Job Title: Lead Mechanical Engineer
Job Description
The lead Mechanical Engineer leads the design and development of custom automation and robotic solutions, with a primary focus on tool design using NX and custom machine design. This role supports a large project in the energy sector while contributing heavily to Automotive Body-In-White (BIW) and Closures applications. The engineer manages the full design lifecycle from concept through build, ensures functionality, compliance, and reliability through detailed engineering calculations and robust design practices, and provides leadership and mentorship to junior engineers and designers. The position requires close collaboration with cross-functional teams, active participation in design reviews, and a commitment to innovation and continuous improvement.
Responsibilities
Play an active role as a key member of the Mechanical Design Engineering team, contributing technical expertise and collaborating effectively with colleagues.
Own the complete mechanical design process from initial concept development through detailed design, final review, and release of detail drawings.
Develop and design mechanical components, tools, and assemblies that meet functional, performance, safety, and manufacturability requirements.
Lead the design of custom automation equipment and robotic solutions, with emphasis on Automotive BIW and Closures applications.
Oversee the creation of engineering drawings and documentation, ensuring adherence to industry standards, internal guidelines, and customer specifications.
Use NX for 3D modeling and drafting to create robust, manufacturable designs and clear, accurate drawings.
Apply GM tool kit and GM body shop standards (including GMD1) when designing for automotive OEM and Tier 1 customers.
Collaborate with other mechanical engineers, designers, electrical engineers, controls engineers, project managers, and cross-functional team members to ensure project success.
Work closely with other design leaders to meet project timelines and coordinate design activities across multiple projects.
Provide technical leadership and direction to junior mechanical engineers and designers, including mentoring, coaching, and reviewing their work.
Support projects from concept through build, including involvement in design reviews, risk assessments, and design-for-manufacture considerations.
Provide technical support to manufacturing and assembly teams, addressing design-related issues and ensuring smooth production and integration processes.
Troubleshoot design and manufacturing issues by analyzing problems, identifying root causes, and implementing effective engineering solutions.
Participate in and present designs during weekly customer review meetings, clearly communicating design intent, trade-offs, and progress.
Stay current with mechanical engineering technologies, tools, and industry trends, and apply this knowledge to improve design quality and efficiency.
Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives in design methods, standards, and processes to enhance quality, reliability, and productivity.
Assist with debug activities on the shop floor, verifying that equipment meets design specifications and supporting issue resolution.
Occasionally support customer site activities, such as installation or commissioning, as needed for design-related issues.
Foster positive working relationships with colleagues, customers, and external stakeholders through clear communication and a collaborative approach.
Essential Skills
At least 10 years of experience designing automation equipment.
Strong experience in Automotive Body-In-White (BIW) applications.
Experience working with automotive OEMs or Tier 1 suppliers.
Proven ability to lead a small design team and provide clear direction to junior mechanical engineers and designers.
High proficiency in NX for 3D modeling and drafting.
Hands-on design experience using GM tool kit and GM body shop standards, including GMD1.
Demonstrated experience designing custom automated equipment, factory automation systems, or automated test stands.
Solid understanding of mechanical design principles, including strength, tolerance, motion, and manufacturability considerations.
Ability to manage the full design lifecycle from concept to detailed design, drawings, and build support.
Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills for both design and manufacturing issues.
Excellent communication skills, including the ability to present designs and technical concepts to customers in review meetings.
Effective teamwork and collaboration skills when working with cross-functional engineering teams.
Capability to work under tight timelines while maintaining quality and attention to detail.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Engineering degree is highly desirable.
Project management experience is a nice-to-have and will support coordination of complex automation projects.
Experience in custom automation, factory automation, or automated test stands beyond automotive applications.
Familiarity with robotics, material handling systems, assembly, test, and vision systems.
Experience working within standardized design processes and continuous improvement environments.
Comfort presenting to and interacting with customers during design reviews and project discussions.
Interest in staying up to date with emerging mechanical engineering tools, technologies, and industry best practices.
Work Environment
The role is based within a large, established automation engineering organization that provides engineering design, system build, and service for world-class manufacturers. The team specializes in assembly, test, vision, robotics, and material handling systems, with a strong focus on continuous improvement and delivering high-quality automation solutions. You will work alongside a team of more than 80 engineering professionals, including mechanical engineers, designers, controls engineers, electrical engineers, project managers, and applications specialists. The culture is professional yet relaxed; the team manages tight timelines and high-pressure projects by maintaining a laid-back, supportive atmosphere and not taking everything too seriously. Most work takes place in an engineering center, with the production plant located across the parking lot and an additional plant approximately 15 minutes away. A typical day involves spending about 75% of the time at your desk designing in NX and 25% on debug activities in the plant, supporting build and verification of equipment. Travel to customer sites for installation support is possible but very rare, as installation issues are typically electrical in nature. The role offers significant exposure to cutting-edge, highly technical custom automation and factory automation projects, providing valuable experience that can greatly enhance long-term career growth and open future opportunities.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Bridgman, MI.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $46.00 - $58.00/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 Bridgman,MI.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on May 20, 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.
