Production Engineer

Switched Source is a Chicago-based small business, building the next generation of power flow control technologies to enhance the reliability, efficiency, and distributed generation hosting capacity of the electric distribution grid.  

Our team consists of top performers working in an entrepreneurial atmosphere to solve the most pressing issues in electricity distribution: how to increase the reliability of the grid in a capital-efficient manner, how to de-carbonize the grid by enabling it to accommodate more electric vehicles and rooftop solar, and how to improve the flexibility of the system and increase automation.  

At Switched Source, we are always evolving. Our success depends on people who approach challenges with curiosity, show empathy, and respect one another. We flex to support the team wherever needed, communicate openly, and collaborate to solve complex problems. We value progress over rigidity and collective success over individual agendas.  

Position Summary: We’re looking for a hands-on Production Engineer to build flexible, scalable manufacturing processes that can adapt as products evolve, support the introduction of new products, and help transition designs from development into reliable, repeatable production. This role will own end-of-line testing, drive facility safety, improve product reliability and manufacturing quality, and partner with engineering on design for manufacturing (DFM) to ensure products are cost-effective, repeatable, and production-ready. The role is highly practical and cross-functional, with some overlap into procurement/resource planning and occasional field support.  

Location : primarily in-person at Brighton Park office in Chicago, IL (with limited field work).  

Key Responsibiliti es:  

• Support production and delivery of products to the customer, ensuring quality requirements are met.  
• Create and implement process for assembly and end-of-line test, assist with tooling/test equipment readiness, calibration, and documentation (work instructions, checklists, reports) and continue to refine as needed  
• Provide hands-on support building production units, including assembly, wiring, integration, inspection, and resolving build issues as they arise  
• Lead and enforce facility and electrical safety practices (HV/MV awareness, safe work procedures, ESD, lab/factory organization)  
• Support Design for Manufacturing (DFM) and other process improvement initiatives to improve cost, quality, and production timelines, and provide occasional field troubleshooting and validation to identify issues and ensure factory testing reflects real-world product performance.  

Minimum Qualifications:  

• Degree in Engineering (Industrial/EE/ME/Manufacturing) or equivalent practical experience  
• At least 3 years of relevant engineering and manufacturing experience  
• Hands-on experience in manufacturing test, production engineering, or factory engineering  
• Experience creating and executing test plans and test procedures  
• Strong troubleshooting ability with electrical hardware and systems  
• Comfortable using standard lab tools (DMM, oscilloscope, power supplies, loads, instrumentation)  
• Strong documentation and communication skills  

Preferred Qualifications:  

• Experience with distribution systems, distribution automation, or utility equipment  
• Background in power electronics (converters/inverters, controls, protection concepts, thermal behavior)  
• Experience improving yield/reliability (failure analysis, corrective actions, screening, basic FMEA/FRACAS)  
• Experience building automated/structured test systems (data logging, scripting, fixtures)  
• Field commissioning, service, or root-cause work in industrial/utility environments  

What We Offer:  

• The opportunity to be part of a pioneering company shaping the future of energy distribution  
• A supportive and dynamic work environment  
• A hybrid in-person/remote schedule  

Switched Source is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.