Mechanical Design Engineer

Job Title: Mechanical Design EngineerJob Description

The Mechanical Design Engineer will design, develop, customize, and improve specialized equipment used by utility and infrastructure customers across North America. This role focuses on highly engineered products in a collaborative manufacturing environment where innovation, problem solving, and hands-on engineering are strongly valued. The engineer will contribute to both new product development and sustaining engineering initiatives while working closely with Product Management, Manufacturing, Operations, Quality, and Supply Chain teams to deliver practical, manufacturable, and cost-effective solutions.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop new products, custom equipment, and product enhancements for specialized utility and infrastructure applications.

• Create detailed 3D models, engineering drawings, calculations, and technical documentation to support design and production activities.

• Perform engineering analysis, including finite element analysis (FEA) and simulation validation, to ensure structural integrity and performance.

• Participate in prototype builds, including assembly, fit-up, and functional checks, to validate design intent and manufacturability.

• Conduct testing, troubleshooting, and validation activities to verify product performance and resolve technical issues.

• Work directly with manufacturing and operations teams to ensure designs are practical, manufacturable, and cost-effective.

• Support product launches by preparing design documentation, coordinating with cross-functional teams, and transitioning designs into production.

• Conduct field visits to observe equipment in operation and gather Voice of the Customer (VOC) feedback to inform product development and improvements.

• Manage engineering project timelines, deliverables, and priorities to meet schedule and quality expectations.

• Provide sustaining engineering support for existing products, including continuous improvement initiatives and resolution of field or production issues.

• Collaborate cross-functionally with Product Management, Manufacturing, Operations, Quality, and Supply Chain to solve technical and operational challenges.

• Design and troubleshoot complete hydraulic systems, including development and review of schematics, valve logic, actuator sizing, pump selection, and overall system integration.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline.

• 8+ years of engineering experience in heavy manufacturing, industrial equipment, mobile equipment, or related industries.

• Hands-on mechanical design experience in heavy or industrial equipment environments.

• Proficiency with mechanical engineering design and analysis, including strong understanding of engineering fundamentals.

• Experience with CAD software such as AutoCAD and SolidWorks for 3D modeling and detailed drawings.

• Experience with engineering analysis tools, including finite element analysis (FEA) and simulation validation.

• Capability to design and troubleshoot complete hydraulic systems, including schematics, valve logic, actuator sizing, pump selection, and system integration.

• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, materials, and fabrication methods for industrial equipment.

• Strong communication skills to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and present technical information clearly.

• Strong organizational and project management skills to manage multiple projects, timelines, and priorities.

• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced manufacturing environment with changing priorities and cross-functional demands.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering field.

• Experience with fabricated weldments, including design for manufacturability and structural integrity.

• Experience with hydraulic systems, including component selection and integration into mechanical systems.

• Experience with structural systems or utility equipment design and application.

• Experience with FEA and simulation software beyond basic analysis, including correlation with test results.

• Knowledge of Design for Six Sigma (DFSS) or other structured product development methodologies.

• Experience working on both new product development and sustaining engineering initiatives.

• Exposure to continuous improvement practices in a manufacturing environment.

Work Environment

This role operates in a collaborative, fast-paced manufacturing environment focused on highly engineered industrial and mobile equipment. The Mechanical Design Engineer works closely with Product Management, Manufacturing, Operations, Quality, and Supply Chain teams and frequently interacts with the shop floor to ensure designs are practical and manufacturable. The position involves regular use of CAD tools such as AutoCAD and SolidWorks, as well as engineering analysis and simulation software, including FEA tools. The engineer participates in prototype builds, testing, and validation activities, which may require time in both office and production areas, as well as occasional field visits to customer sites to observe equipment in operation and gather Voice of the Customer (VOC) feedback. The culture emphasizes innovation, problem solving, cross-functional collaboration, and hands-on engineering engagement throughout the product lifecycle.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Chattanooga, TN.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $50.00 - $60.00/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 Chattanooga,TN.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 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 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.