Mechanical Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Mechanical Engineer / SolidWorks Designer – Engineering Project Manager

Job Description

This role combines hands-on mechanical design in SolidWorks with project management responsibilities for custom hydraulic cylinder products. You will design, develop, and analyze both new and existing products, manage projects from concept through completion, and determine whether work is completed in-house or outsourced. Working under the direction of the Director of Engineering, you will collaborate closely with a cross-functional engineering team and customers to deliver high-quality, custom solutions from cradle to grave.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and analyze new and existing mechanical products using SolidWorks, with a focus on custom hydraulic cylinder solutions.
• Manage engineering projects from initial concept through completion, balancing approximately 50% design work and 50% project management responsibilities.
• Evaluate incoming projects and determine whether to assign work to in-house designers and engineers or outsource to external teams, including overseas partners.
• Establish and follow processes for activities that lead to the implementation of systems, procedures, and desired outcomes.
• Identify long-range goals for projects and design actionable plans to achieve them, ensuring alignment with engineering and business objectives.
• Assess the needs of each project situation and develop effective action plans to address technical, schedule, and resource requirements.
• Evaluate the future implications of current decisions and actions on product performance, project timelines, and resource allocation.
• Collaborate closely with multiple departments, including other engineers, project engineers, and related functional teams, to ensure smooth project execution.
• Communicate regularly with project engineers to decide which projects remain in-house and which are outsourced, ensuring clear expectations and deliverables.
• Work directly with customers throughout the entire product lifecycle, from initial requirements and concept development through design, testing, and final delivery.
• Prepare and maintain design documentation, models, drawings, and specifications in SolidWorks and related tools.
• Support continuous improvement of engineering processes and workflows within the team, leveraging lessons learned from completed projects.

Essential Skills

• Associate or bachelor’s degree in mechanical design or mechanical engineering.
• At least 3 years of experience in a SolidWorks-based mechanical design role.
• Proficiency in SolidWorks for 3D modeling, design, and documentation of mechanical components and assemblies.
• At least 3 years of experience working with multiple departments in a collaborative engineering or manufacturing environment.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to coordinate effectively with internal teams and external partners.
• Experience as a mechanical engineer, design engineer, or mechanical designer in a product development setting.
• Demonstrated ability to manage engineering projects, including planning, coordination, and follow-through.
• Ability to understand complex project needs and translate them into clear, actionable engineering tasks.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with hydraulics, particularly in the design or application of hydraulic cylinders.
• Experience in the automotive industry or related sectors.
• Previous experience balancing dual responsibilities in design and project management roles.
• Familiarity with working with outsourced engineering resources, including international teams.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Comfort working closely with customers throughout the product lifecycle, from initial concept to final delivery.

Work Environment

You will work within a dedicated engineering team of approximately ten people under the direction of the engineering leadership. The environment emphasizes collaboration, communication, and coordination between in-house designers, engineers, and outsourced partners. The team recently began outsourcing some work to an engineering group in India, and this role will play a key part in deciding which projects stay in-house and which are sent out. The work focuses on custom hydraulic cylinder manufacturing, with close interaction with customers from cradle to grave on each project. The position involves a balanced mix of design work in SolidWorks and project management activities, using standard engineering tools and processes in a professional office and engineering setting.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Wausau, WI.

The pay range for this position is $35.00 - $45.00/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)

This is a fully onsite position in Wausau,WI.

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 23, 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 ziprecruiter.com 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.