Our client, a prominent manufacturing company in the NW Suburbs is seeking a Field Electrical Engineering Manager to join the team. This is a newly created role and will oversee the design, manufacturing, programming, startup, and client-facing technical support functions related to control panels and PLC-based systems. This role will require up to 50% travel.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and manage the Control Panel Division
- Supervise 2–4 direct reports (designers/engineers), with oversight across a broader team
- Establish technical standards, documentation protocols, and quality controls
- Strengthen leadership structure and accountability within the division
- Drive on-time panel production and installation
- Assist in electrical design and review of control panel schematics
- Oversee panel manufacturing and ensure build quality
- Support PLC programming and control system architecture
- Provide troubleshooting expertise on active projects
- Ensure seamless integration of fans, motors, and moving components
- Oversee control system startup and commissioning
- Travel for Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and on-site startups (~1–2 days/week)
- Improve responsiveness and technical support for key clients
- Partner directly with major accounts such as SpaceX and American Airlines
- Ensure successful system handoff and client training
Qualifications
- Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering (BSEE required)
- 5+ years of electrical engineering experience, ideally in industrial controls
- Strong background in control panel design and manufacturing oversight
- PLC programming experience (hands-on capability required)
- Experience with industrial automation, motors, VFDs, and control systems
- Leadership experience managing engineering teams
- Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving ability
- Comfortable working directly with high-profile industrial clients
- Willingness to travel for FAT and project startup support
