Mechanical Design Engineer

Job Title: Mechanical Design Engineer

Job Description

This role offers a hands-on opportunity for a Mechanical Design Engineer to design and develop large, complex custom machines from concept through completion. You will work closely with a collaborative engineering and fabrication team, spending significant time on the shop floor as well as in design tools, to create machines with highly intricate assemblies. The position suits someone who enjoys tinkering with engines and motors, thrives on variety, and takes pride in delivering detailed, robust designs that solve specific customer problems.

Responsibilities

• Design large, custom machines from cradle to grave, ensuring all components function together in complex assemblies of approximately 20,000 to 25,000 parts per machine.
• Develop detailed 3D models and drawings using SolidWorks, maintaining a high level of precision and organization in all design files.
• Use PDM Vault to manage design data, revisions, and documentation, ensuring accurate and up-to-date records throughout the project lifecycle.
• Apply GD&T principles to create clear, manufacturable drawings and define tolerances using appropriate measurement tools such as calipers and micrometers.
• Collaborate closely with internal teams, including engineering, fabrication, and assembly, to ensure designs are practical, manufacturable, and meet performance requirements.
• Interact directly with customers to understand their specific problems and requirements, translating those needs into innovative mechanical solutions.
• Support new product development initiatives by contributing creative ideas and engineering expertise to design unique, custom machinery.
• Incorporate pneumatic and hydraulic systems into machine designs, coordinating with relevant specialists as needed.
• Participate in project management activities, helping to keep projects on fixed cost and timeline targets while maintaining design quality.
• Provide hands-on support on the shop floor, including reviewing builds, troubleshooting design issues, and implementing improvements.
• Think critically and creatively to solve non-routine engineering challenges, adapting designs as needed based on testing, feedback, and real-world performance.
• Collaborate in a highly interactive, team-based environment, sharing knowledge and supporting colleagues to achieve project goals.

Essential Skills

• At least 3+ years of experience in intricate machine design, preferably involving large, complex custom machinery.
• Strong mechanical engineering background with demonstrated experience in mechanical design and machine design.
• Proficiency in SolidWorks for 3D modeling and detailed mechanical drawings.
• Experience using PDM Vault or similar product data management systems to control design files and revisions.
• Hands-on experience designing custom machines with high part counts, including assemblies with approximately 25,000 parts per machine.
• Proficiency in applying GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing) to ensure clear, manufacturable, and accurate drawings.
• Ability to use measurement tools such as calipers, micrometers, and similar instruments to verify dimensions and tolerances.
• Experience with pneumatic and hydraulic systems in the context of machine design.
• Strong soft skills for customer interaction, including the ability to communicate technical concepts clearly and collaborate effectively with customers and internal teams.
• Demonstrated attention to intricate detail and the ability to manage complex assemblies without losing sight of critical components and interfaces.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience or interest in tinkering with engines, motors, or other mechanical systems, reflecting a hands-on, practical mindset.
• Exposure to new product development processes, including concept generation, prototyping, and design refinement.
• Project management experience or familiarity with managing tasks, timelines, and priorities within engineering projects.
• PLC experience is a plus but not required for this role.
• Comfort working in both design and shop environments, including collaborating with fabrication and assembly teams.
• Ability to think outside the box and approach engineering challenges with creativity and innovation.

Work Environment

The work environment is highly collaborative and dynamic, with a strong focus on solving specific customer problems through custom machine design. You will not be confined to a desk; instead, you will split your time between design work in SolidWorks and hands-on collaboration with the shop and fabrication teams. Projects operate on fixed costs and timelines, encouraging efficiency, focus, and accountability while avoiding repetitive, routine tasks. Each day brings new challenges and opportunities to think creatively and refine unique mechanical solutions. You will work with modern design tools such as SolidWorks and PDM Vault, alongside traditional measurement instruments like calipers and micrometers. The facility emphasizes teamwork, open communication, and continuous problem-solving, creating an environment where engineers can see their designs move from concept to fully built machines on the shop floor.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Canton, OH.

The pay range for this position is $35.00 - $52.88/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 Canton,OH.

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 19, 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.