Job Title: Mechanical Engineer - Automation Proposals (Life Sciences, Food & Beverage, Pharmaceutical)Job Description
This role offers an opportunity for a Mechanical Engineer to support a proposal and RFQ team focused on non-automotive automation projects in the life sciences, food and beverage, and pharmaceutical industries. You will translate customer requirements into feasible automated solutions, develop conceptual layouts and mechanical designs, and provide the technical details that underpin competitive and accurate proposals. This position is ideal for an engineer who enjoys conceptual design, problem-solving, and collaborating across departments to transform manual processes into robust automated systems.
Responsibilities
Collaborate closely with the proposal and RFQ team to evaluate customer requirements and determine how manual processes can be converted into automated systems.
Review RFQ documents and technical details from the sales team to quickly understand the @type of automation required and assess technical feasibility.
Develop conceptual equipment layouts and assist with mechanical design to demonstrate how proposed automated systems will function.
Create and refine CAD models and layout designs, ideally using SolidWorks, to support proposals and clearly communicate system concepts.
Provide detailed technical information, including layout, design, and engineering rationale, to support written responses to RFQs.
Work with other engineers and internal departments to develop solution concepts that align with customer needs and company capabilities.
Leverage historical and legacy data from past quotes and projects to inform and optimize new proposals.
Participate in internal discussions to refine automation concepts, ensuring they are practical, cost-effective, and aligned with industry standards in life sciences, food and beverage, and pharmaceutical applications.
Support the sales team with technical insights and explanations as they present proposals to customers.
Occasionally travel, as needed (less than 10%), potentially to customer sites to better understand applications and requirements.
Essential Skills
Bachelor's degree in Engineering or an Associate's degree in a technical field.
At least 3 years of experience working in a Mechanical Engineer capacity within automation.
At least 3 years of experience working with automation systems or at a systems integrator.
At least 3 years of CAD experience, ideally with SolidWorks, including experience with mechanical design and layout design.
Hands-on experience with automation systems, including exposure to robot cells or automated equipment.
Strong mechanical engineering fundamentals with the ability to develop and evaluate conceptual designs.
Ability to quickly understand and interpret technical requirements from RFQs and sales inputs.
Forward-thinking mindset with a strong capacity for creative problem-solving and conceptualization.
Ability to adapt quickly in a dynamic proposal environment and manage multiple opportunities concurrently.
Effective communication skills to clearly present technical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Previous experience in non-automotive industries such as logistics, packaging, food and beverage, or life sciences is preferred.
Experience working on proposals or project engineering for automation or integrated systems.
Familiarity with automation applications in life sciences, laboratory environments, medical, or food processing is advantageous.
Ability to collaborate effectively with sales, engineering, and other internal departments to develop cohesive proposals.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail when preparing technical documentation and proposal content.
Work Environment
You will work as part of a small, focused proposal team that collaborates closely with sales, engineering, and other departments to deliver high-quality automation proposals. The team currently includes a proposal manager and a proposal engineer, creating a setting where your technical expertise will have significant impact and visibility. The work is primarily office-based, using CAD tools such as SolidWorks and other engineering and productivity software to develop layouts, concepts, and supporting documentation. Travel requirements are low, typically less than 10%, and may occasionally include visits to customer sites to better understand their processes and automation needs. The broader organization operates in diversified markets beyond automotive, with a strong presence in life sciences, pharmaceutical, and food and beverage automation, offering exposure to advanced technologies and a variety of project @types in a professional, collaborative environment.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Auburn Hills, MI.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $38.00 - $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 Auburn Hills,MI.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Jun 12, 2026.
About Actalent
Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.
The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.
If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.
San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.
