Entry-Level Circuit Hardware Design Engineer
Naperville, IL (Onsite)
Perm Role
Client is seeking a motivated Entry Level Circuit Hardware Design Engineer to support the development of electronic hardware and PCBA designs for military, aerospace, defense, industrial, and medical applications. This role provides hands-on experience in schematic design, PCB layout support, prototype development, testing, and product validation within a collaborative engineering environment.
The ideal candidate is eager to learn, technically curious, and interested in developing practical electronic design skills while working alongside experienced engineers.
This position directly supports the growth and technical development of early-career Engineers through mentorship and exposure to real-world product development programs.
- Support the design and development of analog, digital, mixed-signal, and RF electronic circuits
- Assist with schematic capture, component selection, and PCB layout reviews
- Participate in prototype assembly, bring-up, debugging, and validation testing
- Support laboratory testing using oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, multimeters, network analyzers, and related equipment
- Assist with design verification, documentation, and engineering change activities
- Work with senior engineers to resolve technical and manufacturing issues
- Support DFM/DFA and producibility improvement efforts
- Participate in design reviews and engineering meetings
- Create and maintain engineering documentation including:
- Schematics
- Bills of Materials (BOMs)
- Test procedures
- Design reports
- Assembly documentation
- Support qualification and environmental testing activities
- Coordinate with manufacturing, quality, and supply chain teams as needed
- Learn and follow engineering development processes and quality standards
- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related field
- Internship, co-op, senior project, or hands-on laboratory experience in electronic hardware design
- Basic understanding of:
- Analog and digital circuits
- PCB design concepts
- Electronic components and power systems
- Embedded systems fundamentals
- Familiarity with electronic test equipment and laboratory practices
- Exposure to CAD tools such as Altium Designer, OrCAD, KiCad, or similar
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Good written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment
- Experience with PCB layout or schematic capture tools
- Exposure to RF, mixed-signal, or high-speed digital design
- Familiarity with microcontrollers or embedded firmware development
- Knowledge of IPC standards and electronic manufacturing processes
- Experience with laboratory troubleshooting and debugging
- Senior design project involving hardware development
- Interest in high-reliability electronics or advanced materials such as Rogers or LTCC technologies
- Technical curiosity and willingness to learn
- Attention to detail
- Strong organizational skills
- Ability to follow engineering processes
- Team collaboration
- Time management
- Documentation and reporting skills
- Collaborative engineering and manufacturing environment
- Mentorship from experienced hardware and systems engineers
- Hands-on exposure to full product development lifecycle
- Opportunity to work on advanced electronic systems supporting critical applications