Job Title: Mechanical / Product Design Engineer
Job Description
This role offers the opportunity to lead the mechanical design and development of innovative, camera- and sensor-based products from concept through proto@type. You will create robust, manufacturable designs that integrate cameras, sensors, optics, and thermal management solutions while collaborating closely with cross-functional engineering teams. The position is ideal for a mid-career engineer who enjoys hands-on product development, complex problem-solving, and working with advanced mechanical design and simulation tools in a fast-paced environment.
Responsibilities
Design and develop innovative mechanical products from initial concept through proto@type, with a strong focus on camera-focused and sensor-focused solutions.
Create detailed 3D models and engineering drawings using SolidWorks to support product development and manufacturing.
Apply mechanical engineering principles to design robust, reliable, and efficient mechanical architectures that integrate cameras, sensors, optics, and supporting hardware.
Perform thermal simulations and analysis, using tools such as Ansys, to ensure effective thermal management and product performance.
Develop and manage mechanical design requirements, ensuring products meet or exceed performance, reliability, and quality standards.
Conduct tolerance stack-up analyses to ensure proper fit, function, and manufacturability of assemblies and subassemblies.
Plan and execute mechanical testing to validate design assumptions, including performance, durability, and environmental tests as needed.
Perform structured problem-solving and root cause analysis to resolve design issues and improve product performance.
Collaborate closely with electrical, software, and other cross-functional teams to ensure seamless integration of mechanical, electrical, and software components.
Incorporate design for manufacturability (DFM) and design for assembly (DFA) principles into all product designs to support efficient production.
Prepare and maintain design documentation, including specifications, test plans, and design review materials.
Work independently with minimal supervision, driving projects forward, managing priorities, and meeting project milestones and deadlines.
Participate in design reviews, provide technical input, and incorporate feedback to refine and optimize designs.
Essential Skills
Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or a closely related discipline, or equivalent practical experience in mechanical product design.
At least 5 years of experience in mechanical product design, preferably with a focus on camera-based or sensor-based products.
Strong mechanical engineering and mechanical design skills, including experience designing products for manufacturing and assembly.
Proficiency in SolidWorks for 3D modeling, detailed design, and preparation of engineering drawings.
Experience with thermal simulations and analysis, including the use of tools such as Ansys, to address thermal management challenges.
Demonstrated ability to perform tolerance stack-up analysis for complex assemblies.
Hands-on experience with testing mechanical designs, including planning tests and interpreting results.
Proven problem-solving capabilities, including structured root cause analysis to resolve design and performance issues.
Solid understanding of production design principles, including design for manufacturability (DFM) and design for assembly (DFA).
Ability to work independently, manage multiple tasks, and drive projects with minimal supervision.
Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional engineering teams.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Experience designing products that integrate cameras, sensors, and related optical components.
Familiarity with optics design concepts and machine vision systems.
Prior experience working on camera-focused or sensor-focused solutions in a product development environment.
Exposure to advanced thermal management techniques for compact electronic and electromechanical systems.
Experience participating in formal design reviews and working within structured product development processes.
Comfort working in a fast-paced environment where priorities may shift and rapid iteration is required.
Work Environment
The role operates in a professional engineering environment focused on the development of advanced camera and sensor products. You will work primarily with modern mechanical design tools such as SolidWorks and simulation software including Ansys to perform detailed design, modeling, and thermal analysis. Collaboration with electrical and software engineers is a regular part of the workday, and you will participate in design reviews, testing activities, and iterative prototyping. The position typically follows standard weekday working hours, with flexibility needed at times to meet project milestones. The environment emphasizes innovation, technical rigor, and cross-functional teamwork, providing opportunities to see designs progress from concept through proto@type and toward production.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of North Reading, MA.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $60.00 - $65.00/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 North Reading,MA.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Jun 14, 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.
