Mechanical Design Engineer

Job Title: Mechanical Design Engineer

Job Description

This Mechanical Design Engineer II role focuses on driving new technologies and supporting mass production development for small engine and transmission products. You will sense market needs, generate and refine concepts, and translate them into robust mechanical designs that meet established specifications and maintain high product quality and customer satisfaction. The position emphasizes innovation in power products and related applications, combining advanced mechanical design, analytical problem-solving, and close collaboration with cross-functional teams and suppliers.

Responsibilities

• Drive new technology and mass production development by sensing market needs, generating concepts, and developing mechanical designs that meet established specifications and quality standards.

• Create, review, and refine high-level 2D and 3D drawings and layouts using computer-aided design tools to represent new technologies and components, ensuring fit, form, and function are confirmed through calculations, simulations, and adherence to guidelines, standards, and regulations.

• Apply FTA, FMEA, dimensional tolerance stack-ups, and related analytical methods to validate designs, mitigate risk, and ensure robust performance and reliability.

• Use CAD tools and CAE principles to develop detailed designs and layouts that support prototype generation, engineering estimates, supplier negotiations, factory assembly confirmations, and final mass production specifications.

• Motivate, guide, or establish project teams to meet development targets and schedules, ensuring deadlines are met, resources are coordinated, and contractor support is effectively utilized with minimal supervision.

• Communicate project status consistently and participate in or lead project meetings, technical discussions, and development events, confirming that internal milestones are achieved.

• Develop and maintain bills of materials (BOM) to track the impact of new technologies, features, and components, using cost tables, cost simulation tools, and supplier quotes to ensure project cost targets are maintained.

• Generate and develop advanced ideas to enhance product competitiveness through improved features, technologies, and efficiency in factory or development processes, working independently when required.

• Support or lead market quality initiatives and value analysis themes, utilizing structured problem-solving methods to identify root causes, develop and implement countermeasure specifications, and lead recurrence prevention activities..

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in a related engineering field is preferred; substantial practical experience may be considered in lieu of a degree for candidates with approximately 5+ years of engineering experience.

• Minimum of 5+ years engineering experience, preferably in power products or powersports, with a focus on mechanical design for engines or transmissions.

• Proficiency in mechanical design and new product development, including concept generation, design refinement, and support of mass production launches.

• Strong experience with CAD tools for 2D and 3D design, with Catia preferred; experience with other CAD packages is acceptable.

• Competence in GD&T and dimensional tolerance stack-ups, with the ability to apply these principles to ensure proper fit and function of mechanical components.

• Experience performing design calculations and using CAE principles to support mechanical design decisions.

• Proficiency with FMEA (Failure Mode Effects Analysis) and related methods for risk assessment and design validation.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Industry experience in power products or powersports (such as lawn and garden equipment, power equipment) is highly preferred.

• Relevant experience from related industries such as appliances, transportation (aircraft, marine), and heavy equipment (including manufacturers focused on engine integration) is considered valuable.

• Hands-on exposure to gears, metallurgy, heat treatment, die casting, stamped products, and injection molding as they relate to engine and transmission components.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Columbus, OH.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $43.00 - $53.00/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 Columbus,OH.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 3, 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.