Job Title: R&D Mechanical Engineer
Job Description
This R&D-focused Mechanical Engineer role focuses on the mechanical design and development of advanced battery power module technology to achieve high performance, reliability, and cost-effectiveness. You will apply expertise in mechanical design, thermodynamics, fluid flow, and structural analysis to create, analyze, and validate complex fluid or electrochemical systems. The position offers the opportunity to work on disruptive, cutting-edge technology in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment, contributing directly to sustainable energy solutions.
Responsibilities
Serve as a senior contributor to the mechanical design of stack and subsystem hardware, including manifolds, flow fields, plates, frames, enclosures, and seals, using 3D CAD tools and rigorous design control practices such as models, drawings, specifications, bills of materials (BOMs), and GD&T.
Analyze and optimize thermal and fluid performance as well as structural integrity under pressure, temperature, vibration, and thermal cycling using FEA and CFD tools, and translate simulation insights into robust design improvements.
Engineer components and assemblies for manufacturability and reliability (DFM, DFA, DFR) across processes such as casting, machining, injection molding, extrusion, plastics welding, and sealing methods including welding, adhesives, and gaskets.
Select materials compatible with electrolytes and corrosive environments, and address creep, fatigue, and stress-relaxation mechanisms with appropriate safety margins and life predictions.
Develop and execute validation plans, define test articles and fixtures, analyze test data, correlate results with simulations, and drive root-cause analysis and corrective actions to close the loop between modeling and testing.
Collaborate closely with cross-functional engineering and supply chain teams to translate performance targets into durable, cost-effective designs that are ready for production.
Continuously improve product cost, reliability, and serviceability while maintaining safety, compliance, and quality standards.
Follow all job-required standards and safety protocols according to predefined processes and applicable regulations.
Handle and move components and equipment as needed, including lifting up to 50 lbs unassisted, while using appropriate personal protective equipment.
Essential Skills
Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
5+ years of experience in mechanical design and analysis of complex fluid or electrochemical systems, or an equivalent combination of graduate and industry experience.
Proficiency in 3D CAD tools such as Inventor, SolidWorks, or equivalent for parametric design, detailed drawings, and bill of materials creation.
Strong foundation in thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and solid mechanics.
Hands-on experience with FEA and CFD for structural, thermal, and fluid analysis.
Experience performing tolerance stack-ups and applying GD&T principles per ASME Y14.5.
Proven ability to develop detailed engineering drawings using GD&T with a strong understanding of quality inspection methods to define and verify critical-to-function (CTF) and critical-to-quality (CTQ) features.
Experience designing systems that handle corrosive or reactive fluids and hermetic sealing solutions such as welds, adhesives, and gaskets.
Demonstrated track record of executing projects from concept through proto@type, pilot, and into production with validated hardware.
Clear and concise communication skills, with the ability to work in a self-directed manner and manage multiple design workstreams simultaneously.
Ability to lift up to 50 lbs unassisted.
Ability to follow required standards and safety protocols according to predefined processes.
Ability to wear and properly use personal protective equipment in accordance with OSHA rules and regulations.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Advanced degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Energy Systems, or Chemical Engineering is a bonus.
Experience in battery, fuel cell, or power-generation system design will stand out.
Demonstrated multiphysics simulation experience using tools such as ANSYS, COMSOL, or equivalent, including test correlation.
Experience scaling products from proto@type to production with ownership of cost and reliability improvements.
Knowledge of electrolyte-compatible materials and corrosion mitigation strategies.
Experience with pressure-bound assemblies and pressure vessel design considerations.
Plastics and polymer component design experience for injection molding, extrusion, and plastics welding.
Hands-on experience with CNC/CAM and other fabrication and machining techniques, with a solid understanding of tolerances, tool paths, and manufacturability trade-offs.
Passion for sustainability and environmental impact, with an interest in disruptive, cutting-edge technology.
Comfort working in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial setting and contributing as a collaborative team member.
Work Environment
This is an onsite role based in an R&D lab environment focused on advanced battery power module development. You will work hands-on with proto@types, test fixtures, and lab equipment while collaborating closely with engineering and supply chain teams. The environment is fast-paced and innovation-driven, with a strong emphasis on safety, adherence to established standards, and the use of appropriate personal protective equipment as required by OSHA and internal protocols.
We will be prioritizing regional talent, but may consider non-local if experience is 100% aligned clearly in resume and candidate can relocate themselves to start work within a couple of weeks.
LI-MH3
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Tualatin, OR.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $111700.00 - $128600.00/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 Tualatin,OR.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on May 14, 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.
