Mechanical Engineer (Vehicle Integration)
Job Description
Seeking a Mechanical Engineer specializing in vehicle integration to design, build, and integrate Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL/eHIL) systems and specialized test fixtures used to validate autonomous vehicle hardware platforms. Instead of focusing on production design, this position emphasizes the development of test infrastructure, including racks, enclosures, fixtures, and tooling that support large-scale validation of multiple hardware generations.
*This role is part-time, 20 hours to start, with the possibility of more hours available
Responsibilities
Design and develop mechanical packaging for HIL and eHIL test racks used in autonomous vehicle hardware validation.
Create test fixtures, device-under-test (DUT) fixtures, and specialized mechanical tools to support hardware validation activities.
Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including Embedded Systems, Test Automation Engineering, Electrical Distribution Systems, and R&D/Product Integration, to ensure cohesive system design.
Ensure proper electrical routing, cable management, and thermal considerations in all mechanical designs.
Provide onsite build and upfit support at engineering facilities, including assembly, troubleshooting, and refinement of test racks and fixtures.
Develop detailed 3D CAD models, 2D drawings, and engineering bills of materials (BOMs), with a preference for CATIA 3DX.
Support low-to-medium volume builds of test infrastructure, including racks, frames, and harness assemblies.
Contribute to the design of test benches, industrial racks, and complex enclosures that integrate electro-mechanical components.
Apply best practices in electro-mechanical packaging and electronics integration to ensure robust, serviceable, and scalable test systems.
Work hands-on in rapid prototyping and shop environments to iterate and refine mechanical solutions.
Communicate effectively with distributed teams to clarify requirements, present design concepts, and incorporate feedback.
Leverage familiarity with HIL system architecture to align mechanical designs with overall test system requirements.
Incorporate electrical routing and thermal management considerations into mechanical layouts to support reliable long-duration testing.
Use analysis or automation tools, such as MATLAB or Python, to support design validation, data analysis, or test automation workflows as needed.
Essential Skills
Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering.
4+ years of experience in mechanical design or test infrastructure development.
Strong proficiency with 3D CAD tools, with CATIA and CATIA 3DX strongly preferred.
Experience in electro-mechanical packaging and electronics integration.
Proven ability to design and implement effective cable management solutions.
Hands-on engineering experience in rapid prototyping and shop environments.
Demonstrated experience designing test benches, industrial racks, or complex enclosures.
Strong communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across distributed teams.
Ability to work onsite as needed to support builds and integration activities.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Experience with Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) system architecture.
Experience in automotive or autonomous vehicle applications.
Familiarity with electrical routing and thermal management in test and validation systems.
Experience using MATLAB, Python, or similar tools for analysis or automation.
Experience supporting low-to-medium volume builds, including racks, frames, and harness assemblies.
Work Environment
The role requires onsite presence about one day per week to support build, integration, and hands-on work with HIL/eHIL test racks, fixtures, and related hardware. The work environment combines office-based engineering activities, such as CAD modeling and documentation, with shop and lab settings for rapid prototyping, assembly, and testing. Collaboration with distributed teams is an integral part of the role, and work will involve modern engineering tools, including CATIA 3DX and common analysis or scripting tools used in test and validation @contexts.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Pittsburgh, PA.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $55.00 - $70.00/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 Pittsburgh,PA.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Jun 25, 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.
