Mechanical Design Engineer

Job Title: Mechanical Design Engineer Job Description
The Mechanical Design Engineer designs, develops, and revises components and systems to meet demanding customer expectations for performance, quality, cost, and delivery. This role includes generalized design of complete machines as well as specialized design of components such as work equipment, undercarriage systems, hydraulic and electrical systems, cooling systems, engine installations, and attachments. The engineer contributes throughout the product development lifecycle, from concept and prototype through pre-series production, ensuring designs are manufacturable, reliable, and aligned with engineering standards.
Responsibilities

• Design and develop machine systems and components, including work equipment, undercarriage systems, hydraulic, electrical, cooling, and engine installations, as well as attachments.
• Create detailed drawings, design parts, specify components, and build assemblies using 3D CAD software while adhering to relevant engineering and industry standards.
• Prepare clear and concise technical documentation, including memos, Parts and Service News, Operation Manuals, and Shop Manuals.
• Discuss, negotiate, and resolve specification issues with manufacturing teams and suppliers during prototype development and pre-series production, taking into account manufacturing capabilities and limitations.
• Conduct design reviews to ensure project quality, cost, and delivery targets are met, and present design concepts and project progress in meetings.
• Apply continuous improvement techniques to enhance product quality, reduce costs, and shorten lead times.
• Maintain effective engineering change control by preparing and processing engineering release letters and releasing drawings into bills of material using systems such as GDMS and SAP.
• Interface with internal groups and external suppliers to exchange technical information, standards, and policies.
• Support production, service, and quality assurance departments by investigating issues, determining root causes, planning countermeasures, and documenting findings and solutions.
• Identify and document new technologies and innovations, submit concepts for potential patent applications, and propose new features to improve market share and profitability.
• Travel to machine worksites to participate in surveys, investigate problems, understand applications, determine customer expectations, and evaluate the effectiveness of countermeasures.
• Contribute to systems design, weldment and integration activities, and project management tasks as needed.
• Participate in new product development initiatives, providing mechanical design expertise and ensuring designs meet performance and reliability requirements.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, or equivalent) with approximately 35 years of relevant experience, or an Associate's degree with sufficient equivalent experience.
• Strong proficiency in core engineering principles, including structural mechanics, hydraulics, heat transfer, electricity, ergonomics, and 3D CAD.
• Experience using 3D CAD software such as Pro Engineer Wildfire 2.0 or 4.0 for part and assembly design.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint for analysis, documentation, and presentations.
• Solid knowledge of engineering standards related to drawing practice, dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T), drawing symbols, and welding practice.
• Understanding and application of ISO and SAE standards in design and documentation.
• Demonstrated mechanical design experience, particularly in systems design and integration.
• Ability to manage and use engineering and data management tools effectively.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and the ability to interpret and apply engineering principles to practical design challenges.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with Creo and Windchill for advanced 3D CAD modeling and data management is a plus.
• Experience in new product development, from concept through prototype and pre-series production.
• Familiarity with hoses, tubes, brackets, and light fabrication structures used in mechanical systems.
• Experience in weldment design and integration.
• Exposure to project management activities within engineering projects.
• Knowledge of or interest in finite element analysis (FEA) is considered an advantage.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to investigate field issues and develop effective countermeasures.
• Effective communication skills for collaborating with cross-functional teams and suppliers and for preparing technical documentation.

Work Environment
This is a contract position based in Peoria, Illinois, within a dynamic and collaborative engineering environment. The role involves regular use of 3D CAD software, engineering analysis tools, and data management systems such as GDMS, SAP, and potentially Windchill. Work may include both office-based design and documentation tasks and on-site activities at machine worksites, with travel required domestically and internationally to conduct surveys, investigate problems, and understand real-world applications. Employees are expected to dress professionally in line with industry standards, and they work closely with production, service, quality assurance, and supplier teams in a technically focused, project-driven setting.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Peoria, IL.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $33.00 - $45.00/hr.
Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.
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 Peoria,IL.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Oct 16, 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.


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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.



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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.