Mechanical Design Engineer

Mechanical Design Engineering Opportunity with Robotics Program!

The Mechanical Design Engineer (Fixture Design) is responsible for leading the design, development, validation, and deployment of manufacturing fixtures, assembly tooling, inspection fixtures, test fixtures, robotic end-of-arm tooling (EOAT), gauges, jigs, and production aids supporting new product introduction (NPI) and high-volume manufacturing operations.

This role collaborates closely with Product Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, Operations, Automation, and Production teams to develop robust tooling solutions that meet evolving product and process requirements. The engineer will drive fixture programs from concept development through detailed design, fabrication, validation, installation, and production launch while coordinating activities across global engineering teams, suppliers, and customers.

The ideal candidate possesses strong mechanical design expertise, manufacturing process knowledge, fixture design experience, and the ability to lead complex tooling projects in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

Fixture Design & Development

• Lead the design and development of assembly fixtures, inspection fixtures, test fixtures, robotic tooling, handling fixtures, gauges, welding fixtures, jigs, and production aids.

• Gather requirements from Product Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, Operations, Automation, Maintenance, and Production teams.

• Translate manufacturing, quality, safety, ergonomic, and product requirements into effective fixture and tooling solutions.

• Develop innovative tooling concepts to improve product quality, process capability, throughput, operator safety, and manufacturing efficiency.

• Support Design for Manufacturing (DFM), Design for Assembly (DFA), and continuous process improvement initiatives.

• Analyze fixture functionality to ensure repeatability, accuracy, durability, and ease of operation.

Mechanical Design Engineering

• Create fixture concepts, detailed 3D models, assemblies, fabrication drawings, and complete design documentation packages.

• Perform concept design, detailed design, and 2D detailing activities using CAD software.

• Develop manufacturing-ready drawings including GD&T, tolerance requirements, BOMs, assembly instructions, and fabrication specifications.

• Conduct tolerance stack-up analysis, fixture locating scheme development, datum structure definition, and dimensional validation.

• Design fixture mechanisms including slides, lift systems, clamps, adjustable units, pneumatic devices, sensor integration, and automation interfaces.

• Validate fixture designs for manufacturability, maintainability, reliability, serviceability, and operator safety.

• Select and integrate standard components including locators, clamps, sensors, actuators, and tooling hardware.

• Perform structural evaluations, payload assessments, and functional verification to ensure tooling meets operational requirements.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Lead fixture design reviews with Product Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, Operations, and Production teams.

• Collaborate with customers to review tooling concepts, design maturity, validation plans, and manufacturing requirements.

• Present design solutions and incorporate stakeholder feedback throughout the development process.

• Ensure tooling designs meet customer specifications, manufacturing standards, and project objectives.

• Support formal design approvals, drawing releases, and engineering sign-off activities.

Global Engineering Coordination

• Provide technical guidance and requirements to offshore design teams and global engineering resources.

• Review concepts, 3D models, drawings, and technical documentation generated by remote teams.

• Resolve design issues and ensure compliance with engineering standards and customer requirements.

• Coordinate project activities to ensure on-time delivery of tooling programs.

Supplier & Tool Build Management

• Partner with tooling suppliers, machine shops, fabrication vendors, and automation integrators.

• Review supplier quotations, technical proposals, fabrication methods, and project schedules.

• Support fixture fabrication, assembly, inspection, buyoff, and acceptance activities.

• Troubleshoot manufacturing and assembly issues during tooling build and implementation.

• Monitor supplier performance related to quality, cost, and delivery objectives.

• Conduct tooling acceptance reviews, factory acceptance testing (FAT), and production readiness assessments.

Validation & Production Launch

• Support prototype builds, engineering builds, pilot production, and manufacturing launches.

• Oversee fixture installation, commissioning, debugging, and process validation activities.

• Conduct fixture qualification, capability studies, repeatability evaluations, and dimensional verification.

• Support APQP, PPAP, PFMEA, Control Plans, process validation, and production readiness activities.

• Drive corrective actions and tooling improvements based on validation and production feedback.

Continuous Improvement

• Identify opportunities to improve tooling reliability, performance, maintainability, and manufacturing efficiency.

• Support engineering change management and fixture modifications resulting from product or process changes.

• Develop and maintain operating procedures, maintenance instructions, spare parts lists, and technical documentation.

• Mentor junior engineers and designers while promoting standardized fixture design methodologies and best practices.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Robotics Engineering, or a related technical discipline.

• 7+ years of experience in fixture design, tooling design, manufacturing engineering, automation tooling, or production equipment development.

• Strong experience in concept design, detailed 3D modeling, and 2D detailing of manufacturing fixtures and tooling systems.

• Proficiency with CAD software such as SolidWorks and AutoCAD.

• Experience creating fabrication drawings, assembly drawings, BOMs, and GD&T documentation.

• Strong understanding of machining, fabrication, welding, assembly, inspection, and manufacturing processes.

• Experience working in cross-functional engineering and manufacturing environments.

• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience supporting New Product Introduction (NPI), manufacturing launches, and industrialization programs.

• Experience coordinating with offshore design teams and global engineering organizations.

• Strong knowledge of fixture locating principles, datum structures, dimensional control, and tolerance analysis.

• Experience designing automation-ready fixtures, EOAT, robotic tooling, and sensor-integrated systems.

• Familiarity with APQP, PPAP, PFMEA, Control Plans, MSA, and production validation methodologies.

• Experience managing tooling suppliers, fabrication vendors, and equipment procurement activities.

• Knowledge of machine safety standards, ergonomics, and manufacturing risk assessments.

• Experience with PLM systems such as Teamcenter, Windchill, or Enovia.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of North Reading, MA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $65.00 - $80.00/hr.

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 North Reading,MA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 16, 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.