Mechatronics Engineer

Job Title: Mechatronics EngineerJob Description This role combines mechanical design, automation engineering, and robotics programming to develop custom machinery and packaging equipment from concept through commissioning. You will lead the design and build of machines using SolidWorks, program and integrate robotic systems, and ensure each project is thoroughly tested, optimized, and aligned with customer requirements. The position offers significant creative independence, the opportunity to influence technical direction, and a strong focus on professional growth within a close-knit, supportive environment. Responsibilities + Lead the mechanical and automation design of custom machinery and packaging equipment using SolidWorks. + Develop detailed 3D models, assemblies, and drawings that support efficient fabrication, assembly, and maintenance. + Program and implement robotic solutions, with a strong focus on FANUC and Universal Robotics platforms. + Own projects from initial design through assembly, testing, and final optimization, ensuring machines perform to specification. + Participate in backend testing to validate machine functionality, identify issues, and implement effective solutions. + Support machine assembly by working closely with production teams to ensure proper build and integration of mechanical, electrical, and control systems. + Troubleshoot mechanical and automation issues on the shop floor and refine designs based on real-world performance. + Interface with customers to gather requirements, present design concepts, provide progress updates, and ensure satisfaction with delivered solutions. + Collaborate with engineering colleagues and cross-functional teams to meet project timelines, quality standards, and performance targets. + Proactively anticipate project needs, identify potential risks or bottlenecks, and take initiative to keep projects on track. + Document designs, changes, and testing results clearly to support repeatability, continuous improvement, and knowledge sharing. + Contribute ideas to improve machine performance, reliability, and safety, and to enhance internal design and development processes. Essential Skills + Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or a closely related field. + 5+ years of relevant experience in mechanical design and automation. + Proficiency in SolidWorks for machine and packaging equipment design, including 3D modeling and detailed drawings. + Hands-on experience in robotics programming, particularly with FANUC and Universal Robotics platforms. + Strong background in mechatronics, combining mechanical, electrical, and control concepts to design integrated systems. + Proven ability to follow projects from design through build and test phases, ensuring successful commissioning. + Experience troubleshooting machines and equipment in a production or shop floor environment. + Demonstrated ability to take initiative, anticipate project needs, and work independently when required. + Effective communication and interpersonal skills for collaborating with internal teams and interacting with customers. + Experience working in customer-facing roles or directly supporting client projects. Additional Skills & Qualifications + Experience designing custom machinery and packaging equipment in an industrial setting. + background in mechanical, automation, and robotics engineering within a mechatronics-focused environment. + Ability to translate customer requirements into practical, manufacturable machine designs. + Comfort working in a fast-paced, high-accountability environment where contributions are recognized and rewarded. + Interest in ongoing professional development, including taking advantage of company-supported training or coursework. + Willingness to occasionally travel for projects or customer support if desired (not required). Work Environment This is an office-based engineering role with a balanced mix of desk and shop floor work. You will spend part of your time at a workstation performing design and programming in SolidWorks and related tools, and part of your time on the shop floor supporting machine assembly, troubleshooting, and backend testing. You will report directly into the chief engineering leadership, working closely with both engineering and production teams. The environment is that of a family-owned, tight-knit organization where collaboration, mutual support, and open communication are highly valued. The culture emphasizes high engagement and high reward: contributions are recognized through consistent raises, opportunities for career development, and support for classes or tuition reimbursement. There is potential for travel when desired, but travel is not mandatory. The workplace is a hands-on engineering and manufacturing setting, where you can exercise creative independence, influence technical direction, and grow your skills while working on diverse, custom automation and robotics projects. Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Oakland, NJ. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $48.08 - $55.29/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 Oakland,NJ. Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Jul 28, 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.