Software/Electrical Engineering Manager (Chicago)

Must be a US Citizen

Relocation assistance for non-local candidates

160-175K

Responsibilities:

• Drive cross-functional collaboration across engineering disciplines and business functions to deliver complete, field-ready electrical solutions.
• Partner closely with Product Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, and Technical Support to define, scope, prioritize, and coordinate engineering work across all product lines; own the work intake process and ensure engineering capacity is balanced across competing demands.
• Provide technical leadership and oversight for the design and development of electrical systems, power & signal distribution, PLC/HMI software, and machine controls across our material handling product line.
• Provide technical guidance and approval on electrical schematics, wire harness drawings, and cable schedules; maintain sufficient technical depth in E-Plan (ECAD) to effectively review, guide, and approve team deliverables.
• Ensure electrical systems meet applicable performance, safety, and regulatory compliance requirements.
• Develop and maintain relationships with external industry electrical, electronic, and controls partners to enhance development capabilities.
• Partner with vehicle systems experts and controls suppliers to craft a comprehensive electrical system development and validation strategy.
• Lead significant cross-functional engineering initiatives beyond day-to-day departmental management, taking full project management ownership of scope, schedule, resources, and stakeholder communication.
• Own team capacity planning, work intake, and resource allocation across competing priorities; manage the engineering backlog through Jira, ensuring all incoming work is properly scoped, estimated, and prioritized before engineering resources are committed.
• Coach, mentor, and provide direction to the software/electrical/electronic design team, fostering professional growth and technical proficiency.
• Establish, own, and continuously improve engineering standards, processes, and procedures across the department.
• Promote and maintain a high level of teamwork and collaboration.
• Assure staffing requirements are met.
• Estimate resources required to complete projects.
• Willing and able to collaborate with and lead international teams in various time zones.
• Develop and manage the department budget, including resource planning, staffing, and cost monitoring across the team.
• Be accountable for team member growth and development.
• Coordinate team member performance evaluations, and goal setting.
• Interface with electrical and electronic component suppliers to understand the design, fabrication, and use of their components.
• Manage outsourced engineering resources, including work scoping, quality oversight, and performance management of engineering partners.
• Oversee the detailing and releasing of engineering drawings and schematics for components and systems for which you are responsible.
• Communicate department strategy, project status, and team performance to senior leadership on a regular basis.
• Uphold company policies and procedures, contributing to a harmonious working environment and strong working relationships.
• Lead new product introduction design efforts, ensuring timing and product quality are in alignment with engineering specifications.
• Anticipate and adapt to technological changes in the industry, ensuring departmental readiness for development of new and existing products.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or a related field.
• A master’s degree in a related engineering field is preferred.
• 10+ years of experience working in an engineering capacity supporting product development with a particular focus on electrical systems, power & signal distribution, PLC/HMI software, and machine controls in the material handling, construction equipment, agricultural equipment, or other heavy equipment industry.
• 5 plus years of supervisory experience is essential, with a track record of leading successful teams.
• Comprehensive knowledge of design and development practices, with a focus on designing electrical and electronic systems for heavy machinery.
• Proven leadership skills and the ability to manage a specialized team effectively.
• Skilled in applying technical knowledge to support and enhance engineering practices.
• Strong communication skills to effectively collaborate with the engineering team and external partners.
• Capable of managing multiple development projects under tight deadlines with a focus on safety and quality.
• Knowledge of effective collaboration techniques and ability to build networks with people from different countries and cultures.
• Proficiency with ECAD tools (E-Plan or equivalent); familiarity with PLC programming and HMI development environments preferred.
• Experience with Git or other version control systems for software configuration management preferred.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled

Benefit offerings include medical, dental, vision, term life insurance, short-term disability insurance, additional voluntary benefits, commuter benefits and 401K plan. Our program provides employees the flexibility to choose the type of coverage that meets their individual needs. Available paid leave may include Paid Sick Leave, where required by law; any other paid leave required by Federal, State or local law; and Holiday pay upon meeting eligibility criteria. Disclaimer: These benefit offerings do not apply to client-recruited jobs and jobs which are direct hire to a client

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The Company will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.