Mechanical Engineer

Job Title: Mechanical Engineer II

Job Description

This Mechanical Engineer II role focuses on researching, designing, and improving mechanical products, equipment, systems, and processes. You will apply your engineering expertise to develop and test mechanical devices, create and interpret technical drawings and blueprints, and support the maintenance and reliability of equipment. This position offers the opportunity to work on diverse projects, contribute to product development, and collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality mechanical solutions.

Responsibilities

• Research, design, develop, manufacture, and test tools, engines, machines, and other mechanical devices to meet performance, safety, and quality requirements.
• Analyze customer design proposals, specifications, and manuals to evaluate technical feasibility, project timelines, and cost implications.
• Investigate equipment failures and operational difficulties to diagnose root causes and recommend effective corrective actions to maintenance teams.
• Assist drafters and design staff in developing the structural design of products, providing engineering input and guidance on tools, equipment, and software usage.
• Create clear and accurate sketches and engineering drawings that communicate design intent and support manufacturing and assembly processes.
• Review and interpret blueprints, technical drawings, schematics, and computer-generated reports to ensure designs comply with standards and project requirements.
• Collaborate with team members across engineering and operations to solve technical problems and improve mechanical systems and processes.
• Apply analytical and problem-solving skills to optimize designs, enhance reliability, and reduce costs while maintaining quality.
• Use Computer Aided Design (CAD) and other engineering software to model, document, and refine mechanical components and assemblies.
• Prepare technical documentation and communicate findings, recommendations, and project status clearly in both verbal and written form.

Essential Skills

• Strong creativity and the ability to develop innovative mechanical design solutions.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills to convey technical information clearly to diverse stakeholders.
• Solid analytical and problem-solving abilities to diagnose issues and improve mechanical products and systems.
• Ability to work effectively as a team player while maintaining a high level of attention to detail.
• Proficiency in making sketches, engineering drawings, and performing common engineering computations.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, technical drawings, schematics, and computer-generated reports.
• Previous experience with computer applications and software used in the engineering field, including Computer Aided Design (CAD) tools.
• Bachelors degree in engineering.
• 24 years of experience in mechanical engineering or closely related work involving mechanical products and test equipment.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience collaborating with drafters and design teams to refine product structures and mechanical layouts.
• Experience in investigating equipment failures and recommending maintenance or design improvements.
• Familiarity with evaluating customer specifications and proposals for technical and cost feasibility.
• Demonstrated ability to balance project requirements, timelines, and resources while maintaining quality standards.
• Strong organizational skills to manage multiple tasks and documentation within engineering projects.

Work Environment

This role operates in a professional engineering environment that combines office-based design work with close collaboration with drafting, manufacturing, and maintenance teams. You will regularly use engineering software such as CAD applications, work with technical drawings and reports, and interact with mechanical equipment and test setups as needed for design verification and failure analysis. Typical working hours follow a standard full-time schedule, with project-based flexibility as required. The environment emphasizes teamwork, clear communication, and attention to detail, supporting continuous learning and the practical application of engineering principles. Appropriate professional attire is expected in office and meeting settings, with additional safety-related dress requirements when working near equipment or in technical areas.

This is a Contract position based out of Chillicothe, IL.

The pay range for this position is $30.00 - $35.00/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)

This is a fully onsite position in Chillicothe,IL.

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 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 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.