Mechanical Design Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

Mechanical Design Engineer – Automation

Job Description

This role focuses on developing high-quality mechanical designs for custom and repeat automated equipment used across industries such as life sciences, food and beverage, transportation, consumer products, and energy. You will use SolidWorks to create detailed 3D designs, assemblies, and drawings for automated machinery and conveyor systems, while collaborating closely with a multidisciplinary project team. This is an on-site position supporting a high volume of automation projects, with strong potential for long-term engagement and professional growth.

Responsibilities

• Develop concepts and well-engineered mechanical designs for mechanisms used in automated assembly systems and automated equipment.
• Use SolidWorks to produce layouts, 3D models, assembly-level and detail drawings, bills of materials, and specifications that meet project requirements.
• Participate in design schedule development, design reviews, and post-project review meetings to ensure alignment with project objectives and timelines.
• Coordinate closely with project team members to maintain consistency in designs and meet project goals related to function, quality, and schedule.
• Analyze engineering sketches, specifications, and related data to determine shape, dimensions, tolerances, material properties, and other design factors for industrial manufacturing equipment, processes, and products.
• Develop, recommend, and apply sound construction concepts to achieve cost-effective manufacturability, field interchangeability, tolerance management, maintainability, and functionality.
• Recognize high-risk mechanisms and develop prototypes to validate performance and mitigate technical risk.
• Produce clear and accurate assembly and detail drawings that meet project schedules, keeping designs simple and cost-effective by leveraging existing designs and commercially available components where practical.
• Update and revise drawings as required to meet evolving functional and project requirements.
• Review vendor capabilities and identify, select, and advance-order long lead-time materials and components as needed.
• Generate adjustment procedures and spare parts lists for each mechanism to support installation, operation, and maintenance.
• Provide hands-on technical support to manufacturing and assembly teams during the build phase of automated equipment.
• Maintain proficiency with relevant industry standards, methods, and practices related to mechanical and automation design.
• Maintain proficiency with software tools and computer techniques regularly used in mechanical design, especially SolidWorks.
• Stay informed about leading-edge technology, new products, and modern mechanical design and construction techniques applicable to automation.
• Assist in the standardization of components and mechanisms to improve design efficiency and product consistency.
• Extend effort and commitment to meet project schedules and support the team in exceeding customer expectations for function, quality, and delivery.

Essential Skills

• At least 2 years of mechanical design experience specifically in automation applications.
• 2–6 years of experience working with automation systems, automated equipment, or automated machinery.
• Proficiency in 3D mechanical design using SolidWorks, including layout, assembly, and detailed part modeling.
• Hands-on experience designing automated equipment, turn-key equipment, or complex mechanical systems.
• Strong understanding of mechanical design principles including tolerancing, material selection, and manufacturability for industrial equipment.
• Ability to analyze engineering sketches, specifications, and related data to develop robust mechanical designs.
• Capability to produce complete and accurate drawings, bills of materials, and technical documentation.
• Experience supporting manufacturing and assembly teams during the build and integration of equipment.
• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline, or equivalent high-level experience in mechanical design and automation.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience designing conveyor systems and other motion or material-handling mechanisms used in automated systems.
• Experience in designing automation for industries such as life sciences, food and beverage, transportation, consumer products, or energy.
• Familiarity with cost-effective design practices, including design for manufacturability, maintainability, and field interchangeability.
• Ability to standardize components and mechanisms to improve efficiency and reduce design time across projects.
• Strong collaboration skills to work effectively with project managers, mechanical project engineers, and other designers.
• Proactive approach to staying current with new mechanical design technologies, products, and construction techniques.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks and meet aggressive project schedules in a fast-paced project environment.

Work Environment

This role is based in an office environment and requires working on-site; remote work is not available. You will work with modern engineering tools, with SolidWorks as the primary 3D CAD platform for mechanical design. The position offers exposure to a large portfolio of automation projects across multiple industries, providing variety in day-to-day tasks and the opportunity to develop in different technical directions. The organization is diversified across several markets, supporting a stable workload even during fluctuations in individual industries, and offers a collaborative project-based environment where engineers work closely with manufacturing and assembly teams.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Lewis Center, OH.

The pay range for this position is $28.85 - $48.00/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)

This is a fully onsite position in Lewis Center,OH.

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 22, 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.