R&d Mechanical Engineer

Job Title: R&D Mechanical Engineer

Job Description

Leverage engineering principles to analyze data and develop CAD models to optimize design opportunities. Utilize technical knowledge to invent, design, document, build, and test new solutions using CAD tools, focusing on improving machine performance and reliability. Collaborate within a team environment to achieve collective goals and metrics.

Responsibilities

• Analyze data and develop CAD models to optimize design opportunities.

• Invent, design, document, build, and test new solutions using CAD tools.

• Utilize SolidWorks, PDMWorks, ECN, and other design tools to produce prototype parts.

• Work collaboratively in a team to meet goals and metrics.

• Test design changes to enhance machine performance and reliability.

Essential Skills

• Experience with R&D mechanical design of heavy / large equipment and / or machinery (i.e. industrial, agricultural, forestry, off-road equipment, etc.).

• Proficiency in design and mechanical engineering.

• Experience with CAD design tools, especially SolidWorks, CATIA, Inventor, and AutoCAD.

• Experience in large/heavy equipment/machinery design, FEA, CFD, hydraulics, and pneumatics.

• Knowledge of sheet metal design, welding, and fabrication.

• Four-year college degree in Mechanical, Industrial, Agricultural, or Electrical Engineering, or equivalent education and experience.

• 3 years of relevant experience in the field.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in steel metal design and welding.

• Knowledge in FEA, hydraulics, electronics, engine systems, statistics, strength of materials, durability, and serviceability of products.

• Ability to create robust designs and identify changes early in the design process.

• Skill in operating mechanical tools such as assembly hand tools, drill press, lathe, and band saw.

• Effective time and resource management to meet schedules and respond to production questions and crises.

• Understanding of material strengths, fatigue strength, and manufacturability.

Work Environment

Join a dynamic team of design engineers in a rapidly growing environment. The team operates in an expanded facility with a focus on collaborative and innovative solutions. The work environment is equipped with the necessary tools and technologies to support engineering activities and ensure the success of new projects.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Piedmont, SC.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $70000.00 - $80000.00/yr.

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.

Selling points for Vermeer are the work environment and benefits. The engineering team was coming in from a team lunch which they do every Friday. They also have Hawaiian shirt Fridays – just to give an example of the vibes. The facility is very nice and relatively new – having recently expanded. There is a nice mix of senior engineers and more entry / junior level. The role itself is 50% office and 50% hands-on. They want engineers who are wanting to oversee their projects from design, to prototype testing, to pilot launch, to commercial launch. They will be performing the design work and turning wrenches depending on the day and stage of the project. PTO – day 1 they receive a “welcome to the company” package for 40hours of PTO; for a year they will accrue 100 hours or 2.5 weeks of PTO total; PTO does not expire and you can roll over as much as you do not use. HOL – 13 paid holidays They pay their entry-level engineers $70k. Opportunity for a relo or signing bonus (probably $2-3K).

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Piedmont,SC.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 18, 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.