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment with minimal supervision while managing multiple priorities, sometimes under time constraints.
• Ability to read, interpret, and generate detailed prints, schematics, layouts, and specifications.
• Willingness and ability to work extended hours, evenings, and occasional weekends as required.
• Ability to travel domestically and/or internationally without restrictions.

PREFERRED SKILLS / ABILITIES:

• 5+ years of experience in electrical product design, preferably in ruggedized, safety-critical, or industrial environments where reliability is paramount.
• Strong working knowledge of communication protocols such as RS-485 and J1939 CAN, including system-level troubleshooting.
• Hands-on experience with power electronics, analog and digital circuit design, and EMC considerations.
• Experience supporting regulatory testing and certifications (UL, CE, FCC), with a commitment to compliance and engineering integrity.
• Proficiency in soldering and rework of through-hole and surface-mount components, including PCB troubleshooting and root-cause analysis.
• Demonstrated grit and perseverance—ability to push through challenges, own problems end-to-end, and deliver results.
• High personal integrity, with a deep sense of responsibility for designs that directly impact firefighter safety.
• Mission-driven mindset—motivated by building products that protect lives and perform under extreme conditions.
• Collaborative, humble team approach with the ability to work cross-functionally across engineering, manufacturing, and quality teams.

DIFFICULTY OF WORK & WORK ENVIRONMENT:

This position involves a wide variety of tasks with broad scope and impact, requiring the ability to manage multiple variables and adapt to changing priorities. Work is generally performed according to established guidelines, but sound judgment and problem-solving skills are required.

The successful candidate will work primarily in an office environment, with regular exposure to machine shop and manufacturing settings. Occasional exposure to noise and heavy machinery is expected, and all safety protocols must be followed at all times.

Physical requirements include close vision, prolonged computer use, sitting for extended periods, and the ability to lift up to 50 pounds.

We offer an excellent benefits package to permanent hires including:  

• Medical/Vision/Dental Insurance (Effective on the 1st of the month after hire.)  
• Paid Maternity/Paternity Leave  
• Short and Long-Term Disability    
• Life Insurance    
• Vacation & PTO Days   
• Employee Assistance Program   
• 10 Paid Holidays    
• 401K plan and Profit-Sharing Plan   
• Monthly Bonus   
• Employee Recognition Program “We appreciate our ALL STARS”   
• Off- Site Health Clinic   
• On-site Fitness Center   
• Tuition Assistance   
• And more! 

*All Hires are subject to a background check and drug test  

Equal Employment Opportunity/Non-Discrimination Policy  

Task Force Tips LLC is an equal opportunity employer. It is the policy of Task Force Tips LLC that we evaluate qualified applicants and not to discriminate on the basis of disability status or veteran status in its hiring decisions. 

Task Force Tips LLC offers reasonable accommodation in the employment process for individuals with disabilities. If you need assistance in the application or hiring process to accommodate a disability, you may request an accommodation with Human Resources at any time.