Engineering Journal Jobs in Wadsworth, IL

Job Title: Deviation Investigation Writer/Associate

Location: Pleasant Prairie, WI

Duration: 3-Month Contract (Potential of Extension)

Overview:

We are seeking two detail-oriented and driven professionals to join a dynamic manufacturing

operations team as Deviation Investigation Writers. These individuals will play a critical role in

supporting quality compliance by documenting and investigating deviations—unexpected events that

impact product quality, safety, or regulatory standards.

Key Responsibilities:

• Ghostwrite deviation investigation reports on behalf of technical staff, including operators and engineers.
• Collaborate with subject matter experts to gather information and draft clear, audit-ready documentation.
• Support root cause investigations (RCI) and contribute to continuous improvement efforts.
• Assist in managing deviations across various manufacturing areas, including filling, inspection robotics, and process operations.
• Ensure documentation meets regulatory standards and is easily understandable by auditors and cross-functional teams.

Required Qualifications:

• Proven experience in technical writing, preferably in a regulated or manufacturing environment.
• Background in quality assurance, engineering, or a related technical field.
• Ability to quickly learn complex manufacturing processes and translate them into clear, structured documentation.
• Strong analytical and communication skills.
• Comfortable working independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced setting.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience writing deviation investigation reports or supporting root cause analysis.
• Familiarity with manufacturing environments such as pharmaceutical, chemical, or food production.
• Understanding of parenteral manufacturing processes is a plus, but not required.

A leader in technology and innovation, Southwire Company, LLC is one of North America’s largest wire and cable producers. Southwire and its subsidiaries manufacture building wire and cable, utility products, metal-clad cable, portable and electronic cord products, OEM wire products and engineered products.

Industrial Maintenance Controls Technician

Location: Pleasant Prairie, WI

Compensation: $36 - $39 hour

Shift: Monday – Friday ~ days

Pension plan!!

As an Industrial Maintenance Controls Technician, you will support our manufacturing operations by providing a full range of electronic equipment maintenance with focus on reliability. Ensure sustainable operation of machinery and equipment by completing preventive maintenance requirements on motors, conveyor systems, and other production machinery. The Industrial Maintenance Controls Technician will also be a key member of process improvement and problem-solving teams.

Qualifications and Experience Requirements

• Associates degree or higher required
• PLC experience is required
• Strong Mechanical and Electrical background (up to 480v)
• Hydraulic and pneumatic experience
• Ability to interpret technical drawings, schematics and OEM manuals
• 5 years of industrial manufacturing maintenance experience
• Possesses strong computer skills (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, CMMS, etc.)

Industrial Maintenance Controls Technician Job Description

• Troubleshoot equipment malfunctions using logical and systematic methodologies.
• Routine maintenance including but not limited to field fault analysis, calibration of instrumentation using proper test equipment, component replacement, alignment and calibration to specification.
• Troubleshoot and repair various equipment to include electronic, digital equipment and AC/DC motors & controls.
• Fault analysis of hard-wired relay logic, motor control circuits, motor power circuits (single & 3 phase) and common utility/lighting circuits.
• Access and use PLC logic programming to troubleshoot production equipment.
• Replacement of identified failed parts or components.
• Adjust equipment to bring it into operational specifications.
• Recommend process or procedure changes based on observed equipment behavior.
• Testing of electrical systems and continuity of circuits in electrical wiring, using testing devices such as ohmmeters, and voltmeters to ensure proper operation and safety of system.
• Install, examine, replace or repair electrical wiring, receptacles, switch boxes, conduits, lighting fixtures and other electrical components.
• Maintain current and accurate maintenance data to establish historical records and future maintenance requirements.

Benefits We Offer:

• 401k with Matching & Pension Plan (Eligible for Pension after 1,000 Hours Worked)
• Family and Individual Insurance Packages (Health, Life, Dental, and Vision)
• Paid Time Off & Paid Holidays
• Long & Short-Term Disability
• Supplemental Insurance Plans
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employee Referral Program
• Tuition Reimbursement Programs
• Advancement & Professional Growth opportunities
• Parental Leave
• & More

Southwire is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Waukegan Steel is a structural steel fabricator serving the Chicagoland area. Our team has worked on various projects throughout the city including, Soldier Field, the Museum of Contemporary Art, Navy Pier, Willis Tower, Northwestern Welsh-Ryan Arena, Washington/Wabash CTA Platform, Ravinia Festival, and Lincoln Park Zoo. The Steel Estimator will be responsible for preparing estimates of labor and vendor pricing for final projects.

The estimator role is a key member of our preconstruction team as they review potential projects and prepare bid pricing/proposals for our customers. Tasks will vary from project to project as needed – document review, direct quantity takeoffs, defining scopes of work, solicitation and follow-up for subcontractor/vendor pricing.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Follow established Waukegan Steel pre-construction group policies and procedures
• Review project documents and develop strong knowledge of project scope and all requirements
• Prepare structural steel and misc metals quantity takeoffs
• Prepare detailed scope of work documentation
• Support pre-con team as needed with preparation of estimate summaries

Education and Experience:

• Strong interest in working for a Structural Steel fabricator/subcontractor
• Strong interest in being part of a pre-construction team focused on estimating work
• Proficient with architectural/structural blueprint reading
• Strong computer skills, proficient with learning new software applications
• Experience with structural steel/misc metals preferred
• Education: BS Structural or Civil Engineering is preferred

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Candidate must be driven and assertive with strong written, verbal communication skills
• Ability to thrive in a fast paced, collaborative environment
• Highly organized, detail-oriented individual with the ability to follow up tasks without daily guidance
• Ability to effectively manage a high volume of tasks/requests in a professional manner

Competitive Total Rewards:

• A competitive base salary up to $80K (Depending on Experience)
• Medical, dental and vision insurance
• Paid Vacation and Sick Time
• 401(k) Match
• Company Paid Short Term and Long-Term Disability
• Company Paid Basic Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• On the job training
• Career advancement opportunities

Waukegan Steel is an Equal Opportunity Employer EEO-M/F/D/V and encourages Diverse Candidates to Apply

Key Responsibilities:

• Prepare project cost codes and review accounting reports to ensure accuracy.
• Track project costs weekly and provide regular financial updates and profit projections.
• Assist with monthly pay applications and coordinate billing schedules.
• Review and approve subcontractor and supplier payments based on completed work and contract terms.
• Maintain project draw projections and schedules of values.
• Distribute construction drawings, addenda, and change bulletins to subcontractors.
• Maintain project documentation including drawing logs, change order logs, submittal logs, and RFIs.
• Manage project management software and ensure all documentation is current and organized.
• Coordinate and process submittals and RFIs in a timely manner.
• Develop and maintain accurate project schedules and provide updates during project meetings.
• Lead weekly job meetings and distribute meeting minutes.
• Coordinate communication between the owner, architect, city officials, subcontractors, and consultants.
• Track project progress and labor in coordination with the superintendent.
• Issue and manage change orders and track project impacts.
• Coordinate pre-punch and final punch list activities with the superintendent and subcontractors.
• Prepare project closeout documentation, including O&M manuals.
• Coordinate final inspections and obtain the Certificate of Occupancy.

Qualifications:

• 5+ years of construction project management experience (preconstruction and estimating experience preferred).
• Experience with civil and structural construction strongly preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or a related field preferred.
• Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook).
• Experience with estimating, scheduling, and quantity take-off software.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities.

About the Role

As a Distribution Center Associate, you'll be a crucial part of our logistics operations, ensuring that products are efficiently and accurately distributed to our customers. You'll work in a dynamic environment, handling various tasks from receiving and storing inventory to picking, packing, and shipping orders.

Key Responsibilities

Receiving and Unloading: Inspect, verify, and unload incoming shipments, ensuring they meet quality standards and are properly documented.

Inventory Management: Store and organize products in designated locations, using inventory management systems to track stock levels.

Order Picking: Accurately select products from inventory based on customer orders, using advanced picking technologies.

Packaging and Shipping: Prepare orders for shipment by packing them securely and applying appropriate shipping labels.

Quality Control: Inspect products for defects or damage before shipping to ensure customer satisfaction.

Safety and Compliance: Adhere to safety regulations and procedures, including wearing appropriate safety equipment.

Qualifications

High school diploma or equivalent

Ability to lift and move heavy objects

Strong attention to detail and accuracy

Ability to work in a fast-paced, physically demanding environment

Experience in a warehouse or distribution center is preferred but not required

Benefits

Competitive wages

Comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance

Retirement savings plans

Employee discounts on company products

Opportunities for career growth and development

Join our team and contribute to our efficient and reliable distribution operations!

Our client is a premier supplier of medical device solutions for major OEMs, delivering a broad portfolio of metal-fabricated products and silicone-handled components. Their capabilities support the production of surgical implants, robotics, orthopaedic devices, and other advanced medical technologies.

Plan, coordinate, and execute quality control programs ensuring compliance to ISO13485 and FDA standards. Investigate and address customer complaints - CAPA. Assist with preparing and executing internal and external audits. Handle document and process controls. Update documentation and data within the QMS. Create and direct validations (IQ/OQ/PQ). Create PPAP documentation. Other duties as assigned.

MPI does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, or based on an individual's status in any group or class protected by applicable federal, state or local law. MPI encourages applications from minorities, women, the disabled, protected veterans and all other qualified applicants.

5-7+ years of quality experience in medical device. Understanding of ISO13485 and FDA standards. Experience with metal fabrication, CNC preferred. GD&T/PPAP experience. Knowledge of QMS software and associated document control. Certifications a plus. Bachelors degree a plus. Sponsorship is not provided.

Salary ranging from $80,000-$100,000 depending on experience and interviews. 3 weeks of PTO- accrues from day one. Full medical benefit plans offered on day one. Discretionary bonus. Company paid holidays. 401(k) matching.

Job Title : Nuclear Engineer (Naval Reactors Engineer) Category / Component : Officer • Active Overview Design, regulate, and oversee the Navy's nuclear propulsion program, including reactor design, fleet operations, and eventual defueling and decommissioning of nuclear powered ships and submarines from Naval Reactors Headquarters and associated Department of Energy laboratories and shipyards.

Key Responsibilities Provide technical direction in areas such as reactor and fluid systems design, reactor physics, materials development, component design for steam generators, pumps, and valves, instrumentation and control for reactor and propulsion plants, testing and quality control, radiation shielding, and chemistry and radiological controls; review designs and analyses from laboratories, shipyards, and industry partners; coordinate with fleet units to ensure safe and reliable nuclear plant operation.

What to Expect Assume significant technical responsibility early in your career as part of a lean headquarters staff; work primarily in an analytical and oversight role rather than operating plants at sea; balance long term engineering projects with time sensitive fleet and shipyard issues; frequent coordination with senior civilian engineers, naval officers, and technical teams; high expectations for attention to detail, judgment, and written and oral communication.

Work Environment Work mainly at Naval Reactors Headquarters in the Washington, District of Columbia area with regular engagement with Department of Energy laboratories, nuclear training sites, shipyards, and nuclear powered ships and submarines; office based work that includes document reviews, technical meetings, inspections, and site visits rather than day to day shipboard watchstanding.

Pathways, Training & Advancement Officer commissioning through programs such as Officer Candidate School or the Nuclear Propulsion Officer Candidate program followed by a structured technical qualification program at Naval Reactors; rotational exposure to laboratories, prototypes, shipyards, and fleet support issues; progressive responsibility leading projects and becoming a subject matter expert, with opportunities for professional military education and advanced graduate study in technical fields.

Entry through the Nuclear Propulsion Officer Candidate program for qualified college students and recent graduates, or selection via Officer Candidate School for those who already hold qualifying degrees; all applicants must meet Nuclear Propulsion Program academic and technical screening standards in addition to general officer commissioning requirements.

Qualifications All Navy jobs require meeting general enlistment or commissioning standards, which typically include: Eligibility to serve in the United States Navy, which may involve United States citizenship or other legal residency and work status, depending on the program and current law and policy A high school diploma or equivalent for enlisted positions, and a bachelor's or qualifying professional degree for officer positions Meeting age limits that vary by program and are set in law and Navy policy.

Some communities have more restrictive age ranges Meeting medical, vision, and dental standards, including body composition and physical fitness requirements, with some jobs requiring more demanding standards Meeting character and conduct standards, including background screening Achieving required test scores for your program, such as the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery for enlisted roles or officer qualification tests for officer programs Eligibility for a security clearance when required for your rating or designator Additional qualifications can include specific skills, education, licensure, or experience that are unique to a job or community and will be reviewed with you by a recruiter.

Additional qualifications for this job may include: Completion of a rigorous technical degree in engineering, physics, mathematics, or a closely related field that includes strong backgrounds in calculus and physics; outstanding academic record, particularly in technical coursework; United States citizenship and eligibility for a high level security clearance; strong technical aptitude and comfort with detailed analytical work.

Education Education benefits are available through standard Navy programs such as Tuition Assistance, the Post-9/11 GI Bill, ACE-recommended college credit for Navy training, Navy COOL-funded certifications, USMAP apprenticeships, and other Navy College Program opportunities.

Specific options depend on the Sailor's status, training, and current Navy policy.

Pay, Benefits & Service Pay, benefits, and service commitments follow standard Navy Active and/or Reserve policies for this type of role, including basic pay, allowances when eligible, health coverage, and retirement options.

Exact entitlements, special pays, and service obligations depend on program, component, years of service, and current law and Navy guidance.

Incentives Incentives such as bonuses, special pays, and loan repayment may be available at times for specific ratings or communities, but they change frequently and cannot be guaranteed.

Applicants must confirm current incentives and eligibility with an official Navy recruiter or authoritative Navy source.

Notes and Disclaimers This description is a general overview of typical duties, training, and opportunities in this community.

It does not replace official Navy instructions, policies, or contracts and does not guarantee specific assignments, training, incentives, or outcomes.

Actual opportunities depend on Navy needs, individual performance, screening results, and current law and policy.

Construction Manager

Location: Lake County, IL (on-site)

Employment Type: Contract (potential for long duration through construction, commissioning, and turnover)

Position Summary

ASI is seeking an experienced Construction Manager to support a major API manufacturing expansion at a large, highly regulated pharmaceutical campus in Lake County, IL. This role is the on-site leader responsible for day-to-day execution: coordinating contractors and trades, enforcing safety and quality expectations, aligning field activities with the Architect/Engineer (A&E) and client stakeholders, and driving timely installation of API synthesis equipment, utilities, and facility systems in an active manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

Field Execution & Trade Coordination

• Direct and coordinate daily work activities for multiple subcontractors/trades (civil, structural, architectural, mechanical/HVAC, piping, electrical, controls, fire protection, insulation, etc.).
• Lead field planning: workface planning, daily/weekly look-ahead, constraint removal, and sequencing to maintain productivity and schedule.
• Verify field readiness (access, permits, drawings, materials, LOTO boundaries, etc.) and keep crews working efficiently.

Safety Leadership

• Champion a strong safety culture consistent with client and contractor programs (OSHA/site rules).
• Conduct job hazard analyses (JHAs), pre-task plans, toolbox talks, and field safety audits; stop work when conditions are unsafe.
• Coordinate safe work in operating areas (permits, hot work, line break, confined space, energized work, LOTO).

Construction Quality & Technical Oversight

• Ensure construction is executed per drawings, specifications, codes/standards, and approved submittals.
• Review/verify installation quality for process equipment and GMP utilities (e.g., purified water, clean steam, process gases, vacuum, chilled water/steam/condensate, wastewater/neutralization—project dependent).
• Support punchlist management, deficiency resolution, and field verification/inspection readiness.

Interface Management (Owner / A&E / Contractors)

• Coordinate construction execution with the A&E team: field design clarifications, constructability issues, and redlines/as-builts.
• Participate in coordination meetings, pull planning sessions, and progress reporting (schedule updates, constraint logs, productivity blockers).
• Communicate clearly and early when scope, schedule, access, or design constraints threaten field progress.

Equipment & Package Expediting

• Track critical equipment/package readiness (FAT/SAT support as required, delivery schedules, staging, rigging plans, installation prerequisites).
• Coordinate receiving, laydown, preservation, and turnover documentation for API synthesis equipment and supporting systems.

Turnover, Commissioning Support & Documentation

• Drive system walkdowns and turnover boundaries (systems/areas), supporting mechanical completion packages and turnover to commissioning/CQV.
• Coordinate vendor support in the field (start-up oversight, issue resolution, closeout).
• Maintain accurate field records: daily reports, installed quantities, progress photos, redlines, punch list status, and turnover artifacts.

Required Qualifications

• 5+ years of on-site construction field engineering/supervision experience in pharma, biotech, chemical process, or other regulated industrial environments.
• Demonstrated experience coordinating multiple trades and contractors on fast-moving projects.
• Working knowledge of GMP/GDP expectations for construction in/near regulated manufacturing areas (material control, cleanliness, change control awareness, turnover discipline).
• Strong safety mindset and familiarity with typical industrial permit-to-work processes.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with API chemical synthesis facilities and/or process equipment installation (reactors, filter/dryers, centrifuges, solvent handling, contained transfer, etc.).
• Familiarity with ISPE Baseline concepts, ASTM E2500 mindset, commissioning/qualification interfaces, and turnover best practices.
• Experience working on projects involving advanced manufacturing/automation integrations (PCS/DCS/DeltaV/PLC/SCADA—platform varies by site).

Skills & Attributes

• High field presence: proactive, decisive, calm under pressure, strong situational awareness.
• Strong coordination and documentation habits (punch lists, turnover packages, daily reports).
• Ability to communicate effectively with trades, project management, engineering, quality, EHS, and operations.
• Bias for action: removes blockers, escalates appropriately, and keeps the schedule moving.

Due to continued growth and capacity expansion, Fischer Paper Products is currently seeking a full-time Manufacturing Operations Director to join our team. This role will work onsite full-time at our newly built headquarters in Antioch, IL.

This position will report directly to the President/Owner and will cover a broad base of responsibilities within a modern manufacturing environment. In this role, you will collaborate with fellow management team members to foster a strong, unified culture of synergy and cross-functional teamwork. You’ll get to take the business strategy and cascade it down with hands-on oversight of production, quality, safety, maintenance, engineering, supply chain, warehouse, and facilities.

This is a career-transforming opportunity for an individual who is passionate about developing teams, processes, systems, and growing together towards success!

Who We Are

With a 53-year history, Fischer Paper Products is a family company with more than three generations of experience in manufacturing and supplying high-quality, food-safe paper packaging to nationally recognized customers in the foodservice industry.

Focused on building our future together, Fischer Paper Products is positioned for exciting growth – for the company and each of our 140 team members. We are a people-first organization with plans to grow to 200 team members over the next 3-5 years.

Our purpose is to be a trusted employer and supplier of choice, by doing what’s right for our team, our customers, and our community.

You will enjoy it here if you…

• Believe in the value of building strong working relationships
• Thrive in a high-growth and changing environment
• Delight in daily interactions with all levels of employees – in the office and on the production floor
• Are a fair and equitable leader who likes to help others succeed
• Find satisfaction in fostering engagement, cohesion, and personal connection
• Are passionate about establishing people, process, and technology structures for sustainable growth
• Love understanding how things work – and making them better

Position Overview

• Lead and assist with continuous growth year after year, through innovative solutions delivered in a repeatable, scalable, and cost-effective manner.
• Manage and improve KPIs surrounding safety, quality, cost, delivery, and people.
• Overall responsibility for manufacturing budgets, capital expenditures, and financial performance.
• Utilize financial systems to manage cost standards, BOM’s, actual vs. estimated job cost, and to provide timely and accurate financial reports and cost controls.
• Drive improvements in supply chain; including demand planning, inventory, logistics, S&OP process, etc.
• Lead partnership and learning between departments and ensure best practices are implemented.
• Develop and implement operations strategies that improve execution and provide additional value to customers in a cost-effective manner.
• Devise and execute structural changes needed to ensure success; including staffing, scheduling, capacity planning, and asset utilization.
• Work cross-functionally to support the processes for qualifying new business, developing new products, approving new raw material suppliers, resolving customer complaints, and improving the customer experience.
• Actively seek ways in which to act as a role model; guiding, developing, and mentoring others within the Operations Department.
• Managerial responsibilities to include hiring, onboarding, training, coaching and developing; planning, assigning and directing work; performance management.
• Oversight of driving excellence in Food Safety and OSHA compliance, preventive maintenance, facilities housekeeping and sanitation, and overall representation of Fischer's brand image.
• Foster a high-performance culture of learning, growth, transparency, engagement, and inclusion.

Essential Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Operations, Engineering, Supply Chain, Business, or related field
• Recent experience in the paper, packaging, printing, or converting industry required
• 10+ years of progressive manufacturing operations experience
• 7+ years of management experience
• 5+ years leading cross-functional teams to drive transformational improvements
• Strong team development, change management, and facilitation skills
• PMP Project Management certification preferred
• Six Sigma or Lean manufacturing certifications preferred
• Proven success driving lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives
• Expertise in ERP systems, business intelligence tools, and analytical skills
• Demonstrated business partner and leadership skills with ability to scope and understand business needs and define and implement solutions
• Track record of building organizational synergies and aligned teams
• Professional, positive, and people-oriented approach
• Self-motivated team player with the ability to work on own initiative
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with a collaborative leadership style

What We Offer

• Strong potential career advancement in the short and long-term
• A friendly, business casual work environment
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance + company sponsored Medical Reimbursement Program + 401(k) with employer matching + additional life and well-being offerings
• Anticipated base salary range for this position is $150,000 – $200,000 annually

If you're a hands-on leader who thrives on collaboration and is passionate about operational excellence — we want to hear from you!

A leader in technology and innovation, Southwire Company, LLC is one of North America’s largest wire and cable producers. Southwire and its subsidiaries manufacture building wire and cable, utility products, metal-clad cable, portable and electronic cord products, OEM wire products and engineered products.

EHS Specialist Job Summary

The EHS Specialist works within the Environmental Health and Safety Department to plan, direct, and implement Southwire’ s environmental health and safety programs and to ensure a positive, safe, healthy, and incident-free work environment. They will support EHS operations and all associates to foster a culture of zero injuries and ensure compliance. This position would also respond to emergency situations when they arise.

Key Responsibilities

• Coach management and associates at all levels to ensure compliance with all EHS program expectations and applicable federal & state laws for day-to-day activities
• Participate in risk assessments related to jobs performed by associates and suggest risk mitigation strategies through programs such as: Job Safety Analysis, ergonomics process, machine safeguarding etc.
• Conduct all EHS related training and assist others (managers, associates, etc.) to complete their safety and compliance responsibilities (audits, follow safety rules, etc.)
• Conducting appropriate inspections and audits, and ensuring corrective actions are monitored and documented
• Maintaining accurate daily, weekly, and monthly metrics to report to onsite management teams and corporate based reporting systems
• Completing, documenting, and submitting required EHS reports, regulatory compliance activities and recordkeeping information
• Responding to and investigating events including injuries and near-miss events. Drive closure of effective corrective / preventive actions, as assigned
• Support updating Key Performance Indicators (KPI) and external supplier evaluation software
• Respond to emergency situations when they arise.
• Handling associate complaints as they relate to EHS.

Qualifications And Experience Requirements

• Associates degree is required, Bachelor’s degree is preferred
• 3+ years of EHS experience within a manufacturing setting is preferred
• Bilingual is a plus
• Strong PC skills
• SAP is preferred

Benefits We Offer:

• 401k with Matching
• Family and Individual Insurance Packages (Health, Life, Dental, and Vision)
• Paid Time Off & Paid Holidays
• Long & Short-Term Disability
• Supplemental Insurance Plans
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employee Referral Program
• Tuition Reimbursement Programs
• Advancement & Professional Growth opportunities
• Parental Leave
• & More

Southwire is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.