Mechanical Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Mechanical Engineer

Job Description

This role offers an opportunity for a Mechanical Engineer to apply their expertise to a diverse range of biomedical and mechatronic applications. You will design, prototype, and test mechanical systems while contributing to innovative biotechnology programs in medical devices, wearable sensors, human performance interfaces, and diagnostic devices. The position combines hands-on early-stage development with close collaboration across multidisciplinary engineering teams in a fast-paced, research-focused environment.

Responsibilities

• Design, prototype, and test mechanical systems for biomedical and mechatronic applications, including medical devices, wearable sensors, human interfacing/performance systems, and diagnostic devices.
• Independently develop and execute early-stage mechanical design and prototyping tasks, from concept through proof-of-concept builds.
• Assist in the development and transition of electrical and mechatronic systems from early development stages into product-oriented configurations.
• Support early product development by conducting relevant literature reviews and incorporating findings into design decisions and experimental plans.
• Design and produce prototype sensor and electro-mechanical components to support ongoing biotechnology and mechatronic programs.
• Collaborate closely with engineers from mechanical, electrical, biomedical, and chemical disciplines to integrate mechanical designs into complex systems.
• Work on multiple fast-paced, proof-of-concept programs simultaneously while effectively prioritizing tasks and managing deliverables.
• Prepare clear technical documentation and reports that communicate design rationale, test methods, data analysis, and results to diverse engineering audiences.
• Apply data analysis tools to interpret experimental results, validate designs, and inform iterative improvements to mechanical and mechatronic systems.
• Engage in a highly technical, multidisciplinary environment by contributing ideas, providing feedback, and participating in project bids aligned with your interests.
• Continuously learn and apply state-of-the-art science and engineering methods to develop products that address clinical and physiological needs.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent ME degree.
• 2–3 years of research and development (R&D) experience in a relevant engineering environment.
• Experience designing, prototyping, and testing mechanical systems, preferably in early-stage or proof-of-concept development.
• Ability to independently execute early-stage design and prototyping tasks while collaborating effectively within a team.
• Exposure to automation or robotics, with the ability to contribute to automation design efforts.
• Strong technical writing skills, including the ability to effectively communicate complex concepts and results to engineers from mechanical, electrical, biomedical, and chemical backgrounds.
• Proficiency in SolidWorks or similar mechanical design and CAD tools for modeling and documentation.
• Experience with data analysis, including collection, interpretation, and presentation of engineering and experimental data.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel for data analysis, reporting, and documentation.
• Experience using MATLAB for engineering calculations, simulations, and data analysis.
• Demonstrated passion for learning and applying state-of-the-art science and engineering to develop products that address clinical needs.
• Ability to manage multiple fast-paced projects simultaneously and report progress to multiple program managers.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience or strong interest in biology or physiological applications related to medical or diagnostic devices.
• Experience working with mechatronic systems that integrate mechanical, electrical, and software components.
• Familiarity with SAP or similar enterprise resource or reporting systems for tracking data and project information.
• Background in contract research or consulting environments where projects and priorities change frequently.
• Interest in working on diverse projects and willingness to engage in new technical areas and research topics.
• Strong teamwork skills and the ability to thrive in a highly technical, multidisciplinary group setting.
• Motivation to participate in project bidding or selection processes to align work with individual interests and strengths.

Work Environment

The role is based within a contract research organization that focuses primarily on contract work, offering both office and laboratory space. You will primarily support a biotechnology-focused group working on a variety of research and development projects. The environment is highly technical and multidisciplinary, with engineers from multiple disciplines collaborating closely on complex systems. Work typically involves hands-on lab activities, prototype development, data collection, and analysis, alongside office-based design, documentation, and reporting tasks. The organization emphasizes research, innovation, and variety in day-to-day work, with frequent new projects and overlapping research areas, ensuring that you are not performing the same tasks repeatedly. The culture promotes strong teamwork, knowledge sharing, and opportunities to bid on or select projects that align with your interests. A yearly bonus plan tied to group financial metrics is available once in a permanent role, reflecting a performance-oriented yet collaborative environment.

Interested? Questions? Book time with Recruiter Sophia Fontana using this link:

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Charlottesville, VA.

The pay range for this position is $28.85 - $33.65/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 Charlottesville,VA.

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 9, 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.