Electrical Engineer - Radio Control

Horizon Hobby; Champaign (IL); On-site; USD 75,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

HSA/FSA

Disability Insurance

Life Insurance

401(k) Match

Paid Time Off

Paid Holidays

Product Discounts

Additional Coverage

Job summary

Horizon Hobby in Champaign, IL is seeking an Electrical Engineer to contribute to RF system design and PCB development for RC products. The role emphasizes hands-on work, problem solving, and turning practical engineering into reliable hobby electronics.

The position is on-site, 40 hours weekly, with a typical pay range of $75,000–$100,000 annually and potential bonus. The final offer reflects experience and qualifications.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field (or equivalent hands-on experience).
• Basic understanding of RF principles, antennas, and transmission-line behavior.
• Experience with CAD tools for schematic capture and PCB layout.
• Direct experience with Altium software (or equivalent) for board design.
• Familiarity with at least one programming language (Python, C/C++, MATLAB, etc.).
• Experience working with RF test equipment and learning measurement techniques.
• Ability to design or support small, lightweight electronics.

Responsibilities

• RF System Development for RC products – Design and refine RF transmission systems for control links and onboard receivers.
• CAD Modeling & PCB Layout – Create schematics and PCB layouts for compact electronics in RC models.
• Embedded & Support Software – Contribute to firmware updates, test scripts, and utilities that support RF hardware.
• Testing & Validation – Perform RF measurements and field evaluations to confirm performance.
• Cross-Team Collaboration – Work with mechanical designers and quality teams; provide documentation and troubleshooting support.
• Regulatory Support – Assist with FCC and international compliance tasks for consumer RF devices.
• Continuous Improvement – Propose and test ideas to improve range, reliability, and user experience.
• Performs other duties as assigned within the scope of the position.

Skills

RF principles

Antenna concepts

PCB CAD tools

Altium

Programming basics

RF test equipment

Schematic capture

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field

Tools

Altium

CAD tools

Python

C/C++

MATLAB

Job description

At Horizon Hobby, we inspire dreams and help build memories! Our company is the leader in the global Radio Control industry, celebrating 40 years in 2025! We offer tremendous opportunities for growth and development and a full array of benefits including discounts on our products! We are currently hiring for an Electrical Engineer!

This is a full-time, on-site position at our Champaign IL location. Working hours are Monday-Friday 8am-5pm.

Typical pay for this position is $75,000-100,000 annually. The final offer for this position will be based on the unique experience and qualifications of the candidate selected. This position may also be eligible for a bonus not included in the base pay range.

The Electrical Engineer supports the design and development ofradio - control(RC) systems used inhobby - gradeaircraft, vehicles, and other model products.It’sa great fit for anearly - careerengineer who enjoyshands - onwork, creativeproblem - solving, and bringing practical engineering into the world of RC hobby electronics.This role willcontribute to RF system design, PCB development, and supporting software that helps make RC models more reliable, responsive, and fun for customers.

Key Responsibilities

• RF System Development for RC Products -Designing and refining RF transmission systems for control links and onboard receivers. Support antenna tuning, range optimization, and interference reduction for typical hobby environments.
• CAD Modeling & PCB Layout - Create schematics and PCB layouts for compact electronics used in RC models. Use CAD tools to ensure designs are lightweight, durable, and manufacturable.
• Embedded & Support Software - Contribute to firmware updates, test scripts, and small utilities that support RF hardware and product testing.
• Testing & Validation - Help perform RF measurements using standard test equipment. Participate in bench testing and controlled field evaluations to confirm performance and reliability.
• Cross-TeamCollaboration - Work with mechanical designers, product developers, and quality teams to integrate electronics into new RC models. Provide clear documentation andassistwith troubleshooting.
• Regulatory Support - Assist with basic FCC and international compliance tasks for consumer RF devices.
• Continuous Improvement - Suggest and testnew ideasto improve range, reliability, and user experience.
• Performs other duties as assigned within the scope of the position.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineeringor related field (or equivalenthands - onexperience).
• Basic understanding of RF principles, antennas, andtransmission - linebehavior.
• Experience with CAD tools for schematic capture and PCB layout.
• Direct experience with Altium software(or equivalent)for board design.
• Familiarity with at least one programming language (Python, C/C++, MATLAB, etc.).
• Experienceworking with RF test equipment and learning measurement techniques.
• Ability to design or support small, lightweight electronics.

Preferred

• Personal or professional experience with RC hobby products.
• Familiarity with common RC radio systems (e.g., 2.4 GHz control links).
• Experience with microcontrollers or embedded firmware.
• Understanding of EMI/EMC basics in small electronics.
• Comfort withhands - onprototyping and testing.
• Strongproblem - solvingand analytical thinking
• Clear communication of technical ideas
• Attention to detail in both hardware and software
• Enthusiasm for RC modelsand/orhobby electronics
• Collaborative,hands - onapproach to engineering

Physical Requirements

• Occasional lifting of office supplies and materials, up to 20 pounds.
• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods while working on a computer.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Benefits & Other Perks

• HSA and FSA options
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Life Insurance and Supplemental Life Insurance
• 401(k) with a company match
• Paid Time Off
• Paid Holidays
• Internal Rewards
• Discounts on Products
• Additional Coverage such as accident, critical, hospital and pet insurance

Horizon Hobby is a progressive, innovative company and, as such, is constantly reevaluating and reinventing the processes and procedures associated with each job. The essential duties and responsibilities of this position may change at any time. In addition, employees may be asked to work on special projects or to assist with other work necessary or important to the operation of Horizon. Your cooperation and assistance in performing such additional work is expected and appreciated.

Horizon Hobby, LLC is an equal opportunity and E-Verify employer

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.