Job Title: Mechanical Engineer
Job Description
The Mechanical Engineer will lead efforts to improve and redesign manufacturing methods, retrofit and specify equipment, and develop custom quality gage designs that support both new and legacy products. This role works cross-functionally with manufacturing, quality, design, and IT teams to deliver practical, hands-on solutions that enhance quality, productivity, safety, and ergonomics across the facility.
Responsibilities
Lead and guide efforts to redesign existing manufacturing methods to improve quality, efficiency, and safety.
Retrofit existing equipment to meet updated process, quality, and ergonomic requirements.
Assist in the specification, selection, and implementation of new manufacturing equipment and capital projects.
Create and develop custom quality gage designs to support robust measurement and inspection processes.
Apply mechanical engineering principles to optimize manufacturing processes and line layouts.
Use 3D CAD tools to design equipment, tooling, fixtures, and gages that support production needs.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including manufacturing, quality, design, and IT, to deliver integrated solutions.
Support both new product introductions and legacy product lines with process and equipment improvements.
Contribute to plant layout and line layout efforts to enhance flow, productivity, and ergonomics.
Incorporate dimensional engineering and tolerance analysis into designs to ensure manufacturability and product quality.
Participate in or support process FMEA activities to identify and mitigate risks in manufacturing processes.
Support the creation and improvement of work instructions, process documents, and quality systems.
Engage in continuous improvement initiatives focused on process improvement, waste reduction, and throughput gains.
Work hands-on with the manufacturing team and production floor to troubleshoot issues and implement practical solutions.
Communicate effectively with stakeholders at all levels of the organization to present ideas, progress, and results.
Essential Skills
Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or an equivalent technical discipline.
At least 2 years of related mechanical design experience in a manufacturing or industrial environment.
At least 2 years of experience with 3D CAD modeling.
Experience with dimensional engineering and tolerance analysis.
Demonstrated experience in process improvement and manufacturing process optimization.
Mechanical engineering and process engineering skills applied in a production environment.
Ability to perform equipment design and support capital equipment and capital project activities.
Proficiency with 3D design tools such as AutoCAD Inventor or SolidWorks (or similar).
Understanding of GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing) principles.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Design for manufacturing experience, with a focus on practical, producible designs.
Familiarity with process FMEA analyses and risk mitigation in manufacturing processes.
Skill in the creation of quality systems and gage system design.
Experience creating and working with work instructions and process documents.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to work effectively in a highly collaborative team environment with strong people skills.
Quick learner with a high level of ambition, initiative, and drive.
Hands-on practical manufacturing experience on the production floor.
Experience with continuous improvement methodologies in a manufacturing @context.
Exposure to or experience with plant layout and line layout optimization.
Fenestration industry experience is a plus.
Work Environment
The role operates primarily in an office setting with frequent interaction on the production floor and with the manufacturing team. You will work cross-functionally with colleagues in manufacturing, quality, design, and IT as part of a highly collaborative, hands-on environment focused on continuous improvement. The position supports both new product introductions and legacy product lines and is part of a transformative, high-priority initiative impacting multiple departments. The schedule offers strong work-life balance and a very flexible arrangement, while the day-to-day work involves close engagement with equipment, processes, and teams in an active manufacturing facility.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Dubuque, IA.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $33.00 - $50.00/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 Dubuque,IA.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Apr 24, 2026.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:
Hiring diverse talent
Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
Ensuring growth opportunities for our people
Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.
About Actalent
Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we've helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC-with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000+ extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day.
Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.
