2026 Associate Electronics Engineer - Rolling Meadows IL with Security Clearance
The Associate Electronics Engineer at Confidential Client supports manufacturing test engineering for RF systems, focusing on hardware troubleshooting, schematic generation, and hardware design and validation. This role requires collaboration on hardware projects to ensure timely and budget-compliant delivery while maintaining security clearance for sensitive defense-related work. The position offers professional growth in a mission-driven environment dedicated to global security and technological innovation.
About Careertakes
👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, Engineering.
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
Position summary
Confidential Client is seeking an Associate Electronics Engineer (Manufacturing Test Engineering — RF Systems) to join their team in Rolling Meadows, IL. This is an entry-level to early-career role focused on hardware troubleshooting, test development, and validation for RF electronic systems in a manufacturing/test environment. U.S. citizenship is required because the role requires the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government Secret clearance.
What You’ll Do
- Support manufacturing test engineering and RF systems verification for production and development hardware.
- Troubleshoot hardware and test issues; debug units under test to identify root cause.
- Work with test instruments such as oscilloscopes, signal generators, spectrum/network analyzers, and related equipment.
- Generate and read schematics (Cadence experience preferred) and interpret electrical one-lines.
- Support integration, validation, and documentation of hardware test procedures.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver projects on schedule and on budget.
- Contribute to lab automation, test software scripts, and version control workflows (e.g., GitHub).
Basic Qualifications (Required)
A candidate must meet ALL of the following:
- Be completing or have completed a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD from an accredited institution.
- Major in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related STEM field with a minimum of ~2 years relevant experience.
- Be able to obtain a U.S. Government security clearance (U.S. citizenship is a pre-requisite).
- Ability to obtain Special Access Program access within a reasonable period, as determined by the company.
- Hands-on experience troubleshooting hardware and test issues.
- Experience with schematic generation tools (for example, Cadence).
- Experience completing hardware projects involving design/development and/or integration and validation activities on schedule.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret clearance.
Preferred Qualifications
- Overall cumulative GPA of 3.00/4.0 or higher (for recent graduates).
- Experience with Python and MATLAB.
- Programming experience in C#, C, Java, or LabWindows/CVI.
- Prior hardware troubleshooting experience on test equipment or prime hardware.
- Experience with RF electronic systems in manufacturing or design environments (hardware, firmware).
- Familiarity with oscilloscopes, signal generators, spectrum analyzers, and network analyzers.
- Experience reading schematics and interpreting electrical one-lines.
- Experience using GitHub.
- Active DoD security clearance (preferred).
Compensation & Benefits
- Salary range (posted): $72,700 to $109,100 per year.
- Benefits vary by client but commonly include health insurance, retirement savings, paid time off, and learning & development opportunities. Specific benefits will be described by Confidential Client during the interview process.
Location, Clearance & Travel
- Location: Rolling Meadows, IL (on-site expected).
- Clearance: U.S. citizenship required; candidate must be able to obtain/maintain a U.S. Secret clearance and may need access to Special Access Programs.
- Travel: Approximately 10% travel.
Keywords (skills & focus areas)
- RF systems, manufacturing test engineering
- Hardware troubleshooting, test instrumentation
- Cadence, schematics, PCB debug
- Python, MATLAB, C/C#, LabWindows/CVI
- Secret security clearance, U.S. citizenship
Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency
Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.
If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.
Negotiate a higher salary! Check the salary ranges for this job type in your area.
View My Salary Range