Mechanical Engineer

Job Title: Mechanical EngineerJob Description This Mechanical Engineer role focuses on researching, designing, and improving mechanical products, equipment, systems, and processes. You will apply your expertise in mechanical and hydraulic systems to develop and support tools, engines, machines, and other mechanical devices, while interpreting engineering drawings and technical documentation. The position combines hands-on engineering, data-driven analysis, and cross-functional collaboration to drive product development, cost-effective solutions, and reliable performance throughout the product lifecycle. Responsibilities

• Research, design, develop, manufacture, and test tools, engines, machines, and other mechanical devices to meet performance, safety, and cost objectives.
• Research and analyze customer design proposals, specifications, and manuals to determine technical feasibility, time requirements, and cost estimates for project completion.
• Investigate equipment failures and operational difficulties, diagnose faulty operation, and provide clear recommendations to maintenance teams and stakeholders.
• Assist drafters and design teams in developing the structural design of products using appropriate tools, equipment, and engineering software.
• Interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and technical documentation to guide design decisions and ensure accurate implementation.
• Support mechanical and hydraulic systems throughout their lifecycle, including design, validation, troubleshooting, and performance optimization.
• Lead and manage engineering projects, coordinating schedules, deliverables, and resources while ensuring alignment with technical and business goals.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams and stakeholders, including design, production, suppliers, and support functions, to drive product development and improvement initiatives.
• Participate in requirements development and management, creating functional specifications and ensuring traceability throughout the project.
• Contribute to testing and validation activities, including test planning, execution, data analysis, and documentation of results.
• Support production operations by addressing engineering issues, implementing design changes, and ensuring manufacturability and quality.
• Engage in supplier collaboration and global sourcing initiatives to support component selection, cost optimization, and quality improvements.
• Perform material selection and material property analysis to ensure durability, performance, and cost-effectiveness of mechanical components.
• Consider and support manufacturing processes such as casting, forging, and machining during design and development activities.
• Drive engineering cost reduction and value creation initiatives through design optimization, process improvements, and data-driven analysis.
• Develop and maintain dashboards and reports that track engineering metrics, project performance, and cost and investment analyses.
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritizing tasks and delivering high-quality engineering work within agreed timelines.
• Prepare and deliver technical presentations and reports, clearly communicating findings, recommendations, and project status to various audiences.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline.
• 5-7 years of experience in mechanical engineering, including hands-on work with mechanical systems.
• Strong experience supporting mechanical and/or hydraulic systems across design, operation, and troubleshooting activities.
• Proven project management experience in an engineering environment, including planning, execution, and monitoring.
• Ability to create sketches and engineering drawings, and perform common engineering computations.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, technical drawings, schematics, and computer-generated reports.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities, with the ability to diagnose complex mechanical issues.
• Experience working with large datasets and engineering metrics for performance and cost analysis.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for technical documentation, presentations, and stakeholder interactions.
• Experience working with cross-functional teams and diverse stakeholders in a collaborative environment.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining attention to detail and quality.
• Previous experience with computer applications and software related to engineering, including Computer Aided Design (CAD).
• Strong presentation and technical communication skills to convey complex engineering concepts clearly.
• Creativity combined with strong analytical thinking to develop innovative and practical engineering solutions.
• Ability to work effectively as a team player and maintain a detail-oriented approach to engineering tasks.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with hydraulic systems and hydraulic component design.
• Experience across the product development lifecycle, from concept through production support.
• Background in design engineering, including modeling, analysis, and optimization of mechanical components.
• Experience in requirements development and management, ensuring clear, testable, and traceable requirements.
• Ability to create functional specifications for mechanical and hydraulic systems.
• Participation in testing and validation activities, including test planning, execution, and reporting.
• Experience providing production support and resolving manufacturing-related engineering issues.
• Supplier collaboration experience, including global sourcing initiatives and supplier technical communication.
• Knowledge of material selection and material property analysis for mechanical applications.
• Familiarity with manufacturing processes such as casting, forging, and machining and their implications for design.
• Experience with engineering cost reduction and value creation initiatives, including design-to-cost approaches.
• Preferred proficiency with Microsoft Excel, including advanced formulas, pivot tables, and data analysis.
• Preferred experience with Power BI for data visualization and dashboard development.
• Experience developing dashboards and reporting tools for engineering metrics and project performance.
• Familiarity with SharePoint and Microsoft Teams for collaboration and document management.
• Experience with engineering metrics reporting, including performance, reliability, and cost indicators.
• Background in cost and investment analysis to support business cases and engineering decisions.
• Experience using data visualization tools to present complex engineering and financial data clearly.
• Ability to manage and analyze large datasets related to engineering performance and costs.
• Experience with basic scripting or automation tools to streamline data analysis and reporting.
• Familiarity with project tracking and performance measurement systems.
• Experience in mechanical design and new product development activities.

Work Environment The role operates in a professional engineering environment that blends office-based analytical work with close collaboration with design, production, and maintenance teams. You will regularly use engineering software such as CAD tools, data analysis platforms, and collaboration systems including Microsoft Excel, Power BI, SharePoint, and Microsoft Teams. Work typically follows standard business hours, with flexibility to support project deadlines, testing activities, and production needs as required. The environment emphasizes teamwork, clear communication, and structured project management, with access to manufacturing and testing facilities where you may observe equipment, components, and processes such as casting, forging, and machining. The culture supports continuous improvement, data-driven decision-making, and cross-functional collaboration to deliver high-quality, reliable mechanical products. Job Type & Location This is a Contract position based out of Chillicothe, IL. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $31.00 - $38.00/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors. 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 Chillicothe,IL. Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Sep 29, 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. Actalent