Mechanical Project Engineer

Mechanical Project Engineer

Job Description

We are seeking a Mechanical Project Engineer to lead the technical execution of complex automation projects from concept through design, integration, and commissioning. In this role, you will serve as the primary technical lead, combining hands-on mechanical engineering expertise with leadership responsibilities across cross-functional teams. You will drive technical decisions, ensure alignment with customer requirements and project goals, and oversee the delivery of high-quality automation solutions within scope, schedule, and quality standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead the technical execution of automation projects, ensuring all engineering deliverables are completed on time and meet defined quality standards.

• Serve as the primary technical authority on assigned projects, owning all engineering aspects from concept through design, integration, and commissioning.

• Provide direction, mentorship, and guidance to mechanical and cross-functional engineering teams to ensure effective collaboration and high-quality output.

• Drive project activities across the full lifecycle, including concept development, detailed mechanical design, system integration, and on-site commissioning.

• Ensure customer requirements are clearly understood, documented, and properly incorporated into mechanical designs and system solutions.

• Manage technical scope by identifying, documenting, and tracking scope changes, and communicating their impact to stakeholders.

• Oversee risk management using tools such as risk registers, risk assessments, and FMEA, and lead design reviews and testing activities to mitigate technical risks.

• Ensure adherence to engineering standards, internal processes, and documentation requirements throughout the project lifecycle.

• Track team progress on engineering tasks, resolve technical issues, and remove obstacles to ensure timely completion of project milestones.

• Support project planning by collaborating with Project Managers on cost tracking, schedule development, and updates to reflect technical progress and changes.

• Lead and participate in customer meetings, including project kickoffs, technical discussions, and formal design reviews.

• Support proposal development by reviewing concepts, providing engineering input, and developing accurate technical estimates.

• Drive design, integration, and commissioning decisions to ensure robust, reliable, and maintainable automation solutions.

• Lead internal concept and design reviews to validate design approaches, identify risks, and ensure compliance with requirements.

• Oversee completion of key technical deliverables such as functional specifications, risk assessments, FMEA documentation, design calculations, validation documents, acceptance test plans, and compliance and certification documentation.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field.

• 5+ years of experience in mechanical or mechatronics design within industrial automation or manufacturing environments.

• Proven experience leading engineering teams or overseeing technical project execution in an automation or custom equipment context.

• Strong understanding of the full project lifecycle from initial design through integration, testing, and commissioning.

• Hands-on mechanical design experience, including use of SolidWorks or similar CAD tools.

• Demonstrated ability to manage technical scope, risk, and deliverables across multiple projects.

• Experience with automation engineering and custom equipment design, including concept-to-launch activities.

• Strong communication skills with the ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams and engage with customers during technical reviews.

• Ability to develop and maintain engineering documentation, including functional specifications, design calculations, and test plans.

• Experience with material handling equipment, robotics, conveyors, and system integration in industrial environments.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with factory automation systems or custom equipment design projects.

• Background in risk assessment methodologies such as Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA).

• Experience supporting customer-facing technical reviews, including design reviews and acceptance testing discussions.

• Exposure to compliance documentation and validation processes for automated systems.

• Familiarity with documentation systems for managing engineering deliverables and project records.

• Experience contributing to project estimation, including development of engineering effort estimates and technical input for proposals.

Work Environment

This role operates in a collaborative engineering environment focused on automation and system integration projects. You will split your time between office-based engineering work—such as mechanical design, documentation, and technical reviews—and hands-on involvement in system integration and commissioning activities as needed. The position involves close collaboration with cross-functional teams, including controls, software, and project management, as well as direct interaction with customers during meetings and reviews. You can expect exposure to industrial automation equipment, including material handling systems, robotics, and conveyor systems, in both design and on-site implementation settings.

Job Type & Location

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

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $40.87 - $57.69/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 Lewis Center,OH.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 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.

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.