Mechanical Engineer

THIS POSITION IS FULL TIME ONSITE IN CEDAR RAPIDS, IA

Job Title: Mechanical Engineer

Job Description

This Mechanical Engineer role focuses on engineering and project administration activities for specific circuit breaker product families in a high-volume manufacturing environment. The position involves performing detailed engineering analyses, supporting product development and testing, and ensuring products comply with ratings, specifications, and industry standards. You will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to drive product quality, continuous improvement, and design for manufacturing.

Responsibilities

• Lead engineering and project administration activities related to assigned circuit breaker product families.

• Perform engineering analyses, including thermal, electromagnetic, dynamic, and structural evaluations, using fundamental mechanical engineering principles.

• Ensure all products comply with applicable ratings, product specifications, codes, and standards requirements.

• Participate in cross-functional teams with Manufacturing, Quality, Marketing, and Procurement to support product development, production, and continuous improvement.

• Apply methodical problem-solving techniques to support product line production and resolve manufacturing and quality issues.

• Support design activities such as brainstorming, database management and development, design and peer reviews, and general engineering analysis.

• Conduct tolerance analysis and apply basic machine design principles to optimize product performance and manufacturability.

• Ensure designs meet Design for Manufacturing (DFM) requirements and align with best practices for high-volume production.

• Assist in root cause analysis using structured approaches such as 5 Why and Ishikawa (fishbone) methods.

• Contribute to product development and testing activities, including testing against third-party standards, proposing test plans, and determining success criteria.

• Create, modify, and maintain Bills of Material (BOM), ensuring accurate documentation throughout the product lifecycle.

• Collaborate with electronics and electrical engineering teams to identify and ensure correct design interfaces between mechanical and electronic components.

• Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on product quality, reliability, and manufacturing efficiency.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Mechatronics Engineering, or a closely related discipline.

• 3-5+ years of experience in a high-production manufacturing environment.

• Hands-on experience with product development processes, including testing and evaluation methods, and working with relevant codes and standards.

• Proficiency in mechanical engineering and problem-solving principles, including GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing).

• Experience with FEA (Finite Element Analysis) and FMEA (Failure Modes and Effects Analysis) for product quality and reliability.

• Strong background in root cause analysis using tools such as 5 Why and Ishikawa diagrams.

• Demonstrated experience with Design for Manufacturing (DFM) in high-volume production settings.

• Ability to create, modify, and document Bills of Material (BOM) accurately.

• Ability to analyze complex problems and present clear proposals and solutions to a diverse audience.

• Understanding of material properties, manufacturing processes, and mechanical design best practices.

• Ability to identify and manage design interfaces between mechanical and electronic systems.

• Experience with 3D modeling tools, particularly Creo.

• Familiarity with continuous improvement methodologies in a manufacturing context.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Knowledge of systems engineering, offer development, and product lifecycle management.

• Experience with Windchill or similar product lifecycle management tools.

• Knowledge of electronic, electrical, and circuit analysis concepts.

• Experience testing products against third-party standards, including developing test proposals and defining success criteria.

• Exposure to manufacturing processes, product evaluation methods, and quality-focused engineering tools.

• Strong communication skills to collaborate effectively with Manufacturing, Quality, Marketing, and Procurement teams.

• Ability to contribute in brainstorming sessions, design reviews, and peer reviews to improve product performance and manufacturability.

• Motivation to work in an environment that emphasizes diversity, inclusion, and professional growth.

Work Environment

This is an onsite role in a high-production manufacturing and product development environment focused on circuit breaker product families. You will work closely with cross-functional teams, including Manufacturing, Quality, Marketing, and Procurement, while supporting product development, testing, and continuous improvement activities. The environment makes extensive use of 3D modeling tools such as Creo and product lifecycle management systems such as Windchill. The workplace culture emphasizes opportunities for growth, professional development, and a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Chicago, IL.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $35.00 - $50.00/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 Chicago,IL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 26, 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.