Mechanical Design Engineer

Mechanical Design Engineer – Automation Solutions

This role focuses on developing concepts and detailed mechanical designs for mechanisms used in automated assembly systems across diverse industries such as life sciences, food and beverage, transportation, consumer products, and energy. You will use SolidWorks to create layouts, assemblies, detail drawings, bills of materials, and specifications while collaborating closely with cross-functional project teams to deliver high-quality, cost-effective automation solutions on schedule. The position is initially a 3-month contract with strong potential for extension or conversion to a permanent role and is fully on-site in the Greater Columbus area.

Responsibilities

• Develop concepts and well-engineered mechanical designs for mechanisms used in automated assembly systems.
• Use SolidWorks to produce layout drawings, assembly-level drawings, detail drawings, bills of materials, and technical specifications.
• Participate in design schedule development, design reviews, and post-project review meetings to ensure project objectives are met.
• Coordinate with project team members, including lead designers and project engineers, to maintain consistency in designs and align with project goals.
• Analyze engineering sketches, specifications, and related data to determine shapes, 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 design concepts and mitigate technical risk.
• Produce assembly and detail drawings that meet project schedules while keeping designs simple and cost-effective by leveraging existing designs and commercially available components where practical.
• Update and revise drawings as needed to meet evolving functional and performance requirements.
• Review vendor capabilities and identify long lead-time materials, placing advance orders as appropriate to support project timelines.
• Generate adjustment procedures and spare parts lists for each mechanism as required to support installation, operation, and maintenance.
• Provide technical support to manufacturing and assembly teams during the build phase to resolve design-related issues and ensure design intent is met.
• Maintain proficiency with industry standards, internal standards, methods, and best practices related to mechanical design and automation.
• Maintain proficiency with software tools and computer techniques regularly used in mechanical design, with a focus on SolidWorks and 3D modeling.
• Stay informed about leading-edge technology, new products, and emerging mechanical design and construction techniques relevant to automated equipment.
• Assist in the standardization of components and mechanisms to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance maintainability across projects.

Essential Skills

• Minimum of 2 years of mechanical design experience specifically in automation.
• 2–6 years of overall automation experience, including at least 2 years of automation mechanical design.
• Proficiency in SolidWorks for 3D design, including layouts, assemblies, and detailed component drawings.
• Hands-on experience with automated equipment, automation systems, and automated machinery.
• Experience designing conveyor systems and other material handling or motion systems within automated environments.
• Strong in mechanical design and mechanical engineering design for industrial or manufacturing equipment.
• Ability to interpret and analyze engineering sketches, specifications, and technical data to define shapes, dimensions, tolerances, and material properties.
• Demonstrated ability to design for manufacturability, field interchangeability, tolerance management, maintainability, and functionality.
• Experience producing bills of materials and technical specifications for mechanical assemblies.
• Capability to support manufacturing and assembly teams by troubleshooting and resolving design-related issues during build phases.
• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or another engineering discipline, or equivalent high-level experience in lieu of a 4-year degree.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with turn-key automated equipment from concept through build and implementation.
• Working on a variety of automation projects across multiple industries, such as life sciences, food and beverage, transportation, consumer products, or energy.
• Familiarity with standardization of components and mechanisms to streamline design and reduce lifecycle costs.
• Ability to develop adjustment procedures and spare parts lists for complex mechanical mechanisms.
• Experience reviewing vendor capabilities and managing long lead-time materials in coordination with project schedules.
• Strong communication skills to collaborate effectively with project managers, lead designers, and cross-functional teams.
• Proactive mindset with a desire to stay current on new products, technologies, and mechanical design techniques.
• Comfort working in a large organization that offers opportunities to branch into different roles or technical paths over time.

Work Environment

This role is based in an office environment in the Greater Columbus area and does not offer remote work options. You will work on-site alongside engineers, designers, and manufacturing teams, using SolidWorks and other standard engineering software tools on a daily basis. The organization operates as a large automation solutions provider, giving you exposure to a wide variety of projects and industries, which helps ensure that your work remains diverse and technically engaging rather than repetitive. The company's diversified portfolio across life sciences, food and beverage, transportation, consumer products, and energy contributes to a more stable workload even when specific markets experience downturns. The culture supports professional growth and encourages team members to explore different directions within the organization as they develop their skills and experience.

Job Type & Location

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

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $28.85 - $48.00/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 Lewis Center, OH.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 10, 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.