Lead Mechanical Engineer

Job Title: Senior Mechanical Engineer - Refrigeration Systems
Job Description
This Senior-level, hands-on mechanical design role focuses on refrigeration-based product development and manufacturing, with a particular emphasis on ice machines and refrigeration systems. The position functions as a high-level individual contributor, not a people leader, and is responsible for designing complex electro-mechanical systems, supporting testing activities, and troubleshooting production issues. You will lead technical aspects of product development from concept through production, working closely with cross-functional teams in the lab and on the manufacturing floor to ensure reliable, efficient, and high-quality products.
Responsibilities

• Design and develop refrigeration-based products, including ice machines and associated refrigeration systems, with a focus on robust, manufacturable mechanical solutions.
• Serve as a Senior individual contributor responsible for the full mechanical design lifecycle, from concept and detailed design through validation and production release.
• Provide hands-on support for manufacturing operations, including diagnosing and resolving issues when production builds fail or problems arise on the factory floor.
• Participate actively in pilot runs and testing activities in both laboratory and manufacturing environments to validate designs and ensure smooth transition to full production.
• Work cross-functionally with lab, production, and other engineering disciplines to align design intent with manufacturing capabilities and quality requirements.
• Troubleshoot design-related failures in the field, lab, and production, identifying root causes and implementing effective corrective actions.
• Lead and coordinate complex product development programs, ensuring projects move efficiently from concept through production while meeting performance, cost, and reliability targets.
• Apply a deep understanding of thermodynamics, refrigeration science, and electro-mechanical system design to optimize system performance and energy efficiency.
• Create, modify, and manage detailed 3D models and engineering drawings using CAD tools (preferably SolidWorks), ensuring accuracy and adherence to PDM processes.
• Utilize design tools such as FEA and DFMEA to evaluate designs, assess risks, and drive improvements in reliability and manufacturability.
• Ensure designs comply with relevant regulatory standards (such as UL, CE, and NSF) by incorporating appropriate requirements into the design process.
• Analyze test data and production feedback to make informed design decisions and continuous improvements.
• Collaborate with vendors and suppliers, as needed, to support component selection, manufacturability, and quality for refrigeration and mechanical components.
• Support and, where appropriate, lead pilot builds, ensuring that lessons learned are captured and fed back into design and process improvements.
• Document engineering work thoroughly, including design rationales, test plans, test reports, and change documentation in accordance with internal processes.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field is required; a master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline is preferred.
• At least 12 years of mechanical design engineering experience with demonstrated leadership of complex product development programs.
• Proven experience in the refrigeration industry, including hands-on refrigeration and thermodynamics experience, is required.
• Demonstrated success leading multi-disciplinary teams and bringing products from concept through production.
• Deep understanding of thermodynamics, refrigeration science, and electro-mechanical system design for complex systems.
• Expert-level proficiency with CAD software, preferably SolidWorks, for mechanical design and modeling.
• Proficiency with Product Data Management (PDM) systems to control and manage engineering documentation.
• Strong mechanical design skills, including experience with SolidWorks or similar CAD tools for detailed design and assemblies.
• Proven experience in product development, taking products from concept through production launch.
• Experience supporting production and manufacturing issues, including hands-on troubleshooting on the factory floor.
• Strong grasp of design tools such as Finite Element Analysis (FEA), Design Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (DFMEA), and Design for Manufacturing (DFM) principles.
• Familiarity with regulatory standards such as UL, CE, and NSF and their application in product design.
• Expert-level proficiency in Microsoft Office products for documentation, analysis, and communication.
• Excellent data analysis and decision-making skills, with the ability to interpret test results and production data to guide design decisions.
• Mechanical engineering background with specific experience in refrigeration systems and related mechanical components.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field is preferred.
• Experience with ice machines, appliances, or similar refrigeration-based equipment is highly beneficial.
• Ownership experience with DFMEA and FEA activities, including planning, execution, and documentation.
• Experience interacting with vendors and suppliers to address design, quality, and manufacturability considerations.
• background in supporting and leading pilot builds, including coordination with production and test teams.
• Experience working in high-volume, repetitive manufacturing environments is advantageous.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams in engineering, lab, and production.
• Ability to thrive in an environment undergoing cultural and leadership changes, contributing positively to a collaborative, family-oriented culture.

Work Environment
This is a fully onsite role with no travel required. The position involves a balanced split between office-based design work, time on the manufacturing floor for issue resolution, and work in the lab for testing and pilot activities. You will work with modern CAD tools such as SolidWorks and PDM systems, as well as standard office software like Microsoft Office. The manufacturing environment supports high-volume, repetitive production of refrigeration-based products and emphasizes efficient and innovative production processes. The culture promotes open communication and a family-oriented atmosphere, where teams work collectively to stay aligned and support one another, even as the organization undergoes a cultural shift and evolving leadership direction. Employees benefit from a competitive total rewards package, including market-competitive pay, comprehensive health and welfare benefits (such as medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance), retirement and savings plans, and generous paid time off and leave programs. An Employee Assistance Program is available to support overall well-being. The role requires appropriate attire for both office and manufacturing environments, with additional safety-related dress or personal protective equipment provided or required as needed on the manufacturing floor and in the lab.
Job Type & Location
This is a Permanent position based out of Denver, CO.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $109000.00 - $138000.00/yr.
Benefits include health insurance, 401K, paid time off (PTO), and other company-sponsored programs. In addition to the base salary this position is eligible for an annual profit-sharing bonus.
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Denver,CO.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Jul 9, 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.


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