Job Title: R&D Mechanical Engineer
Job Description
This R&D Mechanical Engineer role focuses on the development of advanced power module technology, with an emphasis on mechanical design, thermodynamics, fluid flow, and structural analysis. You will play a key role in ensuring performance, reliability, and cost-effectiveness by contributing to mechanical design, structural and fluidic analysis, testing and validation, prototyping, and specification creation. This position is ideal for someone who is passionate about sustainability and clean energy, thrives in a fast-paced entrepreneurial environment, is self-motivated, and enjoys working on disruptive, cutting-edge technology.
Responsibilities
Serve as a contributor to the mechanical design of stack and subsystem hardware, including manifolds, flow fields, plates, frames, enclosures, and seals, using 3D CAD tools and rigorous design control practices such as models, drawings, specifications, bills of materials, and GD&T.
Analyze and optimize thermal and fluid performance, as well as structural integrity under pressure, temperature, vibration, and thermal cycling, using FEA and CFD, and translate insights into robust design updates.
Engineer components and assemblies for manufacturability and reliability (DFM, DFA, DFR) across casting, machining, plastics processes such as injection molding and extrusion, plastics welding, and sealing processes including welding, adhesives, and gaskets.
Select materials compatible with electrolytes and other corrosive environments, and address creep, fatigue, and stress-relaxation mechanisms with appropriate safety margins and life predictions.
Develop validation plans and correlate models to test results by defining test articles and fixtures, analyzing test data, closing the loop with simulations, and driving root-cause analysis and corrective actions.
Collaborate closely with engineering and supply chain teams to convert performance targets into durable, cost-effective designs that are ready for production.
Continuously improve cost, reliability, and serviceability of designs while maintaining safety, compliance, and quality standards.
Create and maintain detailed engineering documentation, including parametric 3D models, detailed drawings, and BOMs, in alignment with design control requirements.
Support quality efforts by defining and verifying critical-to-function and critical-to-quality features through appropriate inspection methods.
Participate in prototyping, testing, and validation activities to advance hardware from concept through proto@type, pilot, and into production.
Essential Skills
B.S. in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related discipline.
5+ years of experience in mechanical design and analysis of complex fluid or electrochemical systems, or an equivalent combination of graduate and industry experience.
Proficiency in 3D CAD tools such as Inventor, SolidWorks, or equivalent, including parametric design, detailed drawings, and bills of materials.
Strong foundation in thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and solid mechanics, with hands-on experience in FEA and CFD.
Experience performing tolerance stack-ups and applying rigorous design control practices.
Demonstrated ability to develop detailed engineering drawings using GD&T principles per ASME Y14.5.
Strong understanding of quality inspection methods to accurately define and verify critical-to-function and critical-to-quality features.
Experience designing for corrosive or reactive fluids and hermetic sealing, including welds, adhesives, and gaskets.
Proven track record of cross-functional execution from concept to validated hardware, including progression from proto@type to pilot to production.
Clear and concise communication skills, with the ability to work in a self-directed manner and manage multiple design workstreams simultaneously.
Ability to lift up to 50 lbs unassisted in a lab or shop environment.
Ability to follow job-required standards and safety protocols according to predefined processes.
Ability to wear and properly use personal protective equipment in accordance with OSHA rules and regulations.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Advanced degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Energy Systems, or Chemical Engineering.
Experience in the design of battery, fuel cell, or power-generation systems.
Demonstrated multiphysics simulation experience using tools such as ANSYS, COMSOL, or equivalent, including test correlation.
Experience scaling products from proto@type to production, with ownership of cost and reliability improvements.
Knowledge of electrolyte-compatible materials and corrosion mitigation strategies.
Experience with pressure-bound assemblies and pressure vessel considerations.
Plastics and polymer component design experience for injection molding, extrusion, and plastics welding.
Hands-on experience with CNC/CAM and other fabrication and machining techniques, with a solid understanding of tolerances, tool paths, and manufacturability trade-offs.
Interest in and commitment to sustainable, clean energy storage and environmentally responsible technologies.
Work Environment
This is an onsite role based in an R&D lab environment focused on advanced power module development. You will work hands-on with proto@types, test fixtures, and lab equipment while collaborating closely with engineering and supply chain teams. The environment is fast-paced and innovation-driven, with a strong emphasis on safety, adherence to established standards, and the use of appropriate personal protective equipment as required by OSHA and internal protocols.
We will be prioritizing regional talent, but may consider non-local if experience is 100% aligned clearly in resume and candidate can relocate themselves to start work within a couple of weeks.
LI-MH3
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Tualatin, OR.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $111700.00 - $128600.00/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 Tualatin,OR.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Jun 29, 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.
