Senior R&D Electrical Engineer

Senior R&D Electrical Engineer

About Chemring Energetic Devices:

At Chemring Energetic Devices (CED), we are at the forefront of technological innovation in the defense and aerospace industries. Located in Downers Grove, IL, CED is dedicated to developing advanced energetic solutions that support critical missions worldwide. Joining CED means becoming part of a dynamic and passionate team committed to excellence, safety, and professional growth. Here's why you should consider a career with us:

Cutting-Edge Innovation: Engage with advanced ESAD AND EED technologies and contribute to projects that have a global impact.

Professional Development: Benefit from continuous learning opportunities and clear career advancement paths.

Comprehensive Benefits: Competitive salary, robust health benefits, 401K with 6% matching, and more.

Commitment to Safety: Work in a company that prioritizes safety and compliance in all its operations.

Dynamic Team Environment: Collaborate with dedicated professionals who are passionate about their work.

Job Summary:

 
The Senior R&D Electrical Engineer will lead the design and development of new product development (NPD) projects. The ideal candidate is an experienced electrical engineer with a proven history of developing new products and supporting legacy devices for military and aerospace applications throughout the product lifecycle. Experience in electronic safe-and-arm design is preferred. The candidate must possess expert electrical engineering acumen, including analysis, modeling, and simulation of electronic circuits and components, and be well-versed in electrical CAD tools. This role requires a well-rounded engineer with strong communication skills and the ability to support cradle-to-grave projects, primarily working on-site with the possibility of a hybrid work arrangement.

Duties and Responsibilities:

 
Develop Electrical Design Concepts: Conduct feasibility analysis and verification from flow charts to schematics to detailed design.

Component selection and PCB layout activities.

Perform both hands-on testing and CAD analysis of circuits.

Lead NPD Projects: Advance projects through Chemring’s Gated NPD process.

Effectively communicate across departments and with stakeholders.

Lead internal and customer-driven technical meetings (SRR, PDR, CDR, PRR).

Support New and Legacy Products:

Maintain parts library.

Perform BOM maintenance and manage risks associated with component obsolescence.

Conduct anomaly investigations and troubleshooting.

Create test procedures, work instructions, and design test fixtures.

Stay Current with Emerging Technologies: Develop concepts for new products.

Skills and Specifications:

 
Electrical Engineering Fundamentals: Proficient in both analog and digital circuit design and analysis.

Electronic Safe-and-Arm Devices: Experience preferred.

CAD Tools: Excellent working knowledge of Altium or similar tools.

Parts Management: Experience in PCB layout, sizing, and library activities.

Technical Skills: Proficient in soldering (J-STD-001 Standard certification preferred) and software/programming.

Communication Skills: Strong oral and written skills (writing samples required).

MS Office Proficiency: Skilled in Word, Excel, Project, etc.

Creative Thinking: Ability to develop new design concepts from scratch and work independently.

Leadership and Organization: Effective leadership, time management, and organizational skills.

Motivation and Enthusiasm: High level of personal enthusiasm and self-motivation, with the ability to work well in a fast-paced, milestone-driven culture.

Collaboration: Ability to work well with customers and peers on multidisciplinary teams.

Multitasking: Capable of supporting multiple projects simultaneously.

Field Interest: Expansive thinking with a keen interest in the field.

Qualification Requirements:

Education & Experience: Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree (B.S.) in Electrical Engineering from an accredited college or university and 10 years of related experience and/or training; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Legal Requirements: Must be eligible to possess explosives under the Safe Explosives Act of 2003 (as amended) as required by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF).

Residency: Must be a US Person as defined by ITAR regulations.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment:

Physical Demands: Regularly required to talk or hear, frequently required to sit, stand, walk, use hands to finger, handle, or feel, and reach with hands and arms. Specific vision abilities include close vision, color vision, and ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment: Usually moderate noise level, with occasional work in areas requiring ear protection.

Note: This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Management reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties and to assign other duties as necessary. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” relationship.