Mechanical Engineer (Vehicle Integration)
Job Description
Seeking a Mechanical Engineer specializing in vehicle integration to design, build, and integrate Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL/eHIL) systems and specialized test fixtures used to validate autonomous vehicle hardware platforms. Instead of focusing on production design, this position emphasizes the development of test infrastructure, including racks, enclosures, fixtures, and tooling that support large-scale validation of multiple hardware generations.
*This role is part-time, 20 hours to start, with the possibility of more hours available
Responsibilities
Design and develop mechanical packaging for HIL and eHIL test racks used in autonomous vehicle hardware validation.
Create test fixtures, device-under-test (DUT) fixtures, and specialized mechanical tools to support hardware validation activities.
Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including Embedded Systems, Test Automation Engineering, Electrical Distribution Systems, and R&D/Product Integration, to ensure cohesive system design.
Ensure proper electrical routing, cable management, and thermal considerations in all mechanical designs.
Provide onsite build and upfit support at engineering facilities, including assembly, troubleshooting, and refinement of test racks and fixtures.
Develop detailed 3D CAD models, 2D drawings, and engineering bills of materials (BOMs), with a preference for CATIA 3DX.
Support low-to-medium volume builds of test infrastructure, including racks, frames, and harness assemblies.
Contribute to the design of test benches, industrial racks, and complex enclosures that integrate electro-mechanical components.
Apply best practices in electro-mechanical packaging and electronics integration to ensure robust, serviceable, and scalable test systems.
Work hands-on in rapid prototyping and shop environments to iterate and refine mechanical solutions.
Communicate effectively with distributed teams to clarify requirements, present design concepts, and incorporate feedback.
Leverage familiarity with HIL system architecture to align mechanical designs with overall test system requirements.
Incorporate electrical routing and thermal management considerations into mechanical layouts to support reliable long-duration testing.
Use analysis or automation tools, such as MATLAB or Python, to support design validation, data analysis, or test automation workflows as needed.
Essential Skills
Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering.
4+ years of experience in mechanical design or test infrastructure development.
Strong proficiency with 3D CAD tools, with CATIA and CATIA 3DX strongly preferred.
Experience in electro-mechanical packaging and electronics integration.
Proven ability to design and implement effective cable management solutions.
Hands-on engineering experience in rapid prototyping and shop environments.
Demonstrated experience designing test benches, industrial racks, or complex enclosures.
Strong communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across distributed teams.
Ability to work onsite as needed to support builds and integration activities.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Experience with Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) system architecture.
Experience in automotive or autonomous vehicle applications.
Familiarity with electrical routing and thermal management in test and validation systems.
Experience using MATLAB, Python, or similar tools for analysis or automation.
Experience supporting low-to-medium volume builds, including racks, frames, and harness assemblies.
Work Environment
This is a part-time contract position starting at approximately 20 hours per week, with the potential to expand to 40 hours per week based on mutual agreement and project needs. The role requires onsite presence about one day per week to support build, integration, and hands-on work with HIL/eHIL test racks, fixtures, and related hardware. The work environment combines office-based engineering activities, such as CAD modeling and documentation, with shop and lab settings for rapid prototyping, assembly, and testing. Collaboration with distributed teams is an integral part of the role, and work will involve modern engineering tools, including CATIA 3DX and common analysis or scripting tools used in test and validation @contexts.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Pittsburgh, PA.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $55.00 - $70.00/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 hybrid position in Pittsburgh,PA.
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.
