Mechanical Design Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Mechanical Design Engineer
Job Description

The Mechanical Design Engineer will design and develop mechanical components, tooling, and fixtures that support manufacturing processes and innovative sustainability-focused technology. This role creates and maintains 3D CAD models and detailed drawings, collaborates closely with production, quality, and engineering teams, and supports prototype and production builds, testing, and validation. The engineer contributes to continuous improvement initiatives, ensures designs are manufacturable and meet performance requirements, and helps transform wastewater challenges into valuable resources through practical, well-engineered solutions.

Responsibilities

• Develop accurate and detailed 3D CAD models, assemblies, and engineering drawings using SolidWorks or other 3D CAD software.
• Assist in the design of tooling, fixtures, and custom mechanical components that support manufacturing processes and product development.
• Collaborate closely with production, quality, and engineering teams to ensure designs meet manufacturability, performance, and quality requirements.
• Support prototype and production builds by providing design input, participating in testing and validation activities, and incorporating feedback into design updates.
• Revise and maintain engineering documentation, including bills of materials (BOMs), drawing revisions, and related technical records.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives to enhance product performance, improve reliability, and reduce costs across products and processes.
• Troubleshoot design-related issues on the shop floor, analyze root causes, and implement effective design improvements.
• Apply mechanical engineering principles, including machine design and GD&T basics, to ensure robust and reliable mechanical solutions.
• Work with cross-functional teams in a collaborative, team-oriented environment to support organizational goals and project timelines.
• Contribute to the development of sustainable solutions that help recover valuable resources, reduce waste, and support circular economy principles.

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or a closely related field.
• 0–2 years of mechanical design or mechanical engineering experience; internship or co-op experience is acceptable.
• Proficiency with SolidWorks or other 3D CAD software for 3D modeling and mechanical design.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and apply GD&T basics.
• Understanding of manufacturing processes such as machining, plumbing, fabrication, and assembly.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills to diagnose issues and develop effective design solutions.
• Effective communication skills to collaborate with production, quality, and engineering teams.
• Ability to work well in a team-oriented environment and contribute to cross-functional projects.
• Fundamental knowledge of mechanical engineering principles and machine design concepts.
• Basic project management abilities to organize tasks and support engineering projects.

• Experience in the water industry is a plus.
• Experience with process controls is a plus.
• Experience or coursework in fluid dynamics is a plus.
• Hands-on experience in a manufacturing or shop environment is a plus.
• Familiarity with continuous improvement methodologies and cost reduction initiatives is beneficial.
• Comfort working on innovative technology aimed at resource recovery, waste reduction, and sustainability.
• Interest in circular economy principles and transforming wastewater into valuable assets.

This role operates in a combined office and shop environment, providing exposure to both engineering design work and hands-on activities on the production floor. The engineer will use tools such as SolidWorks and other 3D CAD software, as well as standard office and engineering documentation systems. Time may be split between desk-based design tasks and shop-floor troubleshooting, prototype support, and collaboration with production and quality teams. The culture is collaborative and team-oriented, where individuals can make a visible impact in a growing organization focused on sustainability and innovation. The work supports manufacturers in recovering valuable resources, reducing waste, and improving environmental performance through practical engineering solutions.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Lexington, KY.

The pay range for this position is $30.00 - $35.00/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 Lexington,KY.

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 28, 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.