Mechanical Engineer

Job Title: Mechanical Engineer

Job Description

The Mechanical Engineer designs, develops, and optimizes mechanical systems and components using advanced CAD tools while ensuring that all solutions meet performance, cost, and manufacturability objectives. This role supports the full product lifecycle, from concept and feasibility through prototyping, testing, and production, and maintains strict compliance with relevant industry standards. The position collaborates closely with cross-functional teams to drive innovation, improve efficiency, and contribute to the technical growth of the engineering organization. The Mechanical Engineer also plays a key role in continuous improvement initiatives and in delivering high-quality, practical engineering solutions for complex projects.

Responsibilities

• Apply advanced engineering and manufacturing principles to develop innovative mechanical designs that meet performance, reliability, and cost targets.

• Create detailed CAD models, assemblies, and engineering drawings with a strong focus on accuracy, manufacturability, and design intent.

• Develop and refine complex mechanical assemblies and product designs using advanced CAD tools, including large assemblies and PDM systems.

• Build and test prototypes to validate design performance, functionality, and durability, and incorporate test results into design improvements.

• Participate in the fabrication, assembly, installation, troubleshooting, and repair of mechanical systems to ensure successful implementation of designs.

• Support and lead small to mid-sized engineering projects, ensuring alignment with defined scope, budget, and timeline objectives.

• Collaborate with stakeholders to define project requirements, schedules, and deliverables, maintaining a strong customer-focused approach.

• Contribute to both the technical and business aspects of project execution, including cost considerations, risk assessment, and resource planning.

• Utilize advanced CAD software to create and refine designs, including complex 2D drawings, 3D models, and assemblies.

• Apply Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) principles and best practices to ensure design accuracy, fit, and function.

• Leverage CAE tools and simulation methods, including FEA, to evaluate, optimize, and validate mechanical designs.

• Conduct feasibility studies and analyze engineering data to support design decisions, process improvements, and risk mitigation.

• Work closely with cross-functional teams, including engineering, manufacturing, and clients, to deliver successful project outcomes.

• Support business development efforts by providing technical insights, participating in client discussions, and strengthening client relationships.

• Communicate clearly and effectively with stakeholders regarding project scope, timelines, risks, and technical challenges.

• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives by identifying opportunities to enhance design processes, tools, and engineering standards.

Essential Skills

• Degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field, or equivalent work experience.

• 7+ years of mechanical engineering experience in product development or equipment design.

• Advanced proficiency in CAD tools such as SolidWorks, Creo, NX, or similar platforms.

• Strong experience working with large CAD assemblies and Product Data Management (PDM) systems.

• Proficiency in applying GD&T principles for precise and accurate mechanical design.

• Hands-on expertise with CAE and FEA tools for engineering analysis and design validation.

• Proven ability to take products from concept through production, including prototyping and manufacturing support.

• Deep mechanical design and product development experience across complex mechanical systems.

• Solid understanding of manufacturing processes and the transition from prototype to production.

• Ability to lead complex engineering projects, balancing technical requirements with budget and schedule constraints.

• Experience with mechanical systems design, mechanical engineering design practices, and mechanical testing instruments.

• Proficiency with CAD software for mechanical systems, including 2D and 3D modeling and detailed drafting.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret data and translate findings into design improvements.

• Effective communication skills for collaborating with cross-functional teams and engaging with clients.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in consulting environments, product development firms, or high-mix engineering settings.

• experience in automation, equipment design, or complex mechanical systems.

• Client-facing experience, including participation in technical discussions and business development efforts.

• Experience working with manufacturing processes, prototyping, and fabrication processes.

• Familiarity with capital expenditure (CAPEX) considerations related to equipment and product development.

• Exposure to new product development workflows, from research and concept through engineering and launch.

• Experience using FEA and other simulation tools to support advanced mechanical analysis.

• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment that emphasizes speed, execution, and technical excellence.

• Interest in working on diverse projects across industries such as medical devices, consumer products, and industrial equipment.

Work Environment

The work environment offers end-to-end product development exposure, allowing engineers to engage in the full lifecycle of projects from research and concept through design, engineering, prototyping, and support for production, all within a single integrated setting. The organization emphasizes a fast-paced, high-impact culture where speed, execution, and solving complex engineering challenges are central to the work. Engineers regularly use advanced CAD tools such as SolidWorks, Creo, or NX, along with PDM systems, CAE and FEA software, and a variety of testing instruments to design, analyze, and validate mechanical systems. The environment promotes a collaborative, low-politics culture where ideas matter more than hierarchy, and engineers have direct interaction with clients and cross-functional teams. Team members work on a variety of challenging projects across industries including medical devices, consumer products, and industrial equipment, keeping the work technically engaging and diverse. The engineering team operates as a smaller, tight-knit, employee-focused group that values mentorship, technical growth, and visibility to leadership. The workplace supports a generally flexible schedule with a people-first approach and a balanced expectation for work-life integration, enabling engineers to perform at a high level while maintaining a sustainable workload.

Job Type & Location

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

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $48.00 - $50.00/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)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Columbus,OH.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 1, 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 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

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 jobs.institutedata.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.