Job Title: Mechanical Engineer - Ride Systems Testing and Commissioning
Job Description
This role focuses on leading the testing, commissioning, and validation of complex mechanical ride systems from initial energization through final acceptance and turnover. The Mechanical Engineer serves as a primary field representative for ride testing activities, working closely with design, controls, electrical, and operations teams to ensure systems meet performance, safety, and design intent. The position combines hands-on field work, structured test planning, and technical design collaboration to deliver reliable, safe, and high-performing mechanical systems.
Responsibilities
Serve as the primary field representative for ride testing activities, supporting daily test operations and overall system validation.
Lead and execute testing, commissioning, and turnover of mechanical ride systems and associated equipment.
Develop comprehensive test plans, test procedures, and checklists in collaboration with the design engineering team to validate system functionality, safety, and performance.
Define and lead system activation strategies, including step-by-step system bring-up from initial energization through full operational readiness, aligned with design intent.
Review engineering drawings, analyses, and design assumptions with the design team to ensure test plans properly validate critical system behaviors and interfaces.
Provide real-time feedback to design engineers on system performance, discrepancies, and field conditions encountered during testing.
Lead the resolution of field issues by collaborating with design engineers to evaluate root cause, develop solutions, and implement design updates or field modifications.
Identify, document, and track deficiencies, punch list items, and system performance issues through resolution, ensuring alignment with design intent and project requirements.
Coordinate closely with controls, electrical, and operations teams to ensure integrated system functionality and proper system operation.
Conduct or support inspection and testing of components at vendor facilities prior to shipment and oversee their installation in the field.
Verify that systems are installed and operating in accordance with design intent, specifications, applicable standards, and safety requirements.
Provide clear and consistent daily reporting on status, risks, and issues to project leadership and engineering teams.
Support final acceptance testing (FAT/SAT) and prepare turnover documentation that reflects validated system performance and final design configuration.
Design and develop complex mechanical machinery, including gearing, actuators, wheels, weldments, bearings, and related assemblies.
Perform engineering calculations and analyses to support the design and development of mechanical systems.
Serve as Project Engineer, managing design, implementation, and coordination across multidisciplinary teams.
Develop design concepts and oversee their transformation into detailed engineering documentation.
Lead design reviews and collaborate with contractors, architects, consultants, and clients to ensure technical alignment and resolve design challenges.
Maintain regular communication with clients to manage expectations and ensure project objectives are met.
Prepare and manage design schedules and budgets to support timely and cost-effective project delivery.
Provide documentation and technical support for purchasing, fabrication, installation, and commissioning activities.
Travel to project sites for commissioning and field troubleshooting, ensuring seamless system integration and resolving on-site technical issues.
Essential Skills
Bachelor's degree from an ABET-accredited institution in Mechanical, Structural, or Aerospace Engineering.
5+ years of experience with a bachelor's degree, or 3+ years with an advanced degree, in mechanical systems, testing, commissioning, or field engineering.
Demonstrated experience with system testing, commissioning, and activation of complex mechanical systems.
Proven experience developing or executing test plans and commissioning procedures in coordination with engineering teams.
Strong troubleshooting skills with the ability to diagnose mechanical and system-level issues and work collaboratively with design engineers to resolve them.
Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, assembly details, and engineering documentation.
Experience with design and analysis of mechanical equipment and components.
Strong desire and ability to solve mechanical problems, including bearings, actuator sizing, gearing, and related system-level challenges.
Effective time management skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks, schedules, and priorities.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to interface effectively between field teams and the design engineering group.
E.I.T. credential with plans to pursue the P.E. exam.
Eligibility to work in the United States (U.S. citizenship or U.S. permanent resident status).
Willingness to travel up to 20%, including travel to a corporate office and project sites.
Ability to work remotely initially, with a planned transition to in-person work at the Orlando, FL office in Q3 2025.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Master's degree in Mechanical, Structural, Aerospace, or a related engineering discipline.
Florida Professional Engineer (P.E.) license.
2+ years of experience in the amusement or entertainment industry.
Familiarity with geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T).
Experience supporting or executing Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and Site Acceptance Testing (SAT).
Knowledge of relevant standards such as ASTM F2291, AISC, and AWS.
Experience collaborating with contractors, architects, consultants, and clients on complex engineering projects.
Experience preparing technical documentation to support purchasing, fabrication, and commissioning.
Comfort working in both office and field environments, including vendor facilities and active project sites.
Work Environment
The role blends office-based engineering work with hands-on field activities at project sites, vendor facilities, and a corporate office. Initially, you work remotely, collaborating closely with design, controls, electrical, and operations teams using standard engineering and communication tools. You will participate in design reviews, project coordination, and daily engineering activities. Field work involves time on and around mechanical ride systems and associated equipment during installation, testing, commissioning, and troubleshooting. You may visit vendor facilities to inspect and test components before shipment and oversee installation in the field. Travel of up to approximately 20% is expected, primarily to a corporate office and project locations. The work environment emphasizes safety, adherence to engineering standards, and close collaboration across multidisciplinary teams to ensure reliable, safe, and high-performing mechanical ride systems.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Orlando, FL.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $45.00 - $60.00/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 Orlando,FL.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Apr 28, 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.
