Job Title: Mechanical Engineer
Job Description
This Mechanical Engineer role focuses on designing and developing custom industrial machines and equipment for automated manufacturing environments. You will take customer requirements from concept through to fully functional, production-ready systems, including reverse engineering existing parts, improving designs based on feedback, and creating new systems or components to meet specific industry needs. The position requires a high level of proficiency in mechanical design, strong hands-on problem-solving skills, and the ability to work independently while collaborating closely with a small engineering team.
Responsibilities
Work as a project team member to take customer requirements from concept through to fully functional, production-ready custom machines.
Design, quote, implement, and troubleshoot custom industrial machines and automation systems.
Create layouts, component drawings, and assembly drawings using SolidWorks.
Perform equipment and system calculations to validate design concepts and ensure performance.
Develop and perform hands-on proof-of-concept tests to verify design feasibility.
Assist Controls Engineers in developing custom industrial motion control and process control systems.
Assist with motor selection and field device selection for custom machinery.
Apply sound engineering principles to mechanism and component design, selection, layout, and detailed drawings.
Compile and document bills of materials for all projects.
Document all project phases and create complete final as-built documentation packages.
Check detail and assembly drawings prior to manufacture to ensure accuracy and manufacturability.
Oversee aspects of the project manufacturing process, including coordination with vendors, assembly, and testing activities.
Assist with Factory Acceptance Testing to ensure machines meet specifications before shipment.
Support installation, startup, and Site Acceptance Testing at customer locations as needed.
Adhere to established quality standards, project schedules, and budget constraints throughout the project lifecycle.
Create build drawings for use in fabricating, machining, and assembling components.
Communicate effectively with machine shops and fabrication shops on build procedures and make design revisions as necessary.
Visit customer locations for field applications, measurements, and verifications when required.
Interpret drawings and specifications supplied by customers and sales representatives and incorporate them into design solutions.
Spend extended periods working at a computer to complete drawings, calculations, and other design-related tasks.
Essential Skills
At least 2 years of experience in mechanical design; candidates with strong co-op or internship experience directly related to mechanical design and manufacturing may be considered.
Proficiency in SolidWorks for creating layouts, component drawings, and assembly drawings.
Experience designing using 2D prints and interpreting 2D engineering drawings.
Practical manufacturing experience with a solid understanding of design for manufacturing (DFM) principles.
Experience with pneumatic design for industrial machinery.
Ability to reverse engineer customer parts and incorporate feedback to improve designs through changes in materials, layout, or component redesign.
Capability to design and troubleshoot complex mechanical functions independently.
Strong understanding of mechanical components, mechanisms, and their application in custom machinery.
Ability to perform basic equipment and system calculations to support design decisions.
Effective written and verbal communication skills for collaborating with internal teams, vendors, and customers.
Willingness and ability to work on-site and, when needed, travel to customer locations for field measurements and verifications.
Comfort with frequent, extended computer-based work, including CAD and documentation.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Experience with machine design for custom industrial equipment.
Fabrication experience and familiarity with sheet metal and machined components.
Experience integrating full-motion servo controls with industrial control platforms such as RSLogix 5000, particularly in coordination with pneumatic systems.
Finite Element Analysis (FEA) experience for evaluating structural integrity and performance of components and assemblies.
Experience working with automated food processing or cutting equipment, or other highly specialized industrial machinery.
Experience collaborating with Controls Engineers on motion control and process control systems.
Experience compiling comprehensive as-built documentation and bills of materials.
Interest in ongoing professional development through training resources and online learning platforms.
Work Environment
This is a fully on-site role in a manufacturing facility that produces automated food processing and cutting equipment, including both legacy product lines and fully custom machines. You will work closely with an Engineering Manager and lead mechanical engineers as part of a small, collaborative team of approximately four people. Typical hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with some flexibility based on project needs. The facility is approximately 80,000 square feet, with about 10,000 square feet dedicated to office space and the remaining area used for plant operations, including storage and assembly of legacy equipment, a manufacturing area behind the shipping area, and a cold saw prep area where metal is cut into smaller pieces. You will regularly move between office and plant environments to support design, fabrication, assembly, and testing activities. The role offers significant autonomy and exposure to diverse, custom design projects that keep the work engaging. The organization provides 10 days of paid time off, 6 paid holidays, and access to an online learning platform after 6 months of employment, supporting continuous skill development. Dress code is generally casual to business casual, depending on the day and activities, with appropriate attire for both office and plant settings.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of South Haven, MI.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $33.66 - $38.46/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 South Haven,MI.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Jun 26, 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 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.
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.
