Mechanical Engineer

Job Title: Mechanical Engineer Job Description This Mechanical Engineer role focuses on designing and improving mechanical components, assemblies, fixtures, workholding, and production tooling using 3D CAD software in a clean, high-precision manufacturing environment. You will create and maintain detailed engineering documentation, support new product introduction from initial requirements through production release, and partner closely with CNC machining and manufacturing teams to ensure designs are optimized for quality, manufacturability, and cost. The position requires strong problem-solving skills, the ability to interpret complex customer specifications, and effective collaboration with internal and external stakeholders to drive continuous improvement across processes and products. Responsibilities + Design and improve mechanical components, assemblies, fixtures, workholding solutions, and production tooling using 3D CAD software. + Create, review, and maintain engineering drawings, specifications, bills of materials, and revision-controlled documentation to support manufacturing and quality processes. + Apply geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T), tolerance analysis, and sound engineering principles to ensure proper fit, function, and inspectability of parts and assemblies. + Partner with CNC machining and manufacturing teams to optimize designs for manufacturability, repeatability, quality, cycle time, and cost. + Support new product introduction from customer requirements and quoting through prototype development, validation activities, and production release. + Review customer prints and technical requirements, identify risks and ambiguities, clarify specifications, and recommend practical manufacturing solutions. + Investigate production and quality issues using structured root-cause analysis methods and implement effective corrective actions. + Plan and execute engineering testing, process trials, and design verification activities, and document results, conclusions, and recommendations. + Collaborate with quality personnel on inspection strategy, measurement methods, nonconformance review, and continuous improvement initiatives. + Coordinate technical work with customers, suppliers, and internal stakeholders while maintaining project priorities, timelines, and clear communication. + Support equipment, process, and workflow improvements in a high-precision manufacturing environment. + Follow applicable safety, quality, documentation, and customer requirements in all engineering and manufacturing activities. Essential Skills + Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related engineering discipline. + Professional experience in mechanical design, manufacturing engineering, product development, or a closely related role. + Proficiency with SolidWorks or comparable 3D CAD software, including part modeling, assembly design, and creation of detailed drawings. + Working knowledge of CNC machining processes, including milling and turning, and the design considerations that affect machinability. + Working knowledge of GD&T, tolerance stack-up analysis, engineering materials, and common fabrication methods. + Ability to read and interpret customer drawings, specifications, and technical requirements. + Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to perform structured analysis of design, production, and quality issues. + Strong documentation and organization skills for managing drawings, specifications, bills of materials, and change control records. + Effective cross-functional communication skills for collaborating with manufacturing, quality, customers, and suppliers. + Ability to work effectively in both an office setting and a manufacturing environment. Additional Skills & Qualifications + Experience in precision machining or a contract manufacturing environment. + Experience supporting medical device, aerospace, semiconductor, or other regulated and tight-tolerance products. + Fixture, tooling, or workholding design experience for CNC machining and other fabrication processes. + Experience with design for manufacturability and assembly (DFM/DFA), root-cause analysis, and continuous improvement methods. + Familiarity with quality systems, inspection equipment, ERP/MRP systems, and formal engineering change control processes. + Experience supporting prototypes, process validation, or production transfer activities. + Experience in new product development and mechanical design for high-precision applications. + Experience collaborating with engineering, manufacturing, and quality teams in a regulated or tightly controlled environment. Work Environment The role is based in a very clean, open manufacturing facility that has recently expanded with a brand-new clean room, supporting high-precision machining and production activities. You will divide your time between office-based engineering work and hands-on collaboration on the manufacturing floor, working closely with CNC machining, quality, and production teams. The environment emphasizes safety, quality, and adherence to documented processes and customer requirements, providing modern equipment and a well-organized workspace designed for efficient workflow and continuous improvement. #ACTmneng26 Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Elk River, MN. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $36.00 - $46.00/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 Elk River,MN. Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Oct 2, 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.