Mechanical Engineer

This Mechanical Engineer role focuses on the design, development, analysis, testing, and implementation of complex mechanical systems and hardware. You will apply sound engineering principles to create innovative solutions, support cross-functional projects, and ensure that designs meet performance, reliability, safety, and manufacturability requirements. You will collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams throughout the full product lifecycle, from concept development through implementation and operational support, contributing to advanced projects that support future space exploration activities.

• Support future space exploration activities by contributing to the design and development of complex mechanical systems and hardware.
• Work in a collaborative team environment to analyze requirements and develop robust design solutions that meet functional, structural, and thermal performance needs.
• Design, develop, test, analyze, and implement technical products and systems using established engineering principles and best practices.
• Perform engineering design evaluations to verify that designs meet performance, reliability, safety, and manufacturability requirements.
• Produce detailed engineering drawings that conform to applicable standards and industry practices, including the use of GD&T.
• Perform dimensional tolerance analyses, including the evaluation of thermal effects and the application of GD&T, to ensure proper fit and function of components and assemblies.
• Conduct functional, structural, and thermal analyses as required to validate design integrity and performance under expected operating conditions.
• Support design activities with hand calculations to verify fit, function, strength, and thermal response of components and assemblies.
• Prepare and deliver clear and concise presentations for various design reviews, communicating technical concepts and design decisions to stakeholders.
• Generate and maintain design documentation, including reports, specifications, and analysis summaries, to support project milestones and compliance requirements.
• Perform reporting and documentation duties as required to support project tracking, configuration control, and design verification.

• 5+ years of experience as a Mechanical Engineer working on complex mechanical systems and hardware.
• 5+ years of experience utilizing Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) in the creation and review of engineering drawings.
• 5+ years of experience using CREO for mechanical design, modeling, and drafting.
• 5+ years of experience performing Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to support structural and thermal evaluations.
• Demonstrated experience in mechanical design and new product development across the full product lifecycle.
• Strong understanding of mechanical engineering principles, including functional, structural, and thermal analysis.
• Proficiency in producing engineering drawings that conform to applicable standards and industry practices.
• Ability to perform dimensional tolerance analyses, including consideration of thermal effects, to ensure proper fit and function.
• Ability to perform hand calculations for fit, function, strength, and thermal response to support and validate design decisions.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to prepare and present technical information at design reviews.
• Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary, team-oriented environment.

• Experience with NX for mechanical design and modeling.
• Experience with SolidWorks for 3D modeling and engineering drawings.
• Familiarity with stress and strain analysis and related mechanical engineering concepts.
• Experience performing advanced hand calculations to support structural and thermal assessments.
• Knowledge of ASME standards and their application to mechanical design and drawing practices.
• Experience supporting projects related to space exploration or aerospace applications.
• Ability to produce comprehensive design documentation, including reports and analysis summaries.
• Comfort presenting technical material to cross-functional teams and stakeholders.

The role operates in a combined office and shop environment, where you will support IM products and interact closely with engineering, technical, and production personnel. You can expect to work with modern CAD and analysis tools such as CREO, FEA software, and potentially NX and SolidWorks, as well as standard office productivity tools for documentation and reporting. The environment supports hands-on interaction with hardware and prototypes, requiring attention to safety practices typical of a shop setting. Work hours align with a professional engineering schedule, with a focus on collaboration, design reviews, and continuous interaction with multidisciplinary teams throughout the product lifecycle.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Houston, TX.

The pay range for this position is $40.00 - $45.00/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 Contract to Hire position based out of Houston, TX.

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 6, 2026.

This is a fully onsite position in Houston,TX.

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.