Job Title: Senior Mechanical Engineer - High-Speed Rotating EquipmentJob Description
The Senior Mechanical Engineer will lead the design and development of high-speed rotating equipment and motor-generator systems, with a strong focus on rotor dynamics, bearings, seals, and overall machine architecture. This role spans the full product lifecycle from initial concept through production, and involves hands-on work in a highly technical environment. The position offers the opportunity to serve as a key technical focal point and to grow into a design leadership role, while working on advanced aerospace, defense, and industrial applications.
Responsibilities
Lead mechanical design efforts for high-speed rotating equipment and motor-generator systems from concept through production.
Develop and refine overall machine architecture, including rotors, bearings, seals, and supporting mechanical systems.
Perform detailed mechanical design using SolidWorks, including 3D modeling, drawings, and documentation for complex components and assemblies.
Design mechanical solutions for electronics packaging, including controllers and power electronics, with attention to thermal management, shock and vibration robustness, environmental sealing, and EMI-conscious design.
Conduct structural and thermal analyses using finite element analysis (FEA) and hand calculations to validate designs and ensure performance, reliability, and safety.
Apply rotor dynamics expertise to analyze and manage critical speeds, stability, and vibration behavior of high-speed rotating systems.
Specify and integrate bearings, seals, and related hardware appropriate for high-speed, ruggedized aerospace and defense environments.
Support new product development activities, including concept generation, design trade studies, prototyping, and design optimization.
Create and interpret detailed engineering drawings with proper GD&T to ensure manufacturability and assembly accuracy.
Collaborate closely with electrical, manufacturing, and test teams to ensure cohesive system integration and to resolve interdisciplinary design challenges.
Work directly with the shop floor to support prototyping, troubleshooting, and validation testing of mechanical and electromechanical systems.
Ensure designs meet applicable aerospace and defense environmental standards such as MIL-STD-810, DO-160, and MIL-STD-5400, as relevant to the application.
Contribute to continuous improvement of design practices, tools, and processes within a practical, hands-on engineering culture.
Take ownership of assigned designs and projects, driving them through multiple phases of development and supporting them into production.
Provide technical guidance and act as a focal point for high-speed rotating equipment design, with potential to grow into a formal design leadership position.
Essential Skills
Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering.
10+ years of mechanical engineering experience.
Proven experience in high-speed rotating equipment design.
Strong expertise in rotor dynamics, including analysis of critical speeds and vibration behavior.
Hands-on experience with bearings and seals in high-speed rotating machinery.
Demonstrated experience with complex mechanical systems such as motors, compressors, expanders, or turbomachinery.
Proficiency in mechanical design using SolidWorks for complex components, assemblies, and detailed drawings.
Ability to perform structural analysis and finite element analysis (FEA) at a basic to moderate level.
Experience with thermal analysis and thermal management for mechanical and electronics packaging.
Strong understanding of mechanical design principles for ruggedized aerospace and defense hardware environments.
Working knowledge of relevant environmental and qualification standards such as MIL-STD-810, DO-160, and MIL-STD-5400.
Proficiency with GD&T and engineering drawing practices.
Ability to perform engineering hand calculations to validate and complement analytical and simulation results.
Experience with mechanical systems involving motors, motor control, motor design, and motor assembly.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Experience designing electronics packaging for controllers and power electronics, including considerations for shock, vibration, environmental sealing, and EMI.
Background in new product development, including concept generation, prototyping, and transition to production.
Familiarity with rotating components such as rotors and rotor wings in high-speed machinery.
Experience working with compressors, expanders, turbomachinery, and other high-performance mechanical systems.
Exposure to IPC/WHMA-A-620 and related standards for electronics and harness assemblies.
Experience with sealants and materials suitable for high-speed, high-reliability mechanical systems.
Ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams with electrical, manufacturing, and test engineering.
Strong problem-solving skills and a practical, hands-on approach to engineering challenges.
Interest in growing into a design lead or technical leadership position within a highly technical organization.
Work Environment
The role is based in an advanced technology environment focused on high-speed rotating machinery, magnetic bearing systems, and power electronics for aerospace, defense, and industrial applications. Mechanical engineers work closely with electrical, manufacturing, and test teams in a highly collaborative, hands-on setting. The environment emphasizes frequent interaction between design engineers and the shop floor to support prototyping, troubleshooting, and validation of complex systems. Work is fast-paced and project-based, with engineers expected to take full ownership of their designs and contribute across multiple phases of development. The culture centers on practical engineering, technical rigor, and problem-solving to deliver performance-driven products, with clear opportunities for growth into design leadership and expanded technical responsibility.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Cerritos, CA.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $65.00 - $80.00/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 Cerritos,CA.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Jun 22, 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.
