Mechanical Designer

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Mechanical Designer
Job Description

This role focuses on the design, development, and analysis of new and existing mechanical products using SolidWorks, while also managing engineering projects from concept through completion. The Mechanical Designer works under the direction of the Director of Engineering and collaborates closely with cross-functional teams to deliver custom solutions that meet customer requirements and long-term business objectives.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and analyze new and existing mechanical products using SolidWorks, ensuring designs meet functional, performance, and quality requirements.
• Manage engineering projects under the direction of the Director of Engineering, balancing approximately 50% design activities and 50% project management responsibilities.
• Establish and follow processes for activities that lead to the implementation of systems, procedures, or outcomes related to product design and development.
• Identify long-range engineering and product goals and create detailed plans to achieve them.
• Evaluate future implications of current design and project decisions, and adjust plans to ensure long-term success and maintainability.
• Collaborate with multiple departments, including engineering, manufacturing, and other internal stakeholders, to ensure alignment and smooth project execution.
• Communicate regularly with project engineers to determine which projects remain in-house and which may be outsourced, ensuring effective workload distribution.
• Work closely with customers throughout the entire product lifecycle, from initial concept (cradle) through completion and delivery (grave), particularly for custom hydraulic cylinder designs.
• Participate in or lead design reviews, incorporate feedback, and update models and drawings as needed.
• Prepare and maintain accurate design documentation, including models, drawings, and project-related records.
• Support continuous improvement of design processes, tools, and standards within the engineering team.

• Associate degree in Mechanical Design or Engineering, or an equivalent technical qualification in a related field.
• At least 3 years of experience in a SolidWorks-based mechanical design role.
• Proficiency in SolidWorks for 3D modeling, assemblies, and drawings of mechanical components and systems.
• At least 3 years of experience collaborating with multiple departments, demonstrating strong cross-functional communication skills.
• Ability to manage engineering projects, including planning, coordination, and tracking progress.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills for evaluating designs and making sound engineering decisions.
• Ability to understand the needs of a situation and establish effective action plans.
• Capability to evaluate future implications of current design and project decisions.
• Clear, professional verbal and written communication skills when working with internal teams and customers.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to handle multiple projects and priorities.

• Experience with hydraulic systems or components, particularly hydraulic cylinders.
• Automotive industry experience or exposure to automotive-related mechanical systems.
• Experience working closely with customers on custom designs from concept through completion.
• Background as a Mechanical Engineer, Design Engineer, or Project Manager in a mechanical design environment.
• Familiarity with coordinating work between in-house engineering teams and outsourced engineering resources.
• Experience working in an environment where both design and project management responsibilities are required.

The role operates within a collaborative engineering team environment of approximately 10 people, under the direction of the engineering leadership. The Mechanical Designer works closely with project engineers to determine which projects remain in-house and which are assigned to external partners, including international engineering resources. The position involves significant interaction with customers throughout the full product lifecycle, particularly for custom hydraulic cylinder designs. Work is primarily performed in an office and engineering setting using SolidWorks and related engineering tools, with a balanced mix of design work and project management activities. The environment emphasizes teamwork, clear communication, and coordination across departments to deliver high-quality, custom mechanical solutions.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Weston, WI.

The pay range for this position is $24.00 - $31.25/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 Weston,WI.

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 24, 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 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.