Associate Design Engineer – Embedded Systems & DFMA

AHEAD; Libertyville, Northern (IL, KY); Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 88,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k)

Paid holidays

Paid time off

Paid parental and caregiver leave

Job summary

AHEAD is seeking a motivated Associate Design Engineer for its LAUNCH program in the Foundry Engineering team. You will start with a 3-month training phase, then work on client and internal projects based on skill and business need.

Ideal candidates hold a Mechatronics Engineering degree, have experience with embedded systems, and show curiosity across mechanical, electrical, and manufacturing disciplines. 25% travel may be required; office-based role with regular hours.

Qualifications

• Experience with embedded systems and hardware design.
• Strong attention to detail when working with drawings, measurements, test results, and parts.
• Excellent documentation and presentation skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively with teams and build positive relationships.
• Willingness to learn across mechanical, electrical, thermal, and manufacturing disciplines.

Responsibilities

• Support design validation activities, including thermal analysis, airflow evaluation, and electrical compatibility check.
• Assist with research and development by investigating manufacturing methods, materials, and processes.
• Support mechanical design activities by reviewing and creating 2D drawings, assisting with First Article Inspection (FAI), taking physical measurements, and contributing to DFMA reviews.
• Communicate with vendors to obtain part quotes, coordinate samples, and verify that supplied parts meet design requirements.
• Document test results, measurements, design findings, and vendor feedback clearly and accurately.
• Collaborate with engineers, designers, manufacturing partners, and other stakeholders to identify and resolve design or production issues.

Skills

Embedded systems

Attention to detail

Documentation

Communication

Team collaboration

Problem solving

Curiosity

Willingness to learn across multiple d

Education

Degree in Mechatronics Engineering or similar

Job description

AHEAD is seeking a motivated Associate Design Engineer for its LAUNCH program in the Foundry Engineering team. You will start with a 3-month training phase, then work on client and internal projects based on skill and business need.

Ideal candidates hold a Mechatronics Engineering degree, have experience with embedded systems, and show curiosity across mechanical, electrical, and manufacturing disciplines. 25% travel may be required; office-based role with regular hours.