Job Description: Mechanical Project Engineer
The Mechanical Project Engineer manages multiple electro-mechanical automation projects simultaneously, guiding each system from detailed design integration through manufacturing, testing, and final review. This role focuses on compiling and integrating 3D mechanical designs, coordinating with manufacturing teams, overseeing product data management and bills of materials, and performing final system testing to ensure each solution operates exactly to specification. The engineer contributes to new product development, supports continuous design improvements, and plays a key role in expanding a growing automation product line.
Responsibilities
Manage 5-10 mechanical and electro-mechanical projects at a time, ensuring each project progresses smoothly through the design and manufacturing lifecycle.
Integrate designed parts from mechanical engineers, compile drawings, and create complete assembly packages using 3D design tools.
Compile and maintain comprehensive drawing packages, ensuring accuracy and completeness for manufacturing release.
Manage product data management (PDM) systems and bills of materials (BOMs) to support accurate and timely ordering and production.
Coordinate closely with the shop floor to align design intent with manufacturing capabilities and schedules.
Oversee the transition from design to manufacturing, ensuring all documentation, specifications, and instructions are clear and complete.
Conduct final testing of manufactured systems to verify that they operate as intended and meet all performance specifications.
Perform functional testing of automated systems, such as verifying flow rates, spray patterns, and other critical parameters in applications like egg wash systems for food production.
Document test results, identify any deviations, and drive corrective actions or design adjustments as needed.
Close out project reviews by summarizing findings, capturing lessons learned, and implementing improvements for future builds.
Work on system design improvements, contributing new ideas and enhancements to increase reliability, performance, and manufacturability.
Collaborate with field service teams to gather feedback from installed systems and translate that feedback into design updates and new product concepts.
Partner with sales and other stakeholders to design and update products that meet evolving customer and market needs.
Participate in new product development initiatives, helping to expand the automation product portfolio into new markets.
Independently identify opportunities for design enhancements and present well-justified ideas and concepts to the broader team.
Provide troubleshooting support for automated systems, both during development and after manufacturing, to resolve issues efficiently.
Apply knowledge of automated systems and industrial electrical components to ensure robust, safe, and reliable designs.
Maintain clear, professional communication with internal teams and customers, supporting a customer-focused project delivery approach.
Contribute to the long-term goal of building and eventually leading a group focused on new product launches within the automation division.
Essential Skills
Mechanical or Electro-mechanical Engineering degree.
At least 3 years of related engineering experience in mechanical, electro-mechanical, or systems engineering roles.
3D mechanical design experience, ideally with Inventor or a similar 3D CAD platform.
Demonstrated ability to function effectively within a collaborative team environment.
Strong communication skills with a customer-oriented mindset.
Excellent troubleshooting abilities and strong attention to detail.
Working knowledge of automated systems and components in an industrial environment.
Basic knowledge of industrial electrical components and systems.
Experience with electro-mechanical system design, testing, and product development.
Ability to manage multiple projects concurrently and prioritize tasks effectively.
Comfort working across the full lifecycle of a system, from design integration through testing and review.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Experience with 3D CAD software such as Autodesk Inventor.
Hands-on troubleshooting experience in a lab environment to test and refine designs.
Experience using product data management (PDM) tools to control drawings and BOMs.
Experience in the oil and gas industry is highly desirable.
Exposure to automation equipment and electro-mechanical systems in industrial settings.
Experience coordinating with manufacturing or shop floor teams.
Ability to gather feedback from field service and sales teams and translate it into design improvements.
Strong initiative and the ability to take ownership of ideas, develop concepts, and present design proposals.
Interest in and aptitude for new product development and market expansion.
Motivation to grow into a leadership role overseeing new product launch initiatives.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Lisle, IL.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $30.00 - $40.00/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 Lisle,IL.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Jul 23, 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.
