Job Title: R&D Engineer
Job Description
The R&D Engineer plays a key role in the development of advanced technology, focusing on mechanical design, thermodynamics, fluid flow, and structural analysis to ensure high performance, reliability, and cost-effectiveness. This role leads mechanical design efforts, structural and fluidic analysis, testing and validation, prototyping, and specification development while supporting quality and manufacturability. The position is ideal for someone who is passionate about sustainability and clean energy, thrives in a fast-paced entrepreneurial environment, is self-motivated, and enjoys working with disruptive, cutting-edge technology.
Responsibilities
Serve as a 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, 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, and translate these insights into robust design updates.
Engineer components and assemblies for manufacturability and reliability (DFM, DFA, DFR) across processes such as casting, machining, plastics 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 test results to simulation models, and drive root-cause analysis and corrective actions.
Collaborate closely with engineering, operations, and supply chain teams to convert 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.
Create detailed engineering drawings using GD&T principles in accordance with ASME Y14.5, incorporating a strong understanding of quality inspection methods to accurately define and verify critical-to-function and critical-to-quality features.
Support the transition from concept to validated hardware through proto@type, pilot, and production phases, ensuring design intent and performance are maintained.
Communicate clearly and concisely with cross-functional stakeholders while managing and prioritizing multiple concurrent design workstreams.
Follow all job-required standards and safety protocols in accordance with predefined processes and applicable regulations.
Handle and move equipment and components as needed, including lifting up to 50 lbs unassisted, while using appropriate personal protective equipment.
Essential Skills
Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely 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.
Strong foundation in thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and solid mechanics.
Proficiency in 3D CAD software such as Inventor, SolidWorks, or equivalent for parametric design, detailed drawings, and bills of materials.
Hands-on experience with FEA and CFD for structural, thermal, and fluid analysis.
Experience performing tolerance stack-ups to ensure robust mechanical designs.
Demonstrated ability to develop detailed engineering drawings using GD&T principles per ASME Y14.5.
Solid understanding of quality inspection methods to define and verify critical-to-function and critical-to-quality features.
Experience designing systems that handle corrosive or reactive fluids and implementing hermetic sealing solutions such as welds, adhesives, and gaskets.
Proven track record of cross-functional execution from concept through proto@type, pilot, and into production hardware.
Clear and concise communication skills, both written and verbal.
Ability to work self-directed and manage multiple design workstreams simultaneously.
Ability to lift up to 50 lbs unassisted as required by lab and hardware handling tasks.
Ability to follow job-required standards and safety protocols in line with predefined processes.
Ability to wear 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.
Experience in battery, fuel cell, or power-generation system design.
Demonstrated multiphysics simulation experience using tools such as ANSYS, COMSOL, or equivalent, including model-to-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.
Expertise in plastics and polymer component design for injection molding, extrusion, and plastics welding.
Hands-on experience with CNC, CAM, and other fabrication and machining techniques, with a strong understanding of tolerances, tool paths, and manufacturability trade-offs.
Interest in and commitment to sustainable, clean energy storage solutions and environmentally responsible engineering.
Comfort working in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment with cutting-edge, disruptive technology.
Work Environment
This position is based onsite in Wilsonville, OR, in an R&D lab environment focused on advanced energy storage technologies. The role involves hands-on work with mechanical hardware, test equipment, and proto@type assemblies, as well as extensive use of 3D CAD and engineering analysis tools. Work is conducted in a laboratory and engineering setting where adherence to safety protocols is essential, including the use of personal protective equipment as required.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Wilsonville, 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 Wilsonville,OR.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on May 19, 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.
