Mechanical Engineer

Job Title: Mechanical Engineer Job Description This Mechanical Engineer role focuses on new product development for positioners and welding automation systems, including a precision, robot‑programmed product line. You will design high‑precision, tight‑fit mechanical components using 3D CAD tools, perform analysis such as FEA and tolerance studies, and drive design‑for‑manufacturing to ensure repeatability, reliability, and scalability. The position blends office‑based design work with hands‑on collaboration on the production floor, supporting the integration of automation, motion control, robotics, hydraulics, and structural systems while working closely with cross‑functional teams to execute product roadmaps. Responsibilities * Study specifications, engineering blueprints, tool orders, and shop data to understand design requirements and manufacturing constraints. * Confer with engineering, service, and shop personnel to resolve design problems related to material characteristics, dimensional tolerances, service requirements, manufacturing procedures, and cost. * Spend approximately 70% of your time using Creo for 3D CAD design, creating detailed models, drawings, and assemblies for manufacturing. * Spend approximately 15% of your time on the production floor working with production teams and fabricators to support service, troubleshoot issues, and validate designs. * Allocate approximately 15% of your time to ERF integration and analysis, ensuring new designs integrate effectively with existing systems and processes. * Lead or support new product development for positioners and welding automation systems, including precision, robot‑programmed product lines. * Perform mechanical design, including FEA, GD&T, and tolerance analysis for high‑precision, tight‑fit components. * Drive design‑for‑manufacturing principles to ensure designs are repeatable, reliable, and scalable for production. * Support the integration of automation, motion control, robotics, hydraulics, and structural systems into new and existing products. * Collaborate cross‑functionally with manufacturing teams, suppliers, and leadership to execute product roadmaps and meet project milestones. * Develop and maintain accurate bills of materials (BOMs) and related documentation for new and existing products. * Utilize CAD and PDM tools, such as Creo and Windchill, to manage designs, revisions, and product data. * Participate in project planning and, when applicable, support project management activities for new product development initiatives. * Provide technical support for production, service, and field issues, helping to diagnose and resolve mechanical and system‑level problems. * Continuously look for opportunities to improve product performance, manufacturability, and cost through iterative design and collaboration. Essential Skills * Bachelor's degree and 3+ years of experience preferred, or equivalent experience combined with an associate's degree. * Proficiency in 3D CAD design for manufacturing, with hands‑on experience creating models, assemblies, and detailed drawings. * Experience using Creo for mechanical design and modeling. * Ability to develop and maintain bills of materials (BOMs) for complex mechanical systems. * Experience with CAD design practices that support manufacturability and production efficiency. * Working knowledge of FEA for evaluating mechanical performance and verifying designs. * Proficiency in applying GD&T and performing tolerance analysis for high‑precision, tight‑fit components. * Experience with new product development processes from concept through production. * Ability to read and interpret engineering blueprints, specifications, and shop data. * Strong problem‑solving skills for resolving design issues related to materials, tolerances, service requirements, manufacturing procedures, and cost. * Capability to collaborate effectively with engineering, service, and shop personnel in a production environment. * Comfort working both in an office setting and on the production floor to support design, troubleshooting, and integration activities. Additional Skills & Qualifications * Project management experience for new product development is preferred. * Experience using Windchill or similar product data management (PDM) systems. * Hands‑on experience with hydraulic systems and their integration into mechanical products. * Experience working with robotics, including robot‑programmed or automated systems. * Additional experience with FEA tools and methods beyond basic analysis is a plus. * Advanced knowledge of GD&T and precision tolerance analysis is highly valued. * Ability to wear multiple hats and contribute across design, analysis, integration, and support functions. * Interest in career growth and willingness to collaborate with leadership to shape long‑term development goals. Work Environment The role is primarily office‑based, with approximately 85% of your time spent performing design work and analysis using CAD and related tools. About 15% of your time will be spent on the shop floor, working directly with a team of around 20 people in a multi‑bay manufacturing environment that includes three bays dedicated to manufacturing and one bay for additional operations. The culture emphasizes a fun, team‑oriented atmosphere where everyone feels valued, and turnover is very low. The organization supports ongoing growth, with a strong backlog of work and continuous expansion, providing opportunities to take on different responsibilities and shape your career path in collaboration with leadership. Regular team lunches are provided during the week, contributing to a collaborative and supportive environment. Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Rock Island, IL. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $43.00 - $53.00/hr. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: * Medical, dental & vision * Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital * 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available * Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) * Short and long-term disability * Health Spending Account (HSA) * Transportation benefits * Employee Assistance Program * Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave) Workplace Type This is a fully onsite position in Rock Island,IL. Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Jul 24, 2026. About Actalent Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing winner for both client and talent service. The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law. If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email View email address on click.appcast.io for other accommodation options. San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability. Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.