Job Title: Mechanical Design Engineer
Job Description
We are seeking a hands-on Mechanical Design Engineer to lead the design and delivery of custom mechanical equipment from concept through commissioning. In this role, you will own the full project lifecycle, including 3D CAD design, engineering calculations, project coordination, and direct customer interaction. You will collaborate closely with fabrication, controls, and field service teams to ensure that mechanical systems meet performance, quality, and schedule expectations.
Responsibilities
Design custom mechanical equipment using 3D CAD tools such as SolidWorks, Inventor, AutoCAD, or equivalent software.
Execute engineering tasks across the full project lifecycle, from initial concept and design through fabrication, assembly, testing, and commissioning support.
Develop complete and accurate Bills of Materials (BOMs), detailed drawings, and technical documentation for manufacturing and assembly.
Perform engineering calculations to solve complex systems, including structural loading, drive sizing, and conveyance systems.
Size pumps, gear motors, cylinders, and thermal systems to meet performance and reliability requirements.
Write and support the development of sequences of operations for controls integration and automation.
Collaborate with fabrication, controls, and field service teams to resolve technical issues and ensure successful equipment build and deployment.
Support equipment testing, troubleshooting, and commissioning activities at the shop and at customer sites.
Assist in managing project scope, schedule, and deliverables, helping to keep projects on time and within defined parameters.
Support customer communication, including gathering technical requirements, providing design updates, and participating in status meetings.
Manage smaller projects independently or provide engineering support on larger, more complex projects.
Demonstrate ownership of assigned tasks and deliverables, ensuring high-quality work and timely completion.
Provide limited mentoring and technical guidance to junior engineers or technicians as needed.
Build and strengthen customer interaction and communication skills through regular engagement and problem-solving.
Essential Skills
3-5 years of experience in engineering related to the design and manufacture of custom mechanical equipment.
Proficiency with 3D CAD software such as SolidWorks, Inventor, or equivalent for mechanical design.
Experience using CAD tools such as SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or equivalent to create detailed models and drawings.
Strong mechanical design skills with the ability to develop custom equipment and assemblies.
Ability to perform engineering calculations for complex systems, including structural loading, drive sizing, and conveyance systems.
Proven experience sizing pumps, gear motors, cylinders, and thermal systems.
Hands-on experience with standard fabrication methods and manufacturing processes.
Ability to write clear and accurate sequences of operations for controls engineering and automation.
Practical experience with hydraulic and pneumatic systems in mechanical equipment.
Ability to develop and maintain Bills of Materials (BOMs), drawings, and technical documentation.
Experience supporting equipment testing, troubleshooting, and commissioning activities.
Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including fabrication, controls, and field service.
Willingness and ability to travel 10-20%, including international travel.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Bachelor's or associate degree in engineering, or equivalent engineering experience.
Mechanical engineering or a closely related discipline.
Experience working as a project engineer on custom equipment or capital projects.
Familiarity with mechanical systems involving hydraulics, pneumatics, and thermal systems.
Ability to assist in managing project scope, schedule, and deliverables.
Experience creating and interpreting technical documentation, including drawings and BOMs.
Strong communication skills for effective interaction with customers, vendors, and internal teams.
Demonstrated ability to take ownership of tasks and deliverables and follow through to completion.
Experience providing guidance or limited mentoring to junior staff or technicians.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Milwaukee, WI.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $40.00 - $55.00/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 Milwaukee,WI.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on May 1, 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.
