Mechanical Project Engineer

Mechanical Project EngineerThe Mechanical Project Engineer leads the design, procurement, fabrication, assembly, integration, start-up, and commissioning of very large-scale automated aerospace assembly systems. This role provides technical leadership across the full project lifecycle, from concept development and bid proposals through system commissioning and customer handover. The engineer collaborates closely with cross-functional teams to develop conventional and automated tooling systems and customized machine tools for aerospace applications, while ensuring projects meet technical, budget, and schedule objectives.ResponsibilitiesLead the completion of long-term engineering projects, ensuring technical quality, budget compliance, and adherence to schedule.Perform engineering design evaluations and develop solutions that meet customer specifications and project requirements.Plan and accomplish project goals by leveraging extensive engineering experience and sound judgment.Lead by example and manage the work of designers, stress analysts, offload design resources, and offload fabrication partners.Collaborate with designers to develop concept models in response to customer specifications and define detailed system plans, processes, and sequences of operations for bid proposals.Define, organize, and prioritize project goals to align with overall program objectives.Provide leadership to ensure design schedules are realistic, clearly communicated, and consistently met.Work with the marketing team to support new design considerations and contribute technical input for proposals and business development activities.Provide engineering support for new product introduction into manufacturing, including tooling, fixtures, and process integration.Participate in and occasionally lead integration activities for large-scale automated aerospace assembly systems, including start-up and commissioning.Work autonomously in concept creation, detailed design, engineering drawings, and preparation of technical publications.Apply developing skills in advanced analysis and stress engineering with appropriate support, while independently executing core mechanical engineering tasks.Work autonomously in technologies such as jigs and tools, platforms, machine design, integration, and operations, while developing capabilities in heating and controls.Use CATIA and related tools independently to generate and manage 3D models, 2D drawings, and engineering documentation.Provide leadership in customer interface, including requirements clarification, status updates, and technical discussions.Apply process-based thinking and requirements management to ensure traceability from customer needs through delivered systems.Develop, maintain, and track schedules and estimates for engineering tasks and deliverables.Coordinate engineering resources across concept development, mechanical design, procurement support, fabrication, integration, and commissioning.Provide independent review, checks, and feedback on engineering deliverables such as 3D models, 2D drawings, and design presentations.Respond to customer inquiries and issues in a timely and effective manner, ensuring clear communication and follow-through.Identify technical and project-related problems, review relevant information, develop options, and implement practical solutions.Support proposal activities by contributing to concept development, system architecture, and technical content for bids.Travel domestically and internationally to customer sites as needed for design reviews, integration support, start-up, and commissioning activities.Perform other engineering and project-related duties as assigned to support overall program success.Additional Skills & QualificationsExperience in aerospace engineering, aerospace tooling, or large-scale aerospace assembly systems.Background in automation systems, custom machinery, structural systems, and manufacturing equipment.Familiarity with industry-standard platforms such as CATIA V5, NX, SolidWorks-equivalent tools, ANSYS, and FEMAP.Experience working on large-scale assembly solutions that integrate tooling, automation, and structural systems.Interest in roles that provide technical ownership, including leading projects, making key technical decisions, and managing design activities.Motivation to gain end-to-end project exposure, including concept development, proposal support, mechanical design, procurement, fabrication, integration, customer interaction, and system commissioning.Desire to develop leadership capabilities without necessarily holding a formal management title, including coordinating engineering efforts and managing schedules.Experience working in or with marketing or proposal teams to support new design considerations and business development.Strong organizational skills and comfort working in a matrixed or multi-disciplinary engineering environment.Willingness and ability to travel up to approximately 30% of the time for customer site visits, integration support, and commissioning activities.Work EnvironmentTravel to customer sites, both domestic and international, may be required up to approximately 30% of the time customersJob Type & LocationThis is a Contract to Hire position based out of Bothell, WA.Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $70.00 - $85.00/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 TypeThis is a fully onsite position in Bothell, WA.Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Aug 20, 2026.About ActalentActalent 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.