Associate Design Engineer

Team: Engineering, Engineered Solutions

Location: 1200 Technology Way, Libertyville, Illinois

Commitment: Full Time

Workplace Type: hybrid

Salary:

(Internally known as an Associate Technical Consultant)

AHEAD Foundry is an end-to-end integration center delivering design, integration, and deployment of enterprise IT infrastructure—from the data center to the edge—with deep engineering expertise.

Paired with Hatch for lifecycle visibility, Foundry provides pre-deployment configuration, rack integration, warehousing and kitting, and global logistics to reduce risk and accelerate time to value. 

Who we’re looking for: Think Big, Learn, and Be Curious

• Innovative Thinkers 
• Enthusiastic Collaborators 
• Creative Problem Solvers 
• Curious Self – Starters 

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 Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (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.  

Competencies (knowledge, skills, and abilities):

• Degree in Mechatronics Engineering or similar by 1/11/2027. 

• Experience with embedded systems.  

• Experience with metal enclosure fabrication.  

• Interest in hands-on product development, design validation, and manufacturing processes.  

• Attention to detail when working with drawings, measurements, test results, and parts.  

• Willingness to learn across mechanical, electrical, thermal, and manufacturing disciplines.  

• Ability to manage multiple design-support activities in a collaborative team environment.  

• Excellent documentation and presentation skills. 

• Basic understanding of computer architecture and server hardware components. 

• Ability to communicate effectively with teams and build positive relationships. 

• Demonstrate drive and proactiveness to get things done, manage competing priorities, be solutions–oriented, and enjoy solving complex problems. 

• Demonstrate resourcefulness, curiosity, creativity, courage, critical thinking, and a desire to use technology to search for new and innovative solutions to problems. 

• Exercise sound reasoning, ingenuity, and inclusive perspectives to analyze issues, solve problems and make recommendations. 

• Existing U.S. work authorization is required. 

Work environment

The work environment is in mainly an office environment. There are times when the employee must be in a production environment that has a higher noise level, brighter lights, and warm/cold air flow. 

Physical demands (the physical demands of the job, including bending, sitting, lifting, and driving.)  

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. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or listen. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms. 

Position type and expected hours of work  

This is a full-time position in office, and hours of work and days are typically 8:00AM – 5:00PM, Monday - Friday. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required as job duties demand. 

Travel

Willingness to travel to support client projects and shadow opportunities up to 25% of the time